Building understanding, removing barriers, and supporting inclusion
Each month, the Sunflower focuses on a different non-visible disability to help build understanding, challenge stigma, and support inclusion.
This month’s focus is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood condition that can cause episodes of severe pain, tiredness and other health complications. SCD affects haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. It can cause periods of severe pain, anaemia, fatigue and other health complications, although experiences vary considerably from person to person.
It is a lifelong condition, but with access to appropriate healthcare, treatment and support, many people with SCD live active and fulfilling lives. People with Sickle Cell Disease may feel well at some times and need more support at others. Pain episodes can happen unexpectedly, and symptoms such as fatigue are not always visible to the people around them.
Everyone experiences SCD differently. Greater understanding, flexible environments and access to appropriate healthcare can help remove many of the barriers people face in everyday life.
Register for the webinar
An educational webinar for all Sunflower Members.
This webinar will explore Sickle Cell Disease, some of the non-visible effects people may experience, and the barriers that can arise in everyday life. It will help you better understand how pain, fatigue and other experiences can fluctuate, and how greater understanding, flexibility and appropriate support can make a difference.
The session will also look at practical ways to offer respectful support without making assumptions, recognising that every person experiences SCD differently.
Register for the webinar
Learn more about Sickle Cell Disease
Want to raise awareness across your business? We've created a Sickle Cell Disease Sunflower Index entry to explain the condition, some of the barriers people may experience, and ways to offer understanding and support.
Sickle Cell Disease can affect people in different ways, and someone's experiences and support requirements can change over time.
Sunflower personalised cards
Our personalised Sunflower cards allow individuals to quietly communicate what they want others to know, without needing to say a word.
These help reduce anxiety and allow individuals to move more confidently through public and professional spaces.
Keep an eye on the Sunflower shop for the latest cards.