
The centre:mk shopping centre and MyMK BID are among local businesses taking part in a city-wide event on Tuesday, 12 November to spotlight accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities.
Several local businesses will come together in a step toward making Milton Keynes the UK’s first ‘Purple City centre’ as part of the Purple Tuesday movement to improve the customer experience for disabled people and their families.
The huge initiative, which has supporters in over 30 countries, aims to improve the customer experience for disabled people and their families, shining a spotlight on the needs of disabled people when visiting customer environments and supporting the implementation of ways to improve their experience.
For 2024, local organisations and businesses will set up pop up displays throughout centre:mk and Midsummer Place shopping centres in Central Milton Keynes to raise awareness about services and organisations offering support for people with disabilities and their families.
Participants include PACA (Parents and Carers Alliance MK), who support families caring for children and loved ones with disabilities.
Others include HK Hair and Wellness for fully accessible hairdressing services, the Spectrum Place & Umbrella Project that raises awareness for autism and neurodivergent individuals, The Parks Trust’s project in making Furzton Lake more accessible, and Camphill MK’s work selling crafts made by adults with learning difficulties.
Further participants include the Medical Detection Dogs charity that trains dogs to detect illnesses, the MK Snap charity that supports adults with learning difficulties, MK Theatre and Cineworld to highlight accessible performances and available resources, Spinal Injuries Association, Headway, Carers MK, and many more
Visitors can also enjoy live performances by “What’s The Drama” – a local organisation that provides creative coaching for adults with learning disabilities.
The occasion marks the launch of the centre:mk’s newly added sensory room located in centre:mk’s Guest Services Lounge, offering a quiet and calming space for families to take a break from the bustling environment. The centre’s wide range of accessibility features also includes a Changing Places toilet, free mobility scooter and wheelchair hire, Sunflower Lanyards for guests needing extra support, and Hearing Loops at the Guest Services Lounge for hearing impairments assistance.
MyMK BID is further supporting this initiative by funding a year-long accessibility training programme for retailers and businesses. Available through the Purple Tuesday online platform, the programme will offer monthly recorded webinars and resources to ensure that staff are equipped to offer exceptional service to customers across the full spectrum of disabilities.
In addition, MyMK BID will be commissioning a city centre-wide accessibility audit of the public realm, through specialist organisation AccessAble, aimed at creating a comprehensive access guide for disabled visitors to Milton Keynes City Centre.
As part of the day’s celebrations, buildings across Milton Keynes will light up purple to show their commitment to accessibility and raise awareness of Purple Tuesday.
Kim Priest, Head of Marketing of centre:mk, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to support Purple Tuesday and take meaningful steps towards making Milton Keynes the UK’s first fully accessible ‘Purple City.’ By collaborating with local businesses and organisations, we are not only raising awareness but actively improving the experiences of people with disabilities in our community by bringing together information and resources all in one place. This is more than a one-day event, it’s part of our ongoing commitment to creating a truly inclusive city for everyone all year round.”
Charlotte Pearson, Marketing Director for MyMK BID, added: “Milton Keynes prides itself as a “City of the Future”, and that future must be accessible for everyone. At MyMK BID, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive city centre where everyone feels welcome and supported. This year’s initiatives are just the first step in our long-term commitment to enhancing accessibility for all and we are so proud to be working with a number of like-minded and equally dedicated partners who have come together to make this event happen.”
To find everything happening for Purple Tuesday in Milton Keynes visit:
https://my-mk.co.uk/events/purple-tuesday