The DisAbility Staff Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team launched the Sunflower Scheme in conjunction with Hidden Disabilities in December 2022 at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
In April 2023, a training programme on the sunflower scheme was also launched, where health professionals can learn how they can support patients and colleagues that have a hidden disability. Upon completion of the training, staff demonstrate their commitment to supporting people who wear the sunflower by signing a pledge and wearing a white sunflower badge that shows they are allies and supporters of the scheme.
The Sunflower scheme is a global initiative aimed to support inclusive practices. A hidden disability can make daily life more challenging for those who have one. Patients and staff at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) that have a hidden disability may wear a sunflower lanyard or badge to discreetly indicate they may need additional support, help, or more time.
A hidden disability can include:
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Dyslexia
- Speech impediments
- Mobility impairment
- Autism
- Asthma
- COPD and breathing difficulties
- Mental health conditions
PHU recognises that not everybody who has a hidden disability requires additional support and not everybody who requires additional support will wear a sunflower lanyard or badge.
Patients can expect:
- an awareness from staff that you may wish extra time or support
- a respectful approach to offering you extra help
- signposting to useful resources that can help you further
The sunflower training scheme launched in 2023 and is available for all staff on ESR. Health professionals, wards, and departments will learn how they can support patients and colleagues that have a hidden disability. Upon completion of training, staff will demonstrate their commitment to supporting people who wear the sunflower by signing a pledge and will wear a white sunflower badge that demonstrates they are allies/supporters of the scheme.
Mark Orchard, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of the DisAbility Staff Network, said: "Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and DisAbility Staff Network are excited to launch the Sunflower Scheme across Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. A hidden disability can make daily life more challenging. Wearing a badge or lanyard discreetly indicates to people they may need additional support, help or more time.
"All staff, across all of the sites from which we provide care, will be invited to participate in training on how to support staff and patients with a sunflower lanyard or badge. Patients can expect awareness from staff that they may require extra time or support, and a respectful approach to offering extra help. It is important to us the scheme is embedded across all our Portsmouth Hospitals sites not least because it aligns with the Trust's vision of 'Working Together to drive excellence in care for our patients and communities' and our EDI strategy aim 'Work towards intentional inclusion.' Overall, ensuring we understand, value and respect everyone."
How to get a sunflower lanyard or badge
Patients will not be provided with a free Sunflower lanyard at the PHU. However nearby organisations do provide them for free.
- Tesco
- Sainsbury’s
- Marks & Spencer’s
- B&Q
Patients can also order a lanyard for £1 from the Hidden Disabilities Store at www.hiddendisabilities.com.
If you are not wearing a sunflower badge or lanyard and would like extra support or adjustment with your experience at PHU, please do not hesitate to ask any member of staff and they will be happy to help you.
If you would like to know more about the sunflower scheme and how we can help you, please contact the EDI team at EDI