Whizz Kidz Give Sanderson Arcade The Thumbs Up
22 February 2010
Ambassadors from the mobility charity Whizz Kidz have given Morpeth's Sanderson Arcade development the thumbs up.
Seven young wheelchair users visited the development to ensure it met access requirements for disabled people. And after a successful shopping trip they they presented Centre Manager Debbie Anderson with a special Whizz Kidz certificate.
The Sanderson Arcade, which was opened in November 2009 by Joanna Lumley, houses 26 high street stores and was purpose built to give all of its customers a fantastic shopping experience.
Following the Whizz Kidz visit a full report will be forwarded the the Sanderson Arcade management.
Debbie Anderson, centre manager said: "We have had some very positive feedback and if there are any suggestions of tweaks or changes in the report will will definatelty take those on board.
"I know that these young ambassadors have undertaken similar 'mystery shopping' exercises around the country, and what they can tell service providers like us through their experience of actually getting around is invaluable."
The seven young people assessed the accessibility of individual shops, toilets, lifts as well as car parking options and staff helpfulness. And if the satisfaction of helping companies tap into the estimated £80bn annual spend of disabled people wasn't enough, Whizz-Kidz corporate partner New Look also rewarded the Kidz for their feedback with £20 store vouchers to spend on the day!
Rebecca Farren, 16, from Durham, uses a wheelchair and is one of the young people who took part. She said: "We want to work with towns, transport providers and shops everywhere to make sure they aren't turning anyone away accidentally by putting barriers in their way.
"This includes attitudes of staff as well as the ease of getting in and around stores. This isnt about naming and shaming - together we can ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to spend their cash and enjoy themselves whether they are disabled or non-disabled."
The Morpeth survey follows a Whizz-Kidz consultancy in 2009 for five Legal and General Property shopping centres, a day in Manchester testing transport operators, as well as currently advising on the construction of a shared space at Exhibition Road in London.
Whizz-Kidz ambassadors are young beneficiaries of the charity who get actively involved locally in raising awareness of the charity's work, and the importance of independent mobility. To learn more about them and the charity, visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk.
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For further information please contact Rob Dyson, PR Manager on 020 7798 6103 or r.dyson@whizz-kidz.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
- Whizz-Kidz has changed the lives of nearly 11,000 disabled children since 1990 - often literally overnight. The charity supports young people to access the right mobility equipment - including powered wheelchairs - at the right time; and delivers wheelchair skills-training, work placements, and other life-skills to help their transition from childhood to adulthood.
- There are still over 70,000 children in the UK who need our support. Find out more and help move a life forward visit: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
- The right wheelchair and mobility equipment is not automatically provided on the NHS, and disabled young people have virtually no chance of getting a powered wheelchair. Whizz-Kidz aims to joint-fund mobility equipment where possible with local NHS services, and aims to ensure that much-needed improvements are made in delivering wheelchair services for children in the UK.
For further information, contact:-
Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: admin@dransfield.co.uk
