CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

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.

St. Enoch Centre launches quiet room for autistic people

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

Tea Green
Glasgow Music City Tours
East Renfrewshire Culture
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Fayre Play
Media Shop
Hilton Glasgow

Latest Glasgow News

Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Tinderbox and Glasgow roaster Matthew Algie have teamed up with Beatson Cancer Charity for the second year running – and this time, the menu’s three times bigger.

READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

READ MORE
Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements, the celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Bearsden, has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature 4/4/4 cocktail lunch offer, now featuring a brand-new selection of cocktails.

READ MORE
Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Horne will play the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands.

READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

READ MORE
King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

The state-of-the-art bowling and activity venue brings ten-pin & duck pin bowling, tech darts, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn!

READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

READ MORE
Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Beloved Glasgow indie House Party is back with a new model and a Pride pop-up at The Social Hub from 14–20 July!

READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

With doors set to reopen this August, the Citizens Theatre has announced its programme from January - June 2026 as part of its reopening year of productions.

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP, the cult-favourite boba tea brand known for its viral drinks and dedicated following, is opening an all-new Boba Café Kiosk in Silverburn.

READ MORE
Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Scotland’s multi-venue festival for music discovery, is back for 2025 with a first wave of 30+ unmissable artists including Manchester’s Pale Waves.

READ MORE
Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow

Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow

Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer is set to headline Pride events at The Social Hub Glasgow.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils

Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils

Artwork to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary was officially unveiled at Glasgow Fort last week.

READ MORE
Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule

Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule

Glaschu, one of Glasgow's most established fine dining restaurants, will join forces once again with acclaimed chef, Brian Maule for two nights in August.

READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025

The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025

This Sunday sees the arrival of a brand-new community event for 2025: The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way!

READ MORE
Take Me Somewhere Festival unveils 3 powerful performances ahead of full festival announcement

Take Me Somewhere Festival unveils 3 powerful performances ahead of full festival announcement

Three powerful performances by internationally acclaimed artists Dan Daw, Cherish Menzo and collective MEXA are revealed, in anticipation of full festival announcement on Tuesday 29th July.

READ MORE
Free travel for Armed Forces Day

Free travel for Armed Forces Day

First Bus offers free travel to all current serving members, veterans and cadets for Armed Forces Day celebrations across its network.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer

Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer

Topgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!

READ MORE
11 year old Rachel Ronnie to take centre stage with the launch of a Busk Stop at Buchanan Galleries

11 year old Rachel Ronnie to take centre stage with the launch of a Busk Stop at Buchanan Galleries

Aspiring young buskers are invited to step into the spotlight and perform to hundreds of shoppers this summer in a safe and welcoming indoor space.

READ MORE
Cast announced for landmark Citizens Theatre homecoming production Small Acts of Love

Cast announced for landmark Citizens Theatre homecoming production Small Acts of Love

The Citizens Theatre has revealed the full cast for Small Acts of Love, the first production to be performed on the theatre's home stage in more than seven years when it reopens later this year.

READ MORE
Sunday mornings just got a lot more interesting...

Sunday mornings just got a lot more interesting...

El Perro Negro is bringing back its cult-favourite Breakfast Club menu. And this time, it's popping up once a month at the award-winning Woodlands Road restaurant - starting 29th June!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

The Quay
Open Pass Scotland
Renfrewshire Council
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Glasgow City Council
Paisley First

Sponsored Links

Tea Green
Glasgow Music City Tours
East Renfrewshire Culture
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Fayre Play
Media Shop
Hilton Glasgow
The Quay
Open Pass Scotland
Renfrewshire Council
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Glasgow City Council
Paisley First

Popular Events

FREE Open Air Cinema at QPA
Open-air cinema returns to Queen's Park Arena this summer with a selection of 'Cults & Classics' themed films!
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan will bring his 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' World Tour to the SEC Armadillo Glasgow for two nights on the 16th and 17th November!
Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
TRNSMT Festival
TRNSMT will return to Glasgow Green for its 8th year between the 11th and 13th July 2025, bringing its massive energy to the city once again!
Bard in the Botanics
Bard in the Botanics are delighted to be returning to Glasgow Botanic Gardens for Summer 2025 with their 'magic - mayhem - and murder' season!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro