Westgate Oxford will mark Purple Tuesday on Tuesday 04 November by raising awareness of the challenges disabled shoppers face and engaging with guests to explore ways to make the centre more inclusive.
Purple Tuesday is a national initiative that aims to improve the customer experience for disabled people and their families all year round. Participating organisations such as Westgate Oxford make commitments to enhance accessibility and inclusion across their services.
Throughout the day, a range of charities will be hosted at Leiden Square to inform and inspire visitors.
These include Aspire, Driving Miss Daisy, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, DWP Access to Work, Restore, Oxfordshire Head Injury Services, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Oxfordshire Mind – all of which provide essential support for people overcoming barriers to independence, employment, and wellbeing.
The Westgate team will also invite feedback on accessibility challenges as part of its ongoing mission to create a fully inclusive shopping environment. The centre already offers a range of accessibility-friendly services, including stoma-friendly facilities, Changing Places toilets, free wheelchair and scooter hire, hidden disability sunflower lanyards, and sensory backpacks with comfort and stimulation aids.
Other initiatives include Quiet Hours in Social Street Food (9.00am to 10.00am Monday to Saturday, 10.00am to 11.00am Sunday), during which music is paused to create a calmer setting, and SignLive, a new Video Relay Service that allows deaf or hard of hearing guests to connect with British Sign Language interpreters in real time.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said:
“With more than 16 million people in the UK living with a disability, and 80% of those having hidden impairments, it’s vital that places like Westgate Oxford are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.
“Purple Tuesday is an opportunity to celebrate the steps we’ve taken so far, while also recognising there is always more to do.
“From our stoma-friendly and Changing Places facilities to quiet hours and accessibility-friendly initiatives, we’re committed to creating an environment where all our visitors – no matter their needs – feel valued, supported, and able to enjoy everything the centre has to offer.
