Brentford signs up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network to better support fans and staff with non-visible disabilities.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is for people with non-visible disabilities to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that they may need additional support or more time in public spaces.
Globally one in six people live with a disability. Of those, up to 80 per cent are invisible; that is over one billion people who are living with a non-visible disability.
These can be temporary, situational or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive, neurodevelopmental, physical, and sensory, including visual, auditory, and processing difficulties. The list is extensive and extends to respiratory, rare diseases and chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
The initiative includes lanyards and pins branded with the distinctive Sunflower symbol, which discreetly indicates that the wearer may require additional support, help or a little more time.
The club offers disabled facilities, including toilets and lifts. The Sunflower provides a visual queue that, although people with disabilities are not always immediately apparent, club staff can recognise and support fans wearing the Sunflower quickly and with ease.
Kaammini Chanrai, Brentford’s equity and inclusion director, said:
“Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network is important to us at Brentford, both in supporting our fans and staff at Gtech Community Stadium and those who visit our retail store.
“Football is for everyone, and we want to provide the best experience for our fans. Our Brentford Disability Supporters' Association was recently formed to promote the needs and interests of our disabled supporters.
"We recognise that not all disabilities are visible and joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network is an important step towards greater inclusivity and accessibility for the club’s community."
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, added:
“We are delighted to welcome Brentford to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. I know that Brentford is at the heart of its community, welcoming families and people of all ages into its ground every week. The sunflower gives supporters with non-visible disabilities the confidence to enjoy matchdays and really get behind their team.”
Fan-facing staff have been trained in how to provide support where required. The network will be utilised to support Brentford staff as well.
Free Sunflower merchandise is now available for fans in the Bees Superstore and will be across merchandise kiosks for the 2023/2024 season. Learn more about Brentford FC.