The number of organisations that recognise the Sunflower here in the UK has continued to increase with Greggs, nofitstate circus, Boots, ICTS, Deafblind Scotland, Anglesey Sea Zoo and Lothian Buses joining the fold. And Keflavik Airport is the latest airport to adopt the Sunflower!
East Sussex Healthcare Trust recently launched the Sunflower across their hospitals, clinics and surgeries. The Trust are the first organisation to create a Hidden Disability Sunflower Champion programme. In addition to supplying the Sunflower lanyard and training their colleagues to recognise the Sunflower and offer additional support, time and understanding, they are also asking colleagues to volunteer to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Champions. Each champion will receive more in-depth training and be responsible for the scheme within their specific area. So far, they have recruited 100 Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Champions.
Greggs the bakers now recognise the Sunflower lanyard across all stores nationwide having delivered training to all staff.
Vaccinations at the the Brighton COVID NHS Mass Vaccination Centre, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
With up to 3,000 vaccines administered a day, the Vaccination Centre situated in the Brighton Centre, is the largest hub in Sussex. Staff at the centre have received the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training and have been welcoming people through their doors since January.
With that many appointments every day it is a slick operation. While the pandemic has been incredibly difficult for everyone, we recognise that the vaccination process could present challenges for some people with hidden disabilities.
In her Sunflower Story, Clinical Nurse Manager, Susie explains why it is important that people with invisible disabilities feel at ease.
In recognising the Sunflower, staff at the Brighton Vaccination Centre are able to offer that extra time and understanding that people may require.
If you are still waiting to be called for your COVID-19 vaccination and would like to attend a Sunflower friendly vaccination centre, a list of those that recognise the lanyard can be found here
The Sunflower shines in Northwich
Northwich Business Improvement District has created an accessible and inclusive, Sunflower friendly town. As well as making the Sunflower lanyard available to anyone with a non-pbvious disability that would like to wear one, the funding partners: Northwich Business Improvement District, Northwich Town Council, Barons Quay and Rotary, will be distributing our Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training, raising awareness and encouraging all businesses within the BID to become members. Once businesses have completed the training, they will be provided with bespoke Sunflower friendly store stickers.
Northwich are also working with three charities in the town and with local schools to raise awareness of invisible disabilities. 1000 sunflower seeds will be made available to residents, which they can plant and grow into Sunflowers at home before charting the progress through social media.
To find out more about Northwich’s involvement in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, please click here.
Find businesses and organisations in your local area that recognise the Sunflower by entering your postcode here