The sunflower image enables people to indicate they have non-visible condition reports Egle Rameikaite

Volunteer Dilesh Tanna wearing his Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard

A Barnet health centre has launched a new initiative to improve the healthcare experience of staff, patients and members of the public with a non-visible disability.

Central London Community Healthcare Trust (CLCH) started using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at Edgware Community Hospital Walk-in Centre earlier this month, after the idea was suggested by CLCH volunteer and patient representative, Dilesh Tanna.

Originally created in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol enables people to access the support they need by discreetly letting those around them know that they have a non-visible condition.

Dilesh, who himself has a hidden disability said, “The sunflower lanyard usually grabs someone’s attention, letting them know that you have a hidden disability.

“At first, I was very much hesitant in wearing this lanyard, before I got reassurance from my parents as to why I should be wearing it. They suggested that there is no harm in wearing this and it may lead to better help from people, especially professionals.

“In one instance I had worn the lanyard on the underground and a stranger gave up his seat, just because he recognised the lanyard I was wearing.”

Visitors and staff members of the Walk-in Centre can now request a sunflower lanyard for free from the reception. Alternatively, people can purchase a sunflower item from Hidden Disabilities Store. Staff at the centre will provide a helping hand, understanding, or more time to visitors wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

The initiative was positively evaluated by Inclusion Barnet, Peer-Led Charity and Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO). The CEO for Inclusion Barnet, Caroline Collier, said, “It’s encouraging to learn that Edgware Community Hospital Walk-in Centre is striving to make health services more accessible. Our hope is that this becomes a meaningful step toward reducing health inequalities for those whose access needs are less apparent.”

Kathleen Isaac, North Central Divisional Director of Operations at Central London Community Healthcare Trust said: ‘’We are delighted to launch this project at Edgware Community Hospital Walk-in Centre as it reflects our commitment to improving access for people with a disability.’’

The initiative is being piloted at Edgware Community Hospital Walk-in Centre and the Trust will look to roll out the sunflower initiative across more clinics, centres and community hospitals in London and Hertfordshire during the year.

Non- visible disabilities range from neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental to physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties. If you have a hidden disability, you can opt to use a personalised Sunflower card to identify your individual access needs. Visit Hidden Disabilities Store for more info.

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