20 September 2023
The Government of Jersey is supporting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative to raise
awareness and support for Islanders with hidden disabilities. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
initiative helps those with disabilities that are not immediately obvious such as autism, chronic pain,
dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment.
The aim of the Sunflower is to help make the
invisible, visible.
The Government’s Disability and Inclusion team is raising awareness of non-visible disabilities by
offering the Sunflower lanyard to anyone who wants to discreetly indicate to those around them
that they need additional support, help or a little more time.
To promote visibility and awareness for the Sunflower, an event is being held on King Street and
Queen Street. Whilst further training for businesses will take place on Friday 22 September, there
will be activities and opportunities for all Islanders to ask questions and get further information on
Saturday 23 September between 11am and 3pm at Charing Cross. Activities include an interactive
art exhibit, a scavenger hunt, face painting and much more.
Assistant Minister for Social Security, Deputy Malcolm Ferey said: “It is important that we continue
to raise awareness of the types of disabilities that people are living with. Having support in place to
try and make it a bit easier for people to be understood is crucial. The Hidden Disabilities
Sunflower is raising visibility on what these disabilities are and provides an opportunity to talk
about them openly and honestly.
“I would like to thank our core partners HSBC, Ports of Jersey, the Town Hall and the Coop for
supporting this campaign. I am sure that the event this weekend will bring the community together
to make a positive difference.”
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted that Jersey has become a
Sunflower-friendly Island. The benefit to people with non-visible disabilities is greatly enhanced by
the collaborative approach the Jersey Government has employed. Bringing all stakeholders
together to receive hidden disabilities training and committing to being a disability-inclusive Island
means that Sunflower wearers who live or visit can enjoy all that Jersey offers.”
Sunflower lanyards are available from St Helier Parish Hall, Customer and Local Services at La Motte
Street, the Jersey Library in St Helier or at Communicare, St Brelade, and the St Brelade’s Parish
Hall.
gov.je