Accessibility initiatives are aiming to make Liverpool ONE more inclusive for all ahead of Purple Tuesday.
Purple Tuesday, which was on November 4, is a global initiative that works with organisations to promote accessibility and inclusion for everyone.
Liverpool ONE has launched five new initiatives, including a quiet hour every Friday morning at participating brands, stoma friendly toilets, large print maps, sensory bags and on demand British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation via Convo.
These initiatives join the shopping centre’s guest service support, accessible & changing facilities, Shopmobility, Sociability, Waymap and WelcoMe, all already available at Liverpool ONE.
Giovanni Cinque, Marketing and Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK, said: “Many accessibility challenges aren’t immediately obvious: for someone with a stoma, access to a well-equipped bathroom can be the difference between venturing out or staying home.
“People with a stoma have additional needs when using the toilet; even a simple day trip can be a potential source of anxiety. Because the condition is ‘hidden’, they often face discrimination too, being challenged or criticised for using accessible toilets.”
With better staff training and increased public awareness, businesses can help change this by ensuring that those with non-visible conditions are treated with dignity and understanding.
Greater awareness about stomas and the need for appropriate facilities can make a huge difference — helping people feel confident to leave their homes, go shopping, and take part in everyday life without fear of judgment or barriers.
Specialised toilet facilities now include features such as a shelf, hook, and disposal bin to support people living with stomas, designed with practicality and dignity in mind.
In addition, #StomaFriendly signage highlights the right of ostomates to use accessible toilets and helps reduce the risk of misunderstanding or hostility from others.
Ryan Geraghty, Guest Experience Manager at Liverpool ONE, said: “Liverpool One remains consistently committed to enhancing the guest experience for everyone, and we’re on a continual journey to make the estate as accessible as possible.”
Geraghty continued: “We work all year round to launch new accessibility initiatives and improvements, maintaining an ‘always on’ focus to ensure accessibility remains a top priority.
“Purple Tuesday is a great opportunity to highlight this approach and refocus on our mission.”
Geraghty said: “We certainly hope that these changes will make guests feel more comfortable and confident to return more often and we will continue to take action until every person feels this way.”
By doing this, Liverpool ONE hopes to set a strong precedent for other large retail, leisure, and public spaces — showing that accessibility can be integral to design, not an afterthought.
The introduction of the additional accessibility tools and services is linked to the existing Liverpool City Region Accessibility Forum where individuals with lived experience are helping organisations across the region to become more accessible.
@merseynewslive At Liverpool ONE, inclusivity is at the heart of everything they do. As part of a new accessibility initiative, they’ve introduced a range of features designed to make every visit more comfortable. It’s hoped these changes will turn what can be a daunting trip into a positive experience. #LiverpoolONE #stomaawareness #purpletuesdays
Featured image: Minnie Paynter
