Wightlink has introduced a ‘Calm Room’ on board its St Clare car ferry for those travelling to and from the Isle of Wight who would like more support.
The room has been installed in a quiet area of St Clare for the use of neurodivergent or overwhelmed customers who may find a busy ferry a little stressful and need a safe space.
Wightlink was advised by
AIM Autism Inclusion Matters advised the cross-Solent operator on the best way to design the room, located on Deck 4. It has been decorated in neutral colours with blinds to reduce the glare of the sun and there are sensory fidget boards on the walls.
AIM Service Manager
Claire Collins saw the final result, when she crossed the Solent on St Clare recently. She said:
“We are pleased that Wightlink took our recommendations on board and made these changes. The room has comfortable sofas and will be a welcoming place for autistic people to relax, ease anxiety and enjoy the crossing. We think the fidget boards will be very popular”.
Part of Deck 5 on St Clare has also been re-modelled as a Quiet Lounge, for customers who would like to avoid the bright lights, noise and crowds while crossing the Solent. Signs at the entrance explain the purpose of the area.
There is also a dedicated Quiet area at Wightlink’s Portsmouth vehicle port at Gunwharf Road and a member of port staff can unlock the room, if it’s needed.
Sara Howden, Head of Customer Experience, says:
“By making the journey easier for even a small group of customers, whether through improved navigation at our ports, more accessible equipment, or exceptional service from our staff, we enhance the experience for everyone.
“These satisfied travellers are not only more likely to return, but also to share their positive experiences with others, encouraging more people to cross the Solent with Wightlink.”
In addition, Wightlink has signed up to the Isle of Wight Breastfeeding Scheme to support mothers who would like to nurse their child during their journey to and from the Island.
Colleagues at ports and onboard ships are being given guidance and training on the best ways to offer help to nursing mothers. If they would like privacy, they could use the Quiet areas on St Clare and at the Gunwharf terminal.
Whatever next an ADHD room, cheaper fares would be
much better, it would relieve the stress of having to pay
extortionate fares for a few miles crossing.
Open wallet surgery is painful.
ADHD is part of neurodivergence, along with autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s. Many struggle with sensory overload, such as touch, sound, taste, sight, and smell. Furthermore, they struggle with balance (vestibular), body awareness (proprioception), and internal body (interception).
Adjusting spaces to accommodate their neurodivergent world allows people to enjoy life like anyone else. Without such adjustments, an environment can contribute to meltdowns and shutdowns and potentially impact people’s mental health long-term.
Neurodivergents live in a world that is not natural to them. Fitting into a world where the environment is fixed and not adapted can be exhausting.
It is excellent to see Wightlink has done something positive for a change. I wish they would do something similar on their Hybrid ship, particularly as they recently revamped it.
Many persons claim to have ADHD thesedays
sp maybe they need it on all their vessels.
For the shock of the ticket prices of over £200 and the price of food onboard.enough to send anyone mental..