ScottishPower Renewables are now offering an enhanced experience at its Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre with the addition of the WelcoMe app in partnership with disability inclusion company WelcoMe. The app aims to make public places accessible to everyone by providing adjustments to services and to train staff to confidently assist customers with additional needs.
People can now book their visit to Whitelee via the website, specify their disability or additional needs and request any necessary adjustments ahead of arrival. The information is then sent to the Visitor Centre team, along with detailed descriptions, tips, and training materials to ensure a positive and seamless experience.
By partnering with WelcoMe, ScottishPower Renewables is setting a new standard in the energy sector, becoming the first renewable developer to offer the service at its Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre. This initiative not only enhances the visitor experience at Whitelee but also underscores SPR’s dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion and accessibility.
This is in addition to the autism-friendly sessions hosted on the last Sunday of every month at Whitelee Visitor Centre, designed to ensure a sensory-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming environment in which all visitors feel catered for.
Simon Beattie, Manager at Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre said, “By offering the WelcoMe app we’re taking an important step toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs, can fully enjoy their experience. This app empowers our visitors to communicate their needs in advance, allowing us to provide the best possible experience tailored to each person’s requirements.”
“WelcoMe also offers staff in-app training with links to a huge variety of training videos to guide them on how to support visitors with additional needs. This means our staff feel empowered and better equipped to assist each of our visitors and help make the their experience the best it can be.”
WelcoMe is dedicated to creating accessible and equitable environments for all. Launched in 2019, the app is now utilized by over 220 companies across various sectors in the UK, including retail, hospitality, leisure centres, and tourist attractions.
Gavin Neate CEO / Founder of WelcoMe said, “We are so proud to work with ScottishPower Renewables, helping them develop their Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre into an even more inclusive destination. Intersectionality in service is so incredibly important and to us, connecting disability service provision and sustainability proves it is possible to ensure that all are involved in the drive for a more inclusive world.”
Suzie Beattie, a wheelchair user who recently booked a visit via the app, said: “Being able to pre-book my visit to Whitelee really took the pressure off and gave me peace of mind that the staff were expecting me and were going to be ready to support in whichever way I needed them to as soon as I arrived.
“The centre itself, the trails and the e-bus are all very accessible, the staff were very welcoming and helpful throughout my visit and whilst I attended with family members on this occasion, knowing I can specify any support I might need via the app means I’d be confident returning again on my own.”
Visitors can provide feedback directly to the Visitor Centre about their experience, allowing for continuous improvement and ensuring that the facility remains welcoming and accessible to all.
For more information and to book your visit, please visit ScottishPower Renewables’ Whitelee Windfarm website.
Click here to visit the Whitelee website and book via the WelcoMe app: https://www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk/visitor-centre/visitor-accessibility