Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network launch
Date of release: 30 January 2025
A network which supports people with hidden disabilities has been launched at a Black Country Trust.
Kerry Flint and Alan Duffell with the lanyards and badges
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) has become the latest member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.
This means that staff with a hidden disability can wear a sunflower lanyard or wristband to make their disability visible to those around them.
The sunflower is globally recognised as a tool for voluntarily sharing that the wearer has an invisible disability. It is hoped this will remove the language barrier, and by wearing it, it lets everyone know the wearer might need an offer of support, understanding, or more time.
Hidden disabilities include autism, mental health, acquired/traumatic brain injury, sensory processing, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, partial sight and hearing loss.
Kerry Flint, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at RWT, said: “Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately apparent to others.
“This can make it hard for some people to understand and believe that someone with a ‘non-visible’ condition genuinely needs support.
“Some people question whether you have a disability because "you don't look like you have a disability", or will pass judgement should you look to use a disabled toilet but are physically mobile, for example.
“That is why the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created - to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding.”
Staff across the Trust are now undergoing training to ensure everyone understands what the sunflower means – ensuring the Trust is a disabled-friendly place for all its employees.
Alan Duffell, Group Chief People Officer, said: “As a Trust we are committed to supporting all of our staff, and being an ally to those living with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
“As part of our workforce disability equality standard, we want to make sure that our staff are well informed as to what the sunflower badge means, and how we can all do our bit to help.
“We hope this will help to build a better, fairer and more inclusive organisation for those who are diversely abled – one where people don’t make quick judgements or discriminate. Instead, to encourage people to speak out against injustice, and take action to make sure this organisation is accessible for all. I think this is a positive step towards making that happen.”
Kim Kinsella, Research and Development Workforce Development Manager and Chair of the Trust’s Neurodiversity Employee Voice Group, said: “As a sunflower wearer, I feel it’s fantastic the Trust has joined the scheme.
“Wearing my badge provides me with a discrete way of letting my colleagues know I have hidden disabilities and can find things challenging, without having to go into detail.”
Learn more about Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
