Quiet Hour shopping every Sunday in Darlington

From Sunday 25 March and then every following Sunday (except Easter when the shops will be closed), the Quiet Hour will take place from 10.30-11.30am at a wide range of shops and venues in Darlington town centre.

The move to a weekly Quiet Hour comes just as World Autism Awareness Week launches on Monday 26 March. The Week will see a wide range of events launched and taking place to help raise awareness and funds to help those with autism or affected by the condition.

During Quiet Hour in Darlington, shops and other venues will be turning off their music and children’s rides to help create a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. These changes will help those who need quieter and calmer surroundings, including elderly shoppers or people who have other types of disabilities such as autism and dementia.

The list of those taking part continues to grow and now includes: Boyes, Guru Boutique, Queen Street and Cornmill Shopping Centres, Wilko, Mercure Darlington Kings Head Hotel, Marks and Spencer, The Keys, Laura Ashley, Vue Cinema, Mangobean, Boots on Northgate, House of Fraser (Binns)* and The Dolphin Centre alongside a number of independent retailers and services including Origins Home and Origins Coffee Bar.*.

The Quiet Hour has proved so popular with shoppers and retailers that many venues are now working with North East Autism Society to promote autism training to their staff. Alongside existing Dementia Friendly training, this will mean that Darlington can offer those with extra needs a helping hand to enjoy a safe and comfortable shopping and visitor experience.

Kerrie Highcock from North East Autism Society said:

“This is brilliant news. I am delighted that the Quiet Hour will now be a weekly fixture in Darlington, helping even more families to enjoy stress-free leisure and shopping time

“The list of retailers and other venues taking part keeps growing and is proof of how popular it has proved to be with families and individuals who appreciate a quieter shopping and leisure experience.

“The news ties in nicely with the launch of World Autism Awareness Week and I hope that this will help create even more awareness of the issues faced every day and every week by families and what support there is.”