We’ve signed up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative which recognises and supports those with hidden disabilities.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower vision is a world where no one is left out or overlooked. Where people with non-visible disabilities are recognised, respected, and fully included in all areas of life. Where environments are supportive, accessible, and inclusive.
To mark this, our arts worker Harry Ludlam ran 6 workshops looking at the sunflower as a symbol of resilience, hope and hidden disability. Participants did experimental mark making, embroidery and pebble painting of sunflowers. The group also crocheted their own sunflower badge to raise awareness and wrote cards that they could gift to love ones, using prompts, to explore their feelings and share what they had learnt about hidden disabilities.
Harry, who lives with an invisible disability, a congenital heart defect, said, “the aim of the project was to use art to create a safe space where people could talk about living with or supporting someone with a hidden disability.”
Nichole Browne, a participant said “It made me see my neurodivergent friend at work in a new way. Things that feel easy for me can be hard for them. I had not always noticed that before. Taking time to make things helped me feel more understanding and think about how to support others and be a better ally.”
These creative activities could be used in a workplace or community group to raise awareness, break down barriers and start conversations.
Well plan to run an event later this year to raise awareness of supporting people with hidden disabilities and encourage other local community spaces to sign up to the Sunflower Scheme.
You can find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower here.
