North East Derbyshire District Council is delighted to announce it has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
By wearing the Sunflower, people have a discreet way of alerting staff that they may require additional assistance, support or time.
Hidden disabilities are disabilities that cannot be seen. This could be a sensory disability such as hearing loss, a neurological condition like autism, or mental health issues such as anxiety.
We have now trained all customer services staff at our Council headquarters in Wingerworth to recognise the scheme and the type of support staff can provide. The training has also been expanded to all our leisure staff, who will be fully trained before the sports centres re-open.
Cllr Mark Foster, Cabinet member for Council Services, said: “People who live with a hidden disability often face a number of challenges as they go about their daily lives.
“We are therefore delighted we have been able to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to give staff the training they need to recognise hidden disabilities and give customers the extra support they need when they visit our premises.”
Paul White, CEO Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted that North East Derbyshire District Council has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, and are committing to training their staff and raising awareness in the community.
“Residents with hidden disabilities will feel supported that the Sunflower will be recognised, and that they will be met with kindness, understanding and patience.”
The logo is a simple Sunflower image on a green background and since launching in 2016, over two million Sunflower lanyards have been supplied to businesses and individuals worldwide!
- For more information, including all the sunflower merchandise available and how to join the Sunflower, visit hiddendisabilitiesstore.com