St. Enoch Centre launches quiet room for autistic people
Glasgow’s St. Enoch Centre has opened a dedicated space to support autistic people and those with learning disabilities and sensory conditions.
Article Source: St. Enoch Centre
Last Updated: 30 January 2018 19:20
The launch of its quiet and safe room is a first for the city’s shopping centres.
Over the past 18 months, St. Enoch Centre has been working with support organisations and carefully assessing the requirements of customers with specialist needs, including autistic people, who can sometimes find the crowds and sensory aspects associated with shopping to be overwhelming.
Careful consideration and planning has gone into the quiet space which is a small room that has been simply furnished and decorated in soothing colours, designed to provide a quiet sanctuary where those individuals can take time out with their families.
The opening of the new space is the latest development from the centre, which recently held quiet sessions to cater for people with specialist needs at its popular Christmas Grotto. Key members of customer facing staff at St. Enoch’s have also undergone training with Scottish Autism as part of the centre’s commitment to provide an enjoyable shopping experience for all customers. The training was designed to ensure all staff have an understanding of autism and looked at key characteristics of autism, different ways of thinking as well as the impact of senses.
Joining St. Enoch staff to launch the quiet and safe room were representatives from Scottish Autism including Wallace, the charity’s mascot. Dedicated to enabling autistic people to lead full and enriched lives, Scottish Autism has been selected as the centre’s 2018 charity partner.
As part of the partnership, St. Enoch hopes to help raise awareness as well as funds to support the charity’s range of services which include Autism Advisors as well as its online programme, Right Click. Funds will also go to support Scottish Autism’s telephone Advice Line which received over 1,900 calls last year, half of which were from the West of Scotland. The centre hopes to learn from the charity to continuously improve its services and ensure it meets the varied needs of different shoppers.
Advisors from Scottish Autism will be in-centre on the weekend of the 3 and 4 of February as part of the launch.
Commenting, Karen Wilson, Fundraising Manager at Scottish Autism, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as St. Enoch Centre’s charity partner for 2018. This is our 50th anniversary year which is a fantastic time to work in partnership with the centre staff to raise awareness of autism, and raise funds to support our activities. The development of the new quiet and safe room will provide a relaxed environment for autistic people and their families as bright lights, music and smells in a shopping centre can be overwhelming.
“This new initiative, along with the autism awareness training we are providing for the centre’s staff, is a really positive development in enhancing the lives of autistic people and those with learning disabilities and sensory conditions.”
General Manager at St. Enoch Centre, Anne Ledgerwood, commented: “We understand that shoppers have different needs and for many individuals and families the environment can be quite overwhelming, so to be able to offer a space for people to take some time out has been a goal of ours for a long time.
“A lot of planning and consideration has gone into the launch of the facilities but we understand that we are still in the early stages and we would be grateful for any feedback from customers using the services.
“We are delighted to announce Scottish Autism as our charity partner for this year and are looking forward to helping support such a fantastic cause while sharing important messages about Autism. The services, support and assistance Scottish Autism offers individuals and families throughout Scotland is fantastic and we are excited to work with them, using their skills and knowledge to help shape our services so that they effectively meet the needs of our different shoppers.”
The launch of the quiet and safe space supports Glasgow City Council in its ambition to make Glasgow the first autism-friendly city in the UK and key members of staff from the centre have been working with the council, attending Autism friendly workshops and focus groups as part of the council’s development. The wider city plans include initially developing parts of Glasgow with high footfall into autism-friendly areas.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and City Convener for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: “I am delighted to see the creation of a quiet and safe room at St. Enoch Centre. The centre has been a great supporter and partner in our efforts to make the city centre autism-friendly. I am sure the new room will be a fantastic asset for both the centre and Glasgow, making a trip here even more attractive for the people of Glasgow and our visitors.”
The quiet and safe space will be open seven days a week during the centre’s opening hours. When using the room for the first time, customers must register at customer services on the first floor. Advanced registrations can be taken by calling 0141 204 3900.
The Scottish Autism advisors will be in-centre from 10am-2pm on Saturday 3 February and Sunday 4 February.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street
A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical
Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio
Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow
Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!
READ MORE
Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city
An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.
READ MORE
Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative
Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.
READ MORE
90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls
Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.
READ MORE
Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year
Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links