As an individual, you play an important role in helping businesses, organisations, and local services become Sunflower-friendly. Whether you are a Sunflower wearer, supporter, friend, family member, or ally, your actions can help build understanding of non-visible disabilities and encourage more inclusive environments.
This page shares practical ways to start conversations, provide information, and encourage organisations to take their first steps.
Encourage a business to become Sunflower-friendly
Start the conversation with confidence
Many businesses and organisations want to be inclusive but may not know where to begin. Simple, open conversations can help them understand what the Sunflower represents and how it supports people with non-visible disabilities.
Write to a business or organisation
If speaking in person is not practical, writing can be just as effective. Clear, supportive messages help organisations understand the Sunflower and how it supports people with non-visible disabilities.
Templates are available to help you share accurate, consistent information and encourage positive action.
These templates can be used to:
- Introduce the Sunflower to a business or organisation
- Encourage them to explore Sunflower-friendly training and resources
- Share clear, accurate information about non-visible disabilities
An email PDF is also available for easy sharing.
Ready-to-send messagesTalking points to use with a business
Many businesses want to be supportive but may not know where to start. Short, open conversations can help explain what the Sunflower represents and how it helps people with non-visible disabilities feel recognised and supported.
When speaking with a business or organisation, you might explain that the Sunflower:
- Is a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities
- Helps staff recognise when someone may need extra time, patience, or understanding
- Supports welcoming and respectful customer service
These conversations can be adapted to suit different settings, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, transport, and community services.
View conversation talking pointsShare visual resources
Visual resources help organisations quickly understand and communicate their support.
Your Everyday Essentials poster: Use this poster to introduce the Sunflower to individuals and help them understand what it is and where they can get a Sunflower.
It Starts With Feeling Safe poster: Use this poster to introduce the Sunflower to businesses and encourage them to join the Sunflower network.
The Sunflower Icons poster: Use this poster to explain the meaning of the individual Sunflower icons that can be added to a personalised or digital card.
- Shop windows and entrances
- Reception areas and customer service desks<
It helps customers and visitors understand what the Sunflower represents and reassures them that support is available.
Show the steps to becoming Sunflower-friendly
Some organisations want to help but are unsure how to get started. A step-by-step guide explains how a business or organisation can:
- Learn about non-visible disabilities
- Train their teams
- Use Sunflower resources correctly
- Create welcoming experiences for customers, visitors, and employees
Sharing clear steps helps build confidence and encourages action.
View first steps for businesses and organisations
Use digital resources to raise awareness
Digital tools make it easy to raise awareness in online spaces and professional settings.
Digital badges
Digital badges can be used in:
- Email signatures
- Online profiles
- Virtual meetings
They help normalise the Sunflower and prompt conversations in workplaces, community groups, and organisations.
These graphics are only for the digital uses mentioned above - for any other purpose, please contact Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Marketing
Use video to build understanding
Video content provides a clear and engaging way to introduce the Sunflower.
Animations
Short animations explain non-visible disabilities and the Sunflower in a simple, accessible way. They work well for staff awareness and training.
What is the Sunflower?
The 40-second Sunflower animation offers a clear introduction to the Sunflower and is suitable for showing businesses, organisations, and community groups.
The rule of six
Use the Rule of Six to open a conversation with businesses and show how simple the Sunflower is in practice. It breaks inclusion down into six easy principles, like being patient, staying calm, and listening, helping Sunflower Members see how small changes in everyday interactions can make a real difference.
Encourage ongoing commitment
Becoming Sunflower-friendly is an ongoing commitment. Organisations are encouraged to:
- Continue learning about non-visible disabilities
- Keep staff awareness and training up to date
- Display Sunflower materials clearly
- Foster a culture of understanding, patience, and respect
Small actions, taken consistently, can make a meaningful difference.
Change starts with individuals
By starting conversations, sharing resources, and encouraging action, individuals help create communities where people with hidden disabilities feel recognised, supported, and respected.
Every conversation helps move inclusion forward.