White's IGA Peregian Beach
Stories of Inclusion / White's IGA Peregian Beach
Today I met a new friend named Cérge……
The Cérge app worked perfectly and it’s a great service… even my Support Worker was impressed… lol
I arrived at Peregian Beach IGA to meet Cérge and do a little shopping, having advised them earlier I was on my way.
As I use a wheelchair when in shopping centres due to balance issues, I had my Support Worker with me on this visit.
At this time of the year, people are usually tense and somewhat short-tempered, so yes, I do avoid shopping centres approaching Christmas season… funny that Christmas brings out the worse in people at times (lol), so I hoped today using Cérge would ease some anxiety and I could have an enjoyable shopping experience.
Unfortunately one small concern. The footpath leading to IGA’s front door was completely blocked with trolleys (who didn’t quite make it to the trolley corral) requiring my Support Worker to round them up and send them “home” so I could keep wheeling past.
Once inside the store I was greeted by the lovely Amber who couldn’t have been more helpful, asking what I needed to make my shopping experience the best possible and assuring me that she would be happy to assist me in any way I wished.
When I explained I had my Support Worker with me for assistance, Amber informed me she was happy to help in any way if needed.
I did tell Amber about the wayward trolleys and she apologised and said she would advise management about that issue, which was the perfect response!
At the checkout Jake did a great job in processing my groceries and he actually talked to me rather than my Support Worker, which I really appreciated as all too often, people talk over you when you are in a wheelchair… good job Jake!
As it is approaching Christmas, it’s understandable there is a little more product in the aisleways than usual, but everywhere was accessible. As I was departing the store, there was one section where my wheelchair barely fit between the wall and some flowerpots, but a staff member ensured I could fit through and was prepared to move the flowerpot if needed, much appreciated.
On my way to the car I noticed all the trolleys were happily in their paddock, so perhaps Amber followed up?
My SW is a needed support because Cérge isn’t everywhere yet, but certainly Amber and Jake (particularly Amber who said she would be happy to accompany me and assist me with my shopping) gives me total confidence that I wouldn’t need my SW at an IGA store now that Cérge is “on duty”.
All in all, a wonderful shopping experience… and I’ll certainly be back again for the free coffee
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Today I joined a young lady that I support who has developmental delays and Autism. She loves to shop but at times the shopping experience can be really daunting especially in new places. It is important for Her to feel connected to the staff and get some individual attention. It is also important for her to not have to search the whole shop for the items she wants. She has problems with her ankles and cant stand in line for check outs for too long so having an assistant to take her straight through a check out at the end of the shopping session is a real bonus.
We registered with the Cerge app and booked to go and visit Peregian Beach IGA. It was easy and convenient to use the app and when we arrived at the IGA we were greeted at the door by the manager who had got our booking through the app and recognized me from my profile photo. She introduced herself and chatted to My client and immediately made her feel at ease. She grabbed a basket and carried it for us the whole time. They also offer to push a trolley for any person in wheelchairs for convenient shopping. She asked us what items we were after and My client told her. She quickly led us to all the items and when there was an item they didn’t have on the shelf she took the time to check out the back and offer alternatives. At the end she brought us to a free register and personally put the items through. She ensured My client was happy with the experience and wished us a great day! My client said she really enjoyed shopping there and that the staff was super nice!
It was a great experience and I can highly recommend both Cérge Community Cérge White's IGA Peregian Beach White's IGA
I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time, Alex and his support worker Lachie. Alex seemed a little anxious and nervous when we first met at the Peregian Digital Hub (our office), with Lachie doing most of the talking. Alex later shared that he does indeed become nervous when visiting new places or if there has been a change up at a previously comfortable place/venue.
In demonstrating how the Cérge app aims to reduce that anxiety and nervousness, Alex began to open up and told me that simply having someone meet him by name in a welcoming manner would be great. I think it was Lachie that let it slip that Alex loves Tim Tams.
Whilst it was indeed a video production, we ensured that when Alex and Lachie first arrived at Whtie's IGA Peregian Beach, that it was not staged. We just used Cérge as designed, to let the team at White's IGA Peregian Beach know that Alex would love someone to greet him by name and that Tim Tams are a favourite.
To watch Andrea (Customer Service Manager) greet Alex by name at the door saying hello and welcoming them into White's IGA Peregian Beach with a packet of Tim Tams already in hand, made my heart melt.
The expression of Alex's face was joy and excitement, anything but nervous and anxious.
So simple, So powerful.
Empathy & Inclusion.
Thank you both Sunshine Butterflies & White's IGA for being so supportive of Cérge and why doing business in Noosa is so much more than gorgeous weather & beaches.