The Poetry Project arrives at Middleton

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Middleton Shopping Centre has teamed up with the Poetry Project with the display of one of their beautiful poems at the Happy to Chat bench.

The Poetry Project is the brainchild of James McInerney who began it as a mental health awareness project in 2018. It is a free project that has been doing positive things in the UK and beyond.

The project, which originally started on the London Underground, aims to have positive, empowering and motivational messages on display in public areas to promote wellbeing and raise awareness of mental health issues. It is a community-based project that is all about grass roots and bringing local communities together with messages of hope and support.

Why not take a picture when you next visit and don’t forget to add #poetryproject and tag @poetryproject08 in your social posts.

Collaborative approach to training

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Centre Managers Marie Gribben of Middleton Shopping Centre, and Kirsty Williams of Mill Gate Shopping Centre, agreed to a collaborative approach to conflict management training, hosting classes at both of their locations.  This innovative approach allowed for the majority of the Aston Services Group teams at both centres to attend a training session which provided excellent results.

 

The Conflict Management Training class was open to anyone from either team who wished to attend resulting in an outstanding  turnout for both locations with members of maintenance, housekeeping, customer services and security teams taking part.  The syllabus was delivered in a very flexible relaxed style to enable the teams to discuss any current issues or concerns and allow them to take away applicable, practical knowledge and understanding of the subjects covered. These topics included:

  • What is conflict management?
  • Your perception of conflict
  • Why conflict occurs
  • The human response to conflict
  • Understanding the cycle of conflict
  • The power of communication
  • Understanding empathy
  • Conflict management strategies
  • Effects of drugs and alcohol
  • Understanding the relationship between space and violence
  • Use of force options
  • Strategies to deal with groups

 

The training was provided by Phil Newton,  a specialist provider of a number of key courses including; Emergency First Aid at Work, Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace, Conflict Management Training and Manual Handling and Safeguarding.  Phil has an extensive CV in the key areas associated with the training requirements which reinforced why he was the natural trainer to provide this support. His extensive experience and qualifications include:

 

 

  • Communication Studies degree.
  • Has run the Independent Jiu-Jitsu Association (5th Dan Black Belt) since 2000, including teaching self-defence workshops.
  • 2009 – 2016 ran extended provision in South Cumbria (teaching teenagers who were disenchanted with school or had behavioural issues).
  • 2014 completed NFPS (National Federation of Personal Safety) course to allow teaching of conflict management, breakaway and restraint training.
  • From 2016 has been the lead trainer for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, teaching conflict management and first aid to their members.

 

Following a separate training session led by Phil at the Walkden Town Centre a few weeks ago, the Conflict Management Training course has now been delivered to over 50 ASG employees.

 

Simon Hawkins, ASG Operations Director commented on the training, “Clearly the training has been incredibly well received, Phil’s expertise in this area is self-evident and the knowledge he impairs to our teams will be invaluable  when trying to peacefully resolve conflict on site. We are looking forward to more courses being scheduled in the near future for other key client locations so we can give as many of our employees as possible the opportunity to manage an environment when conflict arises.”

 

Marie Gribben, Centre Manager at Middleton Shopping Centre, also commented on the course’s success, ”We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome, professional tuition of this kind is essential, and the attendance just shows how engaged and focused the ASG teams are on the wellbeing of the centres and are visitors.”

 

Kirsty Williams, Centre Manager at Mill Gate Shopping Centre added, “It was great that the collaborative approach allowed the vast majority of the ASG team to attend. They enjoyed themselves and learned a lot, I’m sure they would all join me in thanking Phil for very useful and practical sessions at both locations.”

Win Wednesday Competition

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Why just give prizes when you can give back at the same time?  Is what the team behind Middleton Shopping Centre’s Win Wednesday competition thought when developing a new promotional campaign.

With innovation, collaboration and community engagement at the heart of this ongoing campaign, Win Wednesday competition was launched on the 11th May 2022.

The launch competition, which ended on the 14th May 2022, offered one lucky shopper the chance to win a pair of Lelli Kelly shoes gifted from Simon One, our Shopping Centre’s leading Independent Clothing Store.

Additionally, Middleton Shopping Centre’s Manager, Marie Gribben gifted another pair of Lelli Kelly shoes to a local Middleton youngster in need via the Bowlee Community Organisation.

Marie Gribben said “This is an ongoing campaign designed not only to raise awareness of the great businesses within our Shopping Centre but also to show our commitment to being an integral part of Middleton’s community.  Within this campaign we are also proud to be highlighting and supporting the great work of the Bowlee Community Organisation.”

Joe Wilson of Simon One said “We were very excited to be the first business to offer a prize as part of Win Wednesday’s at the shopping centre.  We look forward to more shoppers coming into the centre to view our clothing range”

Middleton Shopping Centre is in discussions with its other shops for ongoing monthly competitions.  This will ensure variety for the entrant and opportunities for other stores to offer prizes and donate to local causes.

The purpose of the campaign is not just to highlight individual store but to engage with our visitors to the centre by enhancing its aspirations to be a vibrant and proactive community asset.

Entering the competition is simple, people can participate by going to Middleton Shopping Centre’s Facebook and Instagram pages and completing a simple task, such as, why they think they should win.

Middleton Shopping Centre believes that Win Wednesday’s are win, win, win for everybody.

Middleton achieves Park Mark® Parking Award 2022

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The Park Mark® Safer Parking Award is given to parking facilities that have achieved the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the Police and the British Parking Association. The Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking areas.

The Safer Parking Scheme, managed by the British Parking Association (BPA), awards the Park Mark® to facilities that have measures in place to create a safe environment. Police Accredited Assessors undertake a site specific risk assessment. They assess the management and maintenance of the facility and check that there are appropriate levels of surveillance, lighting, signage and cleanliness, thereby reducing the opportunity for crime.

Centre Manager, Marie Gribben, has put in place measures that help to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, thereby doing everything possible to reduce the fear of crime.

Mark Osmond, Park Mark® Scheme Area Manager, says, “We are delighted that Middleton shopping centre car park has achieved the Park Mark® Award, as it means they are delivering a safer environment for those using the car park. It is a fantastic achievement and testament to the effective management and high car parking standards maintained by the shopping centre management and security staff.”

Car parks with the Park Mark® award can use signage featuring the distinctive Park Mark® tick, so that drivers know exactly where to go for safe parking. Facilities that have received this award have seen a drop in vehicle-related crime of over 80%.

Middleton Shopping Centre looks to improve literacy in North Manchester

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Middleton Shopping Centre has forged a partnership with a local primary school to encourage all to pick up a book and read.

The North Manchester-based centre has unveiled their brand-new book exchange with Alkrington Primary School, named the ‘Mindful Nest’ to coincide with World Book Day.

This library has been erected within the shopping centre to encourage a passion for literacy in the Middleton community, and local residents of all ages are encouraged to donate and take books.

It is designed to improve access to books and, more specifically, the shopping centre team will work with primary schools in the region as they work hard to further strengthen their pupils’ love of reading.

Middleton Shopping Centre manager, Marie Gribben, said: “The local community is at the heart of everything we do here in the centre.

“This partnership with Alkrington Primary School is a demonstration of our commitment to support younger people within our community and give them increased access to both fiction and non-fiction books.

“We’re thrilled to open the Mindful Nest book exchange to the public and we hope that people of all ages will enjoy the free books for many years to come.”

Middleton Shopping Centre has also worked on a number of initiatives with Alkrington Primary School, including an NHS mural design which is now installed in the centre.

Marie was joined by representatives from Alkrington Primary School including Year 6 Teacher Mr Torr, Ruby aged 11, Grace aged 11 and Rosie aged 11. The children are voluntary librarians at the school and were given the opportunity to officially declare the book exchange open.

Alastair Torr, Assistant Head Teacher of Alkrington Primary School, said: “As a school, we are incredibly passionate about instilling a love of reading within all of our pupils.

“The importance of reading, especially in younger primary school age children, is vital in their educational development, so initiatives such as this will make a strong impact in our community and I’m sure it will be well received.

“We were delighted to be invited to Middleton Shopping Centre to officially open the Mindful Nest and we hope that our pivotal role in the opening will encourage our young readers to help themselves to the books available on a regular basis.”

The Mindful Nest is located on the second floor of Middleton Shopping Centre and visitors are able to help themselves to the books available at no cost. You can also donated pre-loved books at the Customer Services desk located on the first floor.

FREE Library – Mindful Nest opens for visitors

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Middleton Shopping Centre has opened a free little library, Mindful Nest, on second floor, in celebration of World Book Day on 3rd March 2022.

The freestanding three sided library offers free books to anyone who wants one and accepts donations of books to pass forward.

Open every day, the honesty library intends to act as a local meeting place and promote sharing and reusing of books.

Marie Gribben, Centre Manager at Middleton Shopping Centre, said: “The Mindful Nest free library is a wonderful community resource, and we hope it encourages a love of reading with our local families.

“It is ideally situated in a quiet area of the centre, with seating to enable visitors to sit and enjoy a book or take a book to enjoy at home.”

Marie added “Our wonderful community has kick started the library’s book selection by generously donating plenty of books. I hope that the library is welcomed and enjoyed by all our visitors”.

For more information visit www.middletonshoppingcentre.co.uk or follow @MiddletonShopping on Facebook and Instagram.

Middleton win an prestigious GOLD Green Apple Environment Award

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Middleton Shopping Centre has picked up the prestigious Gold Green Apple Award by The Green Organisation. The award was presented yesterday at a special ceremony in London.

The centre’s achievement follows its commitment to reducing waste, maximising recycling and ensuring sustainability by implementing effective practices with the support of waste management partner Bagnall & Morris.

Marie Gribben, Centre Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive our first Gold Green Apple Award. We are incredibly proud of the centre team who continue to drive our commitment to increasing recycling rates and minimising the waste produced from the centre. “I would like to give a huge thank you to our waste management partner Bagnall & Morris for their commitment to the environment and of course to Middleton Shopping Centre too.”

Middleton introduced a series of initiatives, including reducing the total volume of waste produced by site by 20% in 2019, the continuous upgrading of lighting to save 50,000 Kwh annually and utilising technology which reduces chemical usage, consumption of single use plastics and overall environmental impact wherever possible.

The Green Apple Environment Awards were launched in 1994 by The Green Organisation to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world, and have become well established as one of the most popular global environmental campaigns. It has now extended into the Green World Awards with entries from Governments, Ministries and regional authorities as well as companies and organisations across the entire private and public sectors.

Purple Tuesday

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You might have spotted our profile picture has had a purple makeover 🤩 This is because today is #PurpleTuesday 💜

Purple Tuesday is about creating a step change improvement in the awareness of the value and needs of all disabled customers.

Some of our accessibility features and services include:

💜Disabled parking bays across the car park, located close to the entrances

💜Our main entrances are accessible

💜Ramp access in the car park for wheelchairs and mobility scooters

💜Disabled toilets

💜Our staff are friendly and approachable, they will assist in any way possible and always strive to make a customer’s shopping experience better

💜We are here to support everyone who walks through our doors

 

In addition we have turned off all music, messages and hand driers to create a more peaceful environment for our visitors.

#purpletuesday #accessibility #pt2021

Loo of the Year 2021 – Platinum Winner

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We’re delighted to announce that we have won a Platinum Award at the Loo of the Year Awards 2021!

This is a huge testament to the fantastic job that our cleaners do each and everyday. Well done everyone, Team Middleton 🙂

 

Lets talk toilets..

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The shopping centre has installed new graphics to brighten up the public toilets.

Large, bold graphics can now been seen in the ladies and both disabled toilets. The parent & child room has also seen the introduction of new seating and other small touches. Why not pop in and admire on your next visit!