SIT STOP
Making life a little easier for those who need to sit down
Squires Garden Centre
Kanset Pharmacy
Teddington Stables
Barnes Summer Fair
Ham Pharmacare
John D Wood (Estate Agents)
Squires Garden Centre
Kanset Pharmacy
Teddington Stables
Barnes Summer Fair
Ham Pharmacare
John D Wood (Estate Agents)
About Us
SIT STOP is an initiative that was started in 2006 by an independent community group in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. At SIT STOP our purpose is to make life just a little easier for those in need of somewhere to sit down.
These individuals may be elderly, pregnant, disabled or unwell; they may have tired feet or be laden down with shopping or they may just need somewhere to wait for a few minutes. It does not matter what drives the need.
In a shop or business displaying the SIT STOP logo, it is absolutely fine to ask for a seat or to use one if it is available. It is not necessary to be a customer of the store or to be using the services provided there.
We continue to develop the SIT STOP campaign as we learn from our experience and listen to the input from supporting organisations.
SIT STOP's History
The SIT STOP campaign started in Richmond in 2005. A group of individuals led by three Royal Society of Arts (RSA) fellows met to discuss local issues as part of the RSA's Coffeehouse Challenge process. Meetings like these took place countrywide and were intended to bring focus to the resolution of local issues. In Richmond 'Access for All' became our central theme.
With the help of Richmond Advice and Information on Disability (RAID) and a number of other local agencies and businesses, plus supporting funds from the RSA, Richmond Council and Starbucks, the idea took shape and grew. In Spring 2007 the project - then focused around specially designed chairs - was showcased in the civic centre in Twickenham.
The scheme was launched in Twickenham with the support of Richmond Council. Very ethusiastic commments about the idea were received and no major issues were identified by the participating businesses.
We continue to expand the number of participating organisations - not only in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames but also beyond. For example, the Royal Brompton Hospital have set up their own SIT STOP initiative.
Logo
If you see the following logo in the window of a shop, it means that they have partnered with SIT STOP. Therefore, feel free to ask for a seat.
If you wish to download our official logo, follow this hyperlink or view logo in new tab.
SIT STOP Official Logo
Joining SIT STOP
Businesses
If you would like to offer a seat to those in need we would be very pleased to help you become a participant in the scheme. You do not have to be trading in Richmond Borough to participate.
Contact us and we will send you a pack which includes SIT STOP logo window and wall stickers, information leaflets should you wish to place them near the seat you provide and contact information for further help in implementing the scheme. Participating in SIT STOP does not require the purchase of any special equipment. Any chair meets the need!
Volunteers
If you are a volunteer and would like to help spread the SIT STOP campaign in Richmond or in another location we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact us.
Local Councils
If you are a local council and would like to roll out the scheme in your area do contact us we are pleased to share our experiences and provide assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
No - any chair in the part of your business that is open to the public is fine. Equally, if a chair is willingly provided on request, that is an acceptable alternative.
Yes, we would be delighted to supply a SIT STOP sticker for the chair if you wish. Please do contact us to order your sticker. Details are on the contacts page.
Yes, a chair which has a relatively high seat and ideally arms is the easiest for most people with mobility problems to use. However any stable chair is welcome to someone who needs to sit down.
Any premises open to the public will from time to time have incidents of this type. Evidence from our pilot project is that participating in SIT STOP does not increase the frequency of such events. When they occur they should be addressed by staff in the way they have been trained.
No, there is no incremental obligation beyond that which your business already has.
We would be very pleased to know of public spirited businesses such as these! Displaying the SIT STOP logo helps the public, builds awareness of SIT STOP and assists recruitment of additional participant businesses.
By all means approach them to display the logo and put us in touch with them by giving us the name and address of the business and the name of the person you spoke to. Alternatively if you would like us to approach them just send us the details.
Please contact us using the email address below.
Contact Us
© 2026, All rights are reserved.
Site developed by Samuel Forrest