Autism Support
Autism Support: We’re here to help
At West 12 we understand that all of our customers have unique needs, and that for some, help in pre-planning a visit can reduce anxiety and ensure you make the most of your day. We are a busy shopping centre, but we do have quieter times, and help is on hand should you or family members need further support.
To download a pdf of our autism guide, visit this page.
For customers with autism, we have the following services available:
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Sensory backpacks
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Quiet room available if needed
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Quiet day on Wednesdays from 10am to 11am and Sundays from 11am to 12pm
While visiting, please see a member of our security and they will be able to assist you. Alternatively, call ahead of your visit (tel: 020 8746 0038) and speak to our Disability Champion, Alison Linskey, who will organise everything for you.
Sensory backpacks
W12 Shopping Centre offers a warm welcome to all our guests and it’s important to us that everyone can enjoy the shopping, dining, and leisure available. For some children and adults, who have hidden disabilities, this can be more challenging. That’s why we have introduced sensory backpacks which are available to hire free of charge from our Security Control office.
These sensory backpacks are particularly aimed at those guests with autism and are packed full of items to assist children and adults and include:
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Autism Guides
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Communication fans
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Autism Books
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Sensory Toys
We will be asking users of the sensory backpacks to help us improve the service by offering their feedback when they return them to our Security control. If you'd like to find out more details in advance of your visit please contact us, on 020 8746 0038.
If you'd like to find out any more details in advance of your visit please contact us.
Help us improve
We are committed to listening to your feedback on our autism services. This provides us with an opportunity to improve all what we do. Please contact us with general feedback, comments or a compliment.
Facilities
Disabled Car Parking
Disabled parking bays can be found on the east side of the car park opposite the lifts leading to Lidl. There are designated bays for the use of Blue Badge holders, all visitors must pay for their parking. The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible should you be a wheelchair user with assistance.
Accessible Toilet
You can find the Accessible toilet on the ground floor to the right of the Bush Doctors. There is step free access to the toilet and a Radar Key is required. Please see a member of the W12 Team who will be able to assist with the opening of this facility.
Lift Areas
Lifts are located on the ground floor, to the left inside Lidl which has access to the first floor car park and our glass lift which is located opposite Lidl, gives you access to the Ground, Level 1 and Level 2.
Autism Friendly Screenings
Vue Cinema has autism friendly screenings at 10am on the last Sunday of every month. This includes soft lighting in the auditorium, lowered film volume and no trailers.