Primark is set to introduce seated mannequins in 22 of its stores, designed to reflect manual wheelchair users and promote greater inclusivity on the high street. The mannequin, named ‘Sophie’, was developed in collaboration with disability campaigner and TV presenter Sophie Morgan, who played a central role in the year-long design process.
‘Sophie’ will feature in both the retailer’s new Adaptive clothing line and its mainstream fashion displays. The Adaptive range, launched earlier this year, includes thoughtful design features like magnetic fastenings, elastic loops and hidden openings for medical access—tailored for people with disabilities or mobility challenges.
This latest step is part of Primark’s broader commitment to better represent the diverse communities who shop with them. Trading Director Ann-Marie Cregan described the launch as a “proud moment”, highlighting the company’s efforts to make stores more accessible and inclusive—from mannequin variety to inclusive product design.
Sophie Morgan praised the partnership, calling the mannequin a “symbol of visibility and progress”. She emphasised how the project was deeply personal and reflected the realities of life as a wheelchair user. The announcement follows other inclusive changes from the brand, including improvements to children's clothing with comfort-led features for sensory-sensitive individuals.
A fresh national approach has been introduced to integrate adult social care placements into undergraduate nursing courses, with the aim of inspiring more students to explore careers supporting individuals with complex health needs, such as dementia, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions.
Currently, nursing students have limited exposure to social care settings, but this is set to change under the government's broader ambition to move care closer to home. By offering placements in residential care, supported living, and domiciliary settings, the initiative hopes to give students meaningful insight into preventative care and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock highlighted that while social care nursing is both vital and rewarding, it remains underrepresented in training pathways. The new strategy, developed in partnership with Skills for Care and the Council of Deans for Health, sets out clear expectations for universities and care providers to co-create practical, course-aligned placements for students.
Students will now gain hands-on experience supporting patients in their own communities - working with assistive technology, supporting families, and delivering early intervention services. Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy, praised the initiative, calling it a significant step towards opening students’ eyes to the full scope of nursing. In 2025 so far, around 30,000 people have applied to study nursing.
