Everyone Active has joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, to provide inclusive participation for all in leisure facilities across the country.

The Sunflower allows people to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately identified.

To indicate that they have a hidden disability, customers or staff members can wear a Sunflower lanyard. For customers wearing the lanyard this will inform Everyone Active staff that they may need additional support at the leisure centre or a little more time.

The Sunflower will be launched across all Everyone Active leisure centres and colleagues will have access to training to assist them to feel more confident in supporting people with hidden disabilities at our sites.

Globally one in seven people have a disability, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide, and of those, up to 80% can be described as a non-visible impairment or condition. They can be physical, mental or neurological and include, but are not limited to, autism and ADHD, cognitive impairments such as learning difficulties and dementia.

Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge, or understand the daily barriers faced by people living with an invisible disability.

Everyone Active’s National Inclusion & Wellbeing Manager, Jules Twells, said:

“We are proud to support the fantastic work of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Over the next year, our ambition is to raise awareness for people with hidden disabilities that need additional support using our facilities.

“We’ll also be using the opportunity to further educate our colleagues and ensure our sites are inclusive and accessible for all disabled people.

“Inclusivity is one of the Everyone Active core values, so we’re delighted to become members of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, who are helping break down barriers in physical activity and making a real difference to support people with disabilities that will often not be acknowledged.”

Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:

“Participation in physical activity has so many benefits to overall health, and so we are extremely pleased that Everyone Active has become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Sunflower wearers with non-visible disabilities will feel encouraged to join in because wearing the Sunflower makes them visible. If wearers need support or help, Everyone Active staff will be ready to offer it, along with patience, kindness and understanding.”

Learn more about Everyone Active.

 

Is your organisation a member of the Sunflower network?

Is your place of work Sunflower friendly? If not, why not suggest they look into becoming members of the Sunflower? We provide training and assistance to help businesses recognise the Sunflower to support individuals with non-visible disabilities and become confident in providing them with additional help or assistance.

Join an impressive network of organisations so our Sunflower wearers can find you as they plan their days out:

  • add your location to the Sunflower location map
  • provide details useful for Sunflower-friendly visits
  • demonstrate how accessible you are
  • tell your story through articles
  • and even reveal your Sunflower-friendly events

Become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.