Our trust is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, introduced at St Mary's Hospital by the DisAbility Staff Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team.
From Monday 27 April 2026, patients with a non‑visible (hidden) disability can collect a Sunflower lanyard or badge free of charge from PALS in the main entrance at St Mary's Hospital.
Wearing a Sunflower lanyard or badge is a discreet way for patients to indicate that they may need additional support, understanding, or more time during their visit. Staff who see the Sunflower symbol are encouraged to offer help in a respectful and considerate way.
Patients who are not wearing a Sunflower lanyard or badge can still ask any member of staff for support or reasonable adjustments at any time.
We offer a Sunflower training programme for staff to support understanding of non-visible disabilities. Following completion, staff can demonstrate their commitment by signing a pledge and wearing a white Sunflower badge as allies and supporters.
What is the Sunflower?
The Sunflower is a global initiative that supports inclusive practice. A non‑visible disability can make everyday activities more challenging. Patients and staff who have a non‑visible disability may wear a Sunflower lanyard or badge to discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, help, or more time.
Examples of non‑visible disabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Sensory: deafness, sight loss, speech difficulties
- Neurodiversity: dyslexia, autism, dyspraxia
- Physical health: mobility impairments, respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD
- Mental health conditions
- Neurological conditions: PoTS, fibromyalgia, Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
We recognise that not everyone with a non‑visible disability requires additional support, and not everyone who requires additional support will choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard or badge.
Staff training and commitment
The Sunflower training is available to all staff via ESR (Electronic Staff Record). Through this training, health professionals, wards and departments learn how to support patients and colleagues with non‑visible disabilities. On completion, staff sign a pledge and wear a white Sunflower badge to demonstrate their commitment as allies and supporters.
What patients can expect
Patients wearing a Sunflower lanyard or badge can expect:
- Awareness from staff that they may require extra time or support
- A respectful and considerate approach to offering help
- Signposting to useful resources where appropriate
Patients can also choose to purchase Sunflower products directly from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.
For more information about the Sunflower scheme or the support available at our hospital, please contact the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team: pho-tr.
