February was a very successful month for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Netherlands, as we welcomed a record number of new organisations and companies to the programme. Never before have so many companies and organisations joined in the space of a month.

We are very happy to announce that the Netherlands will be the first country in the world with five Sunflower friendly McDonald's restaurants. The first Sunflower friendly McDonald's will be in Zwolle (3) Heerde en Kampen, with the remainder to follow in the coming weeks.

A white policeman stands outside a police station next to Kees from Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. They smile for the camera

As a result of an Instagram post, we had the pleasure of meeting with the Dutch Police. In the Instagram post, a police officer has a conversation with an autistic lady about her treatment during police traffic control. If the police officer had recognised the Sunflower, it would have really helped her, she tells the officer. A week later we met with the police officer featured in the post, he took action and we are now busy beginning to implement the Sunflower across the National Police force. Sticking with emergency services, the first ambulance service also joined this month.

We recently visited the office of Amsterdam Pride, a huge LGTBQ+ event that takes place in August featuring the famous canal parade. The organisation is really keen to join the Sunflower and in the coming months we will discuss how the Sunflower will be integrated at Amsterdam Pride.

Several theatres also joined the Sunflower Netherlands during the month. Whether big theatres or small theatres, each new member is ready to support their visitors with hidden disabilities that choose to wear the Sunflower. Other new members this month include a big congress centre and World Forum The Hague.

On Monday 20 February the Sunflower was officially launched at the city council of Leiden. Nancy Glazer was the first to receive a Sunflower lanyard from the hands of the mayor.

Two white woman stand at a bus station counter. There is a box of Sunflower lanyards inbetween them. One of them holds a lanyard admiring it.

On 16 February the Sunflower launched at the Service shops of U-OV at Utrecht Central Station and Syntus Utrecht at Amersfoort Central Station. Passengers with an invisible disability can now get a free lanyard when using these two public bus companies. All staff, including drivers and office staff, are trained to recognise the Sunflower lanyard.