Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre is operated by Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company, on behalf of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority. It is a purpose-built education facility that offers tours and education sessions throughout the year.
The Autism Friendly Award is a leading accreditation programme set up by the National Autistic Society to help businesses play their part to create more welcoming environments and make a difference to the lives of autistic people throughout the UK.
To gain the Award, businesses have to meet set standards and follow a framework to demonstrate that they offer an autism-friendly environment and service. More than 300 organisations are accredited.
Following the success of the Merseyside scheme, Veolia is looking at using the experience gained to explore accreditation for its other education facilities throughout the country.
Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre reviewed its facilities, practices and staff training as part of the accreditation process and implemented several key initiatives to enhance the experience for autistic visitors, including:
- Introducing 'Relaxed SEN' sessions specifically designed for autistic visitors, offering a more comfortable and accommodating environment.
- Conducting extensive staff training on the challenges autistic people may face when visiting the Centre, ensuring a more understanding and supportive atmosphere.
- Enhancing the accessibility of the Centre's website to improve the information available to visitors before their visit.
- Taking significant steps to create a sensory-friendly environment by reducing potential sources of sensory overload throughout the facility.
The Centre was also recently awarded ‘Team of the Year’ for promoting inclusivity in recycling education at the Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management and has been nominated for the Social Value award at the upcoming MRW National Recycling Awards.
The Centre runs education sessions including ‘Relaxed SEN’ events for residents in Merseyside and Halton. This award will allow Veolia’s team on site to run more of these sessions.
During events visitors will be guided on what can and can’t be recycled and go on a unique tour of the facility to learn more about the journey of recycling after it’s been collected from homes across Merseyside and Halton.
Steve Mitchell, Regional Director at Veolia said: "I am thrilled that the Recycling Discovery Centre at Gillmoss has received this recognition from the National Autistic Society. It reflects Veolia’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity across the business and our dedication to providing a welcoming experience for all our visitors. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn about recycling and ecological transformation in a comfortable and accessible setting."
Cllr Catie Page, Chairperson of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said: "This award is a testament to the dedication of the education team, who create engaging and accessible learning experiences for all visitors and help create a deeper understanding of
recycling and sustainability across Merseyside."
Booking Essential - Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre in Liverpool holds regular events and sessions, booking is essential. More information can be found on the Recycling Discovery Centre page.