Silent hour

The quiet hour means regularly creating a quieter atmosphere when shopping at a set time. For example, one day a week for a certain period of time, different activities are carried out or refrained from. Our aim is also to give everyone the feeling that they are good just as they are and to enable participation together, voluntarily and with commitment, as well as to be a society that recognises and acknowledges invisible disabilities.

The Quiet Hour helps people of all ages and from all walks of life with invisible disabilities, neurological diseases and neurodivergence (e.g. autism spectrum disorders or ADHD), chronic illnesses, pain or exhaustion, sensory impairments or psychological impairments, autoimmune diseases, depression or anxiety disorders, epilepsy or diabetes, older people, families with small children or simply anyone who wants to shop in a quieter atmosphere.

The quiet hour should be a regular and predictable offer for people with sensory barriers and means a shopping opportunity with few people and not at peak times with predictable processes. Furthermore, lights should be dimmed as much as possible during this time, noises at the checkout should be reduced and loud ambient noises such as announcements, music or phone calls should be minimised. Goods should not be sorted or put away during this time and no active displays should be visible. Assistance dogs should be allowed and designated support staff should be present. The offer can be rounded off with rest and seating areas.

• for more accessibility: For affected people, the quiet hour offers a safe space to avoid being overwhelmed.
• for more inclusion: respect for individual needs promotes a culture of participation and belonging.
• for more well-being: Stimulus reduction can reduce stress and counteract excessive demands.
• for a greater sense of community: shared quiet moments create a calm, respectful atmosphere in which everyone feels seen and heard.

The district's specialist service for women and equal opportunities would like to support food markets and retailers in implementing the programme - by advising on the implementation of measures and promoting the idea, providing advertising materials and helping to publicise the offer.