Write a commentFor the third year running, Buttercrane Shopping Centre have added Silent Santa sessions in recognition that for some children a visit to Santa can be overwhelming. Santa has taken up residence in his Ice Palace in Centre Square.
Centre Manager Peter Murray said: “In recent years we have worked with a few Autism organisations which has improved our understanding of the impact of the retail environment.
“This resulted in us having regular quiet mall sessions, with low level lighting and mall music turned off. Our staff have recently undergone Autism and Dementia training and our Silent Santa is another element of that and, we hope, makes Buttercrane a more welcoming centre for all our customers.”
“This year we’ve added additional Silent Sessions due to demand,” Peter added.
Silent Santa Sessions are available Sunday morning and Wednesday evening and these quiet sessions allow more time in a less busy environment for children with Autism or Sensory Processing challenges. All Santa Sessions can be booked online at buttercranesanta.setmore.com
Buttercrane have also been voted in the top ten most accessible shopping centres in NI a recent survey conducted by Olympic Lifts. Check out the survey at OLYMPICLIFTS.CO.UK
The Centre was listed because of its Space to Change room, which includes a change table for families who have older children or young adults who require this facility; the Centre also has a specialist GO TO Shopping trolley for older children with a mobility issues. Visit our website for more information, www.buttercraneshopping.co.uk
