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At the O2 Centre we understand that all of our customers have unique needs, and that for some, help in pre-planning a visit can reduce anxiety and ensure you make the most of your day. We are a busy shopping centre but we do have quieter times and help is on hand should you or family members need further support.
For customers with autism, we have the following services available:
The O2 Centre offers a warm welcome to all our guests and it’s important to us that everyone can enjoy the shopping, dining, and leisure available. For some children and adults, who have hidden disabilities, this can be more challenging. That’s why we have introduced sensory backpacks which are available to hire free of charge from our Security Control office.
These sensory backpacks are particularly aimed at those guests with autism and are packed full of items to assist children and adults and include:
We will be asking users of the sensory backpacks to help us improve the service by offering their feedback when they return them to our Security control. If you'd like to find out more details in advance of your visit please contact us, on 07967 588994.
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.
Quiet hours are held every Wednesday between 10am and 11am and every Sunday between 11am and 12pm. The centre becomes a calmer place with music turned off, radios turned down, and stores are requested to either turn their music off or have it at a low level.
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. Autism guides provide information on the above initiatives, ways to travel to the centre, and where to find facilities such as toilets on-site.
While visiting, please see a member of our security team and they will be able to assist you. Alternatively, call ahead of your visit (tel: 020 7794 7716) and speak to our Disability Champion, Alison Linskey, who will organise everything for you.
If you'd like to find out any more details in advance of your visit please contact us.
We are committed to listening to your feedback on our autism services. This provides us with an opportunity to improve all what we do. Please contact us with general feedback, comments or a compliment.
