The Finchley Road shopping centre opened the space during World Autism Acceptance Week
The O2 Centre has introduced a new Sensory and Quiet Space, located in the Gallery Hall. The room provides families and carers with a space to bring guests with sensory processing needs, who may need time out from the busy shopping centre environment.
The space encourages feelings of relaxation and calmness through a variety of sensory aids such as sensory touch walls, soft textured seating and coloured fibre optic lighting. There are sensory bubble tubes for guests to watch, along with projectors to providing relaxing visuals aids.
Guests visiting the O2 Centre may already be familiar with its ‘Quiet Hours’, held every Wednesday between 10am – 11am and every Sunday between 11am – 12pm. During these set times, the centre reduces the amount of background noise and music, making the shopping experience more comfortable for neurodivergent shoppers.
What’s more, guests can also access free sensory packs from the O2 Centre team, containing a range of sensory toys, a hidden disability lanyard and autism guides – with information on the above initiatives as well as ways to travel to the centre, and where to find facilities such as toilets on-site.
Rebecca Ruddle, Centre Director of O2 Centre, commented: “We are honoured to open the Sensory and Quiet Space at the O2 Centre, to enhance the shopping experience for those with sensory processing needs.
“We pride ourselves on being a place that integrates and connects the communities of Finchley Road and West Hampstead, and the Sensory and Quiet Space is a perfect example of this – providing a calm space for neurodivergent guests to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed.”
The Sensory and Quiet Space follows several initiatives by O2 Centre owner Landsec to invest in the community for years to come. Over the last year, they have set up a Warm Bank for those struggling with the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, alongside a hub for Ukrainian refugees, established the ‘Big Clean Up’ to clean and litter pick in the area, and hosted numerous workshops for local young people.
For more information on the Sensory and Quiet Space, please visit https://o2centre.co.uk/
