A WEEKLY quiet hour is being introduced to provide a calmer environment for Islanders accessing services and support from the government.
The initiative will begin on Thursday at 3pm and will continue at this time moving forward.
The Customer Hub at the government’s Union Street headquarters provides access to a wide range of Government services, including income support, tax and contributions, pensions and student finance.
During the hour, lighting will be dimmed, background music will be switched off and tannoy announcements will be reduced in volume.
The scheme is intended to reduce sensory stimulation and make the Customer Hub more accessible to people who may find busy or noisy environments difficult, including neurodivergent Islanders and people with sensory sensitivities.
The initiative follows engagement with the government’s Learning Disabilities team, which has worked with Customer Hub staff to help them understand how services can be made more inclusive.
All Customer Hub staff have also completed mandatory hidden disabilities training and online diversity, equity and inclusion training.
A government spokesperson said the changes were intended to make the service more welcoming.
“We are committed to making the Customer Hub accessible for everyone. Quiet Hour is a simple change that can make a meaningful difference for people who prefer a calmer environment when accessing services,” they said.
“By reducing noise and other sensory distractions, we hope to make it easier for more Islanders to access the support they need and create a welcoming and inclusive space for all.”
Quiet Hour is open to all customers and there is no need to book in advance.
