Westgate Oxford is set to hold a Breaking Down Barriers event to raise awareness of sensory and accessibility issues and the centre’s supportive facilities on Tuesday 26th November.
The centre will be hosting a variety of charities at Leiden Square to educate guests, as well as celebrate, and raise awareness of organisations that help people overcome barriers to employment and life:
- Aspire empowers people to rebuild their lives and futures and realise their potential, by providing person-centred employment, enterprise development, housing, and support opportunities.
- ‘No Limits’ project, delivered by SOFEA and Aspire, aims to remove barriers that the Oxfordshire community might have getting into work, education, or training.
- Guide Dogs for the Blind Association helps people with sight loss live the life they choose.
- DWP Access To Work is a discretionary grant scheme that provides personalised support to disabled people who are in or seeking employment
- Restore offers employment support for people with mental ill health.
Westgate Oxford is dedicated to continuously improving inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors year-round. Accessibility facilities at the centre include:
- Stoma-friendly facilities, which follow the Colostomy UK guidelines and include new wall hooks, lipped shelves, wall mirrors, and the correct disposal facilities. These are located in the main toilet area on the Roof Terrace, in Social Street food, on the Lower Ground Mall and on Level -2 of the Car Park.
- Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities for people with profound and multiple disabilities, each fitted with specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench with enough space for up to two carers to assist those with a disability. These can be found on the Roof Terrace.
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire to ensure guests with mobility issues can enjoy their visit. Hire is free of charge and booking is essential.*
- 50 accessible parking spaces located in the centre’s car park.
- Hidden disability lanyards and sensory backpacks which can be collected from the Guest Experience Desk.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “Here at Westgate Oxford, we’re committed to creating a space that makes a lasting positive contribution to the community we serve. There are more than 16 million people in the UK living with a disability, almost a quarter of the population, and it’s vital to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all guests.
“Our Breaking Down Barriers event is just one way we’re working to raise awareness of these issues, and to improve our own facilities. We’re proud to partner with these incredible charities who are making a real difference for the local community.”
For further details, please visit www.westgateoxford.co.uk
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