Parkwood Leisure welcomes the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
As one of the most experienced providers of leisure management provision in the UK, Parkwood Leisure's mission is to create and maintain sustainable, lasting partnerships to help build happier and healthier local communities.
Parkwood Leisure is a proud supporter and Professional Member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across its leisure sites, theatres, golf courses and country parks. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower promotes inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding, making their sites and services more accessible for people living with a non-visible disability. The site teams have completed Sunflower training, and accessibility details of their location sites are visible on the Sunflower Friendly Places map.
Hannah Gilday, Head of Healthy Communities & Partnerships, Parkwood Leisure, said:
"With 1 in 6 people living with a disability, we continue to ensure people from all different backgrounds respect and interact together across the communities we serve. Removing barriers provides opportunities for Sunflower wearers to access our facilities and services and, ultimately enabling healthier and happier lifestyle choices to be made."
Crook Log Leisure Centre run by Lex Leisure CIC is one Parkwood Leisure’s sites leading the way in accessibility. This Easter Holidays it expanded its inclusive activities as part of a commitment to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to support individuals with non-visible disabilities, and is part of a longer term commitment to ensure inclusivity for the whole community. The pilot therapeutic play sessions with LEGO® bricks were designed for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and saw children from the community experience fun filled play sessions, designed to help build confidence, raise self-esteem, and encourage purposeful conversation.
The programme facilitator Vicki Henderson, a Thera-Build® Licensed Practitioner and qualified teacher, said:
"It was a wonderful experience to bring these therapeutic play sessions to Crook Log to compliment the fantastic inclusive programme Charmaine and the Parkwood Leisure Sunflower trained team are already providing. The families responded so positively to the calm and welcoming environment, working together to build their unique and creative ideas."
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, added:
“It’s wonderful to see Bexleyheath Leisure Centre embracing inclusivity in such a meaningful and joyful way. By recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, they are not only providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals with non-visible disabilities, but also setting an example of what community-focused support truly looks like.”
Learn more about Parkwood Leisure by visiting their website: parkwoodleisure.co.uk