Important work has been taking place in Rushcliffe to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, to ensure members of the community with hidden disabilities get the understanding and patience they deserve.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple way for you to let others know that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent. It highlights that you may need a helping hand, understanding and patience, and more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
Sunflower lanyards have become a popular way for people and organisations to spot if someone has a non-visible disability, such as dementia.
Gwynneth Owen, Project Lead – Rushcliffe Dementia Communication and Support Project and Social Prescribing Link Worker said: “This is a fantastic project, and our vision is for everyone within our Rushcliffe community to be aware of what the Sunflower represents, and as a result we show each other a little more kindness and patience.”
Barbara Breakwell is spearheading the project in Ruddington. She is a sunflower lanyard user herself as she has an invisible disability, Multiple Sclerosis. She is really passionate about the project and knows through personal experience that the awareness of what they mean is limited.
Barbara approached her local florist shop to use their display window. The local Yarn Bomb group offered to knit and crochet sunflowers and forget-me-nots to support the display and an amazing display was created to display throughout August.
Barbara also approached all the local businesses and organisations, including public houses, churches and medical centre inviting them to display a poster that she designed.
Gwynneth and Barbara ran a stall at the market and Barbara has also done a craft activity with a sunflower remit in the local library.
Sunflower lanyards are available online and we would encourage you to use this service. In addition, Rushcliffe Borough Council is going to have a supply available at their Customer Service Centre, soon to be reopened at its new location within West Brigford Library. Kelly, the Community Champion from Morrisons in Gamston, has been working hard to raise the profile in her local store and there is a supply of the lanyards at the Customer Service Desk.
People living with dementia are finding this lanyard helpful to maintain their independence, knowing that by wearing one, support is on hand. This was the experience of Steve Ball from Whatton, on a recent rail journey to Bristol: “When I was travelling alone, wearing my Sunflower lanyard, no end of railway staff asked after my welfare and if I needed any help. It gave me more confidence on my journey to Bristol because of their care and concern.”
To learn more visit: https://hdsunflower.com