Eldon Square, Newcastle’s premier shopping destination, is proud to support Autism Acceptance Week with a Sensory Sunday event this Sunday, 6th April, designed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
In collaboration with the North East Autism Society, The Chronicle Sunshine Fund, and Percy Hedley Foundation, the event will take place between 10am and 2pm, with a quiet hour from 10am to 11am, and will feature a range of calming and interactive activities, including texture exploration, calming sensory bottles and lighting, story time, puzzles, fidget toys, and more, helping to raise awareness and provide a supportive space for visitors in the local area.
Eldon Square is committed to fostering an inclusive shopping environment year-round. The centre hosts quiet hours every Tuesday (10am – 11am) and Saturday (9am – 10am), providing a calmer experience for visitors by reducing noise and lighting.
Additionally sensory bags, designed in partnership with the North East Autism Society, are available for hire at the Customer Service Desk with a refundable £20 cash deposit. These include noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys and egg timers to offer reassurance and aid transitions during shopping trips.
Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square, said: “At Eldon Square, we are committed to creating an inclusive shopping environment, and we couldn’t be prouder to be supporting Autism Acceptance Week by hosting our Sensory Sunday event alongside our charity partners. Our regular quiet hours and sensory bags have already made a meaningful impact, and this event further strengthens our commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy their visit in a way that suits them best.”
Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manager at North East Autism Society, said: “It’s fantastic to see Eldon Square fully embracing the message of Autism Acceptance and taking meaningful action through the initiatives they’ve implemented to enhance accessibility for shoppers. The centre’s proactive approach in creating a more inclusive and sensory-friendly shopping environment truly demonstrates their genuine commitment to supporting the community.”
For more information and to book, please visit: https://eldonsquare.co.uk/sensory-sunday-free-family-event-6-april/