Asda stores across Kent are trialling a new scheme to help people with dementia and autism shop in a relaxed environment.

Every Tuesday, from 9am to 10am, the shops will be taking steps to cater for people with invisible disabilities, who may find shopping stressful.

The project is being tested in eight stores around Kent, and involves turning off music, turning down the volume on checkouts and dimmed lighting. The participating stores in Kent are Asda Living in Maidstone's St Peter's Street and food stores in Kings Hill,Tunbridge Wells, Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Folkestone, Broadstairs and Ashford.

Jeff Hadaway, store manager for the Kings Hill Asda, said: “We’ve taken some of the colleagues through an understanding of the issues. The two conditions share a number of similarities surrounding bright lights, beeping and heavy distraction, which can cause a lot of confusion for these people.

“It’s been a massive success. We’ve had a quite significant amount of feedback saying it’s been well done, and it makes people with these issues feel welcome to come in. It’s not something we’re looking at stopping doing.”

The trial, called Inclusive Hour, is part of the supermarket's support for Purple Tuesday, which starts this Tuesday and is a national day to promote inclusive shopping.

Asda has been working alongside Kent County Council's Dementia Friendly Communities Team, Carers Organisations and Advocacy for All.

Around 800 members of Asda staff across the county have undergone awareness sessions on dementia and autism, to allow them to more easily offer assistance, if necessary.

Graham Gibbens, the county council’s cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “We continue to work closely with our partners, local charities and private businesses to make Kent more inclusive and as welcoming as possible to residents with more complex needs.

“This has included the establishment of Dementia Friendly Communities, staff training and the rollout of changing places in public buildings.

“We cannot succeed without the support of local businesses and so were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Asda on this project. We look forward to seeing more businesses following its example in the future.”

The Purple Tuesday initiative has also been taken up other retail centres, such as South Aylesford Retail Park.

Its first Purple Tuesday will be held this week, to promote better access for disabled shoppers and participating

stores are encouraged to make a long-term commitment to improve the experience.

Emma Snipp, asset manager at The Crown Estate, owners of South Aylesford Retail Park, said: “Almost 20% of adults in the UK have a disability, 80% of which have an invisible or hidden impairment. This means an incredible four out of five disabled shoppers may require some sort of support.

“Making simple adjustments to our surroundings opens up new opportunities for those with ‘silent’ disabilities to feel much more comfortable when out in public spaces. We are pleased to be part of such an inspiring and thought-provoking campaign, which is really bringing together the community here.”

Visitors to Gravity Trampoline Park in Maidstone can already book sessions for those with disabilities which focus on sensory engagements, offering therapeutic exercise to participants.

Similarly, Odeon offers autism-friendly screenings, with lower levels of audio, lights left on dimly and allowance for increased levels of movement and noise among the audience.