Liverpool ONE becomes first in the region to launch new accessibility service

People living with disabilities will now receive enhanced support during their visits to Liverpool ONE, thanks to the launch of a brand-new accessibility service, WelcoMe.

Launched this week, WelcoMe is part of Liverpool ONE’s commitment to accessibility, enabling visitors to communicate any specific needs with the on-site guest services team before they arrive and optionally book assistance during visits.

The platform is currently in place at almost 100 locations across the UK, including libraries, retail destinations, hotels, sports centres, museums, galleries, and even the Scottish Parliament. However, Liverpool ONE will be the first destination in the North West to offer this service.

The new accessibility service, WelcoMe, will provide visitors with the ability to share, if they wish, information relating to up to 30 types of disabilities, including Parkinson’s, mobility impairments, and learning difficulties, and express the potential need of accessibility services, tools, and facilities at Liverpool ONE.

With around 58,000 households in Liverpool City Region having at least one disabled member – representing almost 40% of all households across the region – the introduction of WelcoMe is part of Liverpool ONE’s commitment to accessibility to make Liverpool ONE and the city as welcoming as possible to everyone.

Gavin Neate, Founder of WelcoMe, said:

“Many disability related solutions focus on maps and reviews, but WelcoMe focuses on ‘Arrivals’ and the breaking down of barriers in advance. Not only does this help in the moment, but also encourages those who may be anxious about leaving home to do so in a supportive environment.

“WelcoMe encourages communication in advance of a visit to Liverpool ONE via our online portal, providing the guest services team with the information they need to meet and greet disabled guests and their friends and families with both confidence and empathy.

“We have been so impressed with the positivity and engagement within the team and are so proud to be working with Liverpool ONE and bringing WelcoMe to the region.”

Liverpool ONE’s collaboration with WelcoMe follows the launch of its Sociability and Waymap accessibility tools last August, as well as Liverpool ONE’s commitment and contribution to the Liverpool City Region’s Accessibility Forum.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“At Liverpool ONE, we are committed to providing something for everyone, and supporting the needs of all of our visitors.

“We are proud to partner with WelcoMe as they make their North West debut here at Liverpool ONE, and are excited to offer our visitors and local communities the enhanced support this collaboration brings.

“This initiative is the next step in our mission to make Liverpool ONE and the city centre as welcoming and accessible as possible for all, through our continued work with partners, experts, and visitors.”

For more information about Liverpool ONE’s accessibility tools and facilities, visit: https://www.liverpool-one.com/accessibility