A TRIAL scheme has been launched by the Channel Islands Coop to improve the shopping experience for neurodivergent customers.
“Calmer Coop” means resources such as ear defenders and other visual support tools are now available from customer services desks in Grand Marché stores near the Millennium Town Park and St Peter’s Village.
If the initiative is successful, the supermarket aims to roll the scheme out to all stores across Jersey and Guernsey.
The CI Coop introduced “Quiet Time” last year which dedicates a calmer period every week for shoppers sensitive to noise, with dimmed lights, reduced bleeps from tills and no music.
Emma Veitch, interim head of retail operations at CI Coop, said: “I understand how stimulating it can be in certain environments and have spent a long time trying to make shopping a calmer experience for my own son who has autism and ADHD.
“From my own experience and with the advice from others within the neurodivergent community, Coop has introduced aids that we hope will create a calmer and more enjoyable experience.
Niamh McDermott, co-founder and assistant chair at AllMatters Neurodiverse Jersey, said: “There are so many barriers for our neurodivergent community when it comes to going to a supermarket, therefore it was lovely to see the Coop embracing neurodiversity.
“We are delighted to work collaboratively with the Coop to support them on this journey.
“We hope other companies follow their example.”
More information on the Calmer Coop scheme can be found at: channelislands.coop/calmercoop.
