23 September 2023 - The Government of Jersey has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to make Jersey a Sunflower-friendly Island to raise awareness and support for Islanders with non-visible disabilities. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps people with disabilities that are not immediately obvious, such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, and visual or hearing impairment. The aim of the Sunflower is to help make the invisible visible.
The Government’s Disability and Inclusion team is raising awareness of non-visible disabilities by offering the Sunflower to anyone who wants to discreetly indicate to those around them that they need additional support, help or a little more time. To promote visibility and awareness of the Sunflower, a series of hidden disabilities training sessions has been offered to organisations on the island to recognise and support Sunflower wearers.
A celebration event is being held for islanders on King Street and Queen Street, St Helier, on 22 and 23 September. Activities include an interactive art exhibit, a scavenger hunt, face painting, an art competition, a Sunflower shop window competition and the opportunity to collect a free Sunflower lanyard.
Malcolm Ferery, Assistant Minister for Social Security said:
“It is important that we continue to raise awareness of the types of disabilities that people are living with. Having support in place to try and make it a bit easier for them to be understood is crucial. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is raising visibility on what these are and providing an opportunity to talk about them.
“I would also like to thank our core partners HSBC, Ports of Jersey, the Town Hall and the Coop for supporting this campaign. I am sure that the event taking place this weekend will bring the community together and make a positive difference.”
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
“We are delighted that Jersey has become a Sunflower-friendly Island. The benefit to people with non-visible disabilities is greatly enhanced by the collaborative approach the Jersey Government has employed. Bringing all stakeholders together to receive hidden disabilities training and committing to being a disability-inclusive Island means that Sunflower wearers who live or visit can enjoy all that Jersey offers.”
Sunflower lanyards are available from the St Helier Parish Hall, Customer Local Services at La Motte Street, the Jersey Library in St Helier or at Communicare St Brelade and the St Brelade’s Parish Hall.
Learn more about Government of Jersey by visiting their website.