XPost: 24hoursupport.helpdesk, alt.politics.scorched-earth, uk.politics.misc   
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   From: burfordTjustice@tues.uk   
      
   Scottish supermarket tests ‘relaxed checkout lane’ for shoppers with   
   dementia   
      
   "James Wilkinson Sword" should be grateful for this!   
      
   For certain shoppers in Scotland, grabbing groceries is about to get   
   much easier.   
      
   A Tesco supermarket in Forres-- a town in the northern part of the country--   
   is testing the idea of “relaxed checkout lanes” to create a less stressful   
   environment for customers with dementia, reports Today.   
      
   Described as the antithesis of an express lane, Tesco’s relaxed lane will   
   allow shoppers the opportunity to slow down while ringing out, ask for help,   
   and just avoid feeling rushed while running their errands.   
      
   The idea was first pitched by Tesco employee Kerry Speed during a dementia   
   awareness seminar at the store.   
      
   “It was highlighted to me that people living with dementia can feel under   
   pressure when they reach the checkout and it struck me that this could be true   
   for others as well,” Speed told The Sun shortly after the program’s launch   
   in January.   
      
   In addition to those with dementia, the store hopes the slower checkout lane   
   will be helpful for those with autism or social anxieties.   
      
   Wendy Menzies, the dementia advisor who hosted Speed’s seminar, told the BBC   
   she's proud of the store's efforts.   
      
   "We welcome this new pilot scheme which will help people with dementia to feel   
   confident in continuing to shop independently in their local community for   
   longer," Menzies said.   
      
   The Forres Tesco’s relaxed lanes currently operate on Tuesday and Wednesday   
   mornings, and they’re manned by cashiers who were trained by Autism Scotland   
   to better understand the customers' needs.   
      
   “Feel free to take as long as you need to go through this checkout today,”   
   reads a sign near the register, along with a message to “please be aware   
   that you may experience a wait to complete your transaction.”   
      
   So far, Tesco's Forres location is the only store with a relaxed checkout   
   lane, but Speed says the idea is already well-received.   
      
   “Early feedback from customers has been very positive,” Speed told The   
   Sun. “Although it’s a simple gesture, we hope this will make a difference   
   to our customers’ shopping experiences.”   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)