Dalton Park pledges support to Purple Tuesday

Following the success of 2018’s inaugural Purple Tuesday campaign, Dalton Park is once again set to join retailers across the nation to mark the UK’s official accessible shopping day.
Tuesday 12^th November will see the retail outlet mark the start of this year’s pledge to rollout Dementia Friends information sessions to all its retailers. Dalton Park’s Facilities Manager Julie Charlton, has recently trained as a Dementia Friend Champion with the National Alzheimer’s Society to be able to deliver the sessions.
Purple Tuesday is focused on improving the shopping experience for millions of disabled shoppers across the country by highlighting the difficulties these customers face and ensuring measures are put in place to overcome them.
Earlier this year, Dalton Park partnered with charity Euan’s Guide and installed red cord cards, following reports that they were being tied up by the public. Red Cord Cards are pocket-sized notices that raise awareness of safety in accessible toilets.
In January, Dalton Park launched a regular ‘Quiet Shopping Hour’ to create a more peaceful environment for shoppers that struggle with sensory overload. The new initiative now runs weekly, every Tuesday between 10am and 11am.
Dalton Park already offers a wide range of services for people with disabilities.
As well as disabled parking and toilets at the mall, Shopmobility Services provide mobility scooters and wheelchairs that visitors can hire. Assistance dogs are also welcome in the mall and in stores.
Jerry Hatch, Centre Manager at Dalton Park, said: “Purple Tuesday is a fantastic initiative and we are delighted to be involved again this year.
“Shopping should be an experience that everyone can enjoy. At Dalton Park we are committed to ensuring that our shopping outlet is accessible for all and by providing on-going training for our staff and retailers this helps to further enhance our support and assistance.
“The first Purple Tuesday campaign in 2018 was a great success and I am confident everyone will come together to do the same this year and in the years to come.”
Since launching its initiative in August 2018, leading disability organisation Purple has secured more than 500 sign-ups from established to up-and-coming retail organisations.
Endorsed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Purple Tuesday is a call-to-action for retail businesses to make shopping more accessible for customers with a disability.
Resources for organisations and individuals wishing to get involved with Purple Tuesday are available for download at purpletuesday.org.uk