Overgate in Dundee has announced it will host a quiet hour in the centre every Sunday, beginning on Sunday 8th April, in order to make the shopping experience less stressful for customers affected by autism.
Stores in the shopping centre will participate in the quiet hour between 11am and 12pm by adjusting their lighting where possible and turning off in-store music. Overgate has been working alongside national charity Scottish Autism to build understanding of the condition and there is a 100% commitment to the initiative by Overgate retailers.
Charlene Tait, Director of Autism Practice and Research at Scottish Autism, said:
“It is great to hear about Overgate’s plans to launch a quiet hour. Shopping can be a stressful experience for autistic people and their families due to the crowds and music. We welcome initiatives such as these where small adjustments can make for a more relaxed experience for people with autism or other sensory conditions.”
Malcolm Angus, Centre Manager, Overgate added:
“We are pleased to be launching a quiet hour, a fantastic initiative to raise awareness of the very real challenges autistic people face in their daily lives. Hopefully through the collective efforts of our retailers, the autism hour every Sunday morning will provide a welcome respite for those affected as well as lead to a greater understanding of the associated difficulties of the condition.”
SDI (Dundee 2) Limited
The Overgate Centre, Dundee is owned and managed by Legal & General, the largest commercial property company in the UK.
