News Morrisons rolls out new initiative in all UK stores to support customers with disabilities

Lewis Henderson

Guest Reporter
Morrisons is introducing Sensory Support Boxes across all UK supermarkets to help autistic and neurodivergent customers have a better shopping experience.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Autistic Society, aims to make routine shopping trips less stressful for those who may find busy environments challenging.



More than one in 100 people are autistic, with 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK who often struggle with loud music, bright lights and crowded spaces.

The Sensory Support Boxes contain a range of items to encourage calmness and focus during shopping trips.


Morrisons staff worker with child and sensory support box


These include fidget balls, spinners, squish mats and drawing boards that help manage anxiety in overwhelming environments.

Each box has been meticulously developed in consultation with the National Autistic Society to ensure they include the most helpful items.

The sensory tools are designed to support customers who may find the typical supermarket environment challenging.

Community manager at Morrisons, Joseph Clark-Bland said: "It's a priority for us to ensure all Morrisons customers feel welcomed and understood, and we're proud to be leading the way in creating a more inclusive shopping environment for autistic people, their families and all neurodivergent people across the UK.



"World Autism Acceptance Month has been a key moment for Morrisons for many years, as seen with the launch of Quieter Hour in 2018, and we look forward to supporting even more customers via our new Sensory Boxes."

Managing director of national programmes at the National Autistic Society, Peter Watt added: "The Morrisons Foundation Sensory Support Boxes are a brilliant initiative to support autistic and neurodivergent customers while shopping.

"Supermarkets are a key part of all of our lives, but for many autistic customers they can be a loud, bright and crowded environment, which can be overwhelming especially for those with sensory sensitivities.

"It's fantastic to see Morrisons taking the time to understand and create a more welcoming space for autistic people and their families."



LATEST DEVELOPMENTS


Morrisons

The new Sensory Support Boxes will be available in all Morrisons supermarkets by May.

Customers wishing to use these resources simply need to speak to a colleague at the customer service kiosk at the start of their shop.

The supermarket has also rolled out a reward scheme with Deliveroo, giving Britons more chances to earn.

The partnership means shoppers can now link their Morrisons More account with their Deliveroo account to collect points on purchases from Morrisons supermarkets through the delivery app.

Find Out More...
 
Top Bottom