Your Guide to NatWest at centre:mk: Accessibility, Support & Opportunities

Where to Find NatWest at centre:mk

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A Space Designed for Inclusivity

NatWest at centre:mk has taken significant steps to make its branch as inclusive as possible. Their Poppy Room, a dedicated sensory space, is designed to support neurodivergent individuals by providing a calm, soothing environment. This room features:

• Colour-changing lights that allow individuals to adjust the environment to their personal preference, creating a sense of comfort and control.
• Calming music and scents carefully selected to provide a relaxing experience while avoiding overwhelming sensory input.
• Soft lighting that reduces harsh glare, making the space more accommodating for those who may be sensitive to bright lights.
• Engaging visual displays that provide gentle, non-intrusive stimulation, helping individuals who benefit from visual aids to regulate their sensory experience.

The Poppy Room has been widely recognised for its impact, earning NatWest a shortlisting at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) and praise from former Members of Parliament and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Accessibility Features

To ensure ease of access for all customers, the branch includes:

• A kids' activity area, designed to provide a fun and engaging environment for children, making it easier for parents and guardians to manage their banking needs without added stress.
• A hearing loop, ensuring that individuals with hearing aids can clearly understand conversations with staff by reducing background noise and interference.
• Braille rails at both the top and bottom of the stairs, tested and approved by the RNIB, allowing visually impaired visitors to navigate the branch safely and independently.
• A lift, providing step-free access between floors, ensuring that those with mobility challenges or prams can move around the branch with ease.
• Wide, step-free entrances, making the branch fully accessible for wheelchair users and those using mobility aids, ensuring that everyone can enter and exit comfortably.
• Clearly marked signage with high-contrast lettering and easily readable fonts, helping visually impaired visitors locate different areas of the branch without difficulty.
• Accessible seating areas strategically placed throughout the branch, allowing visitors who need to rest or wait for services to do so in a comfortable and inclusive environment.
• Staff trained in disability awareness, ensuring that visitors receive appropriate support and assistance, whether they need help navigating the space, using services, or understanding banking information.

NatWest is committed to continuously improving its accessibility measures and welcomes feedback from customers to ensure that everyone can bank with confidence and ease.

Free Event & Pop-Up Spaces

NatWest at centre:mk offers two free-to-use spaces to help businesses and charities connect with the community:

• Event Space – Perfect for hosting workshops, networking events, or presentations, this dedicated area is available for free hire.
• Pop-Up Area – Located at the front of the branch, this high-footfall location provides a fantastic opportunity for charities and businesses to raise awareness, engage with the public, and promote their initiatives—all at no cost.

To book this space please speak to a member of staff or email JULIE.TURNESS@natwest.com

The NatWest Accelerator Programme – Launching 27th March

For entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, the NatWest Accelerator Programme is a game-changer. Open to everyone, this free programme provides unparalleled support to help businesses grow, including:

• Free business coaching with experienced acceleration managers
• Thought leadership and exclusive events to gain insights from industry experts
• Access to a powerful network of like-minded entrepreneurs and ecosystem managers
• Specialist support tailored to your business needs
• Use of modern co-working spaces in one of NatWest’s nationwide hubs (bookable on a first come, first served basis).

Whether you’re a business owner looking for support, a charity seeking visibility, or simply someone who values an accessible and inclusive space, NatWest at centre:mk is here to help.

To register your interest – Accelerator Programme Interest

For more information or to book a space, visit the branch today or check out their website: NatWest website here.