Creaseys holds an autism-friendly escalator party

Some 50 parents and delighted children were invited to repeatedly ride the escalators and lifts up and down the Smith Street store for an hour and a half on Thursday evening.

The event was the brainchild of local support group Autism & Me.

Co-founder Lorna Higgins-Bare said that a fascination with escalators had come up at a coffee morning for autism caregivers.

‘After the usual topics were covered the conversation got around to what might be considered the more "unique" activities that our children with autism enjoy,’ she said.

‘A reoccurring theme was the pure enjoyment that some children with autism get from repetitive use of lifts and escalators. However, we all understood that this wasn’t always practical or even safe in a typical shopping environment.’

She said that this led the group to explore the possibility of creating a specific opportunity for the children.

‘However, first we had to find the right location that had both a lift and an escalator. Creaseys was our first choice as a lot of our families shop there, so it was a familiar environment for the children, which is important as our children prefer familiarity over newness.’

The group then approached Creaseys, which was initially perplexed by the request.

‘But once we explained they were incredible and wanted to work with us to explore how we could make the opportunity possible and safe to our little community.’

Creaseys gave Autism & Me unrestricted access to the lift and escalators in a safe and understanding environment, with staff volunteering their own time to assist.

They even provided complimentary tea, coffee and snacks in the cafe and goody bags for the children.

‘I hope that this event raises awareness and highlights the uniqueness of people with autism, in that they find the magic in what others might find very ordinary,’ said Mrs Higgins-Bare.

‘It’s inspiring how Creaseys has raised the bar in offering their facilities to support us with this somewhat unusual request.’

She explained that for people with autism spectrum conditions, one core symptom is a difference in how they process sensations.

‘It’s a multi-sensory experience, the pressing of buttons, the noise emitted, the light, the sense of motion, the mechanics involved. That’s why children with autism spectrum condition are attracted to them.’

Enjoying the ride were sisters Charlotte and Olivia Sarre.

‘I can’t explain it, I just really love escalators,’ said seven-year-old Olivia.

‘I’ve been five times so far, but I will do another 27 or 29. I’d really love one in my house that went up to my bedroom, with a conveyor belt right to my door.’

Nine-year-old Charlotte said that one Guernsey icon could definitely be improved with an escalator.

‘Petit Port Bay, where the stairs go up and left and right, there are so many steps. Imagine that with an escalator.’

Store director Jonathan Creasey said Creaseys had been delighted to help.

‘It has been so inspiring to see the joy on everyone’s faces, it is just phenomenal,’ he said.

And with its store in the High Street due to open in 2026, there may be a second venue on the horizon.

‘That will have escalators and lifts too, and after all we will need someone to test them.'

Autism & Me said it would love to hear from other businesses who may want to extend support by curating unique experiences or through use of their facilities.

The group can be contacted through its Facebook page.