COMMUNITY STORIES

Here are some real-life examples of positive impact of the Sunflower.

"Someone asked me about mine at work on Friday. It was really nice because I don't talk about having a brain injury to many people at work and not many people know, so it felt good to talk. They were very understanding too and took an interest in it’

‘The Sunflower Lanyard creates a safe space for people to ask questions. One of the greatest fears that people have when having a conversation about disability is that they are going to get it wrong. In actual fact the greatest fear that disabled people have is that others are going to make assumptions about them because they are afraid to ask. People need to understand it's ok to sometimes get it wrong, and it's ok to talk about disability, it's how we all learn, grow and become more inclusive’. 

‘I wear the ribbon badge attached to my NEXT lanyard for work and other times I'll wear my sunflower lanyard. Some people have asked about it and wear the ribbon as it's still visible and a personal preference too’

‘I choose to wear a sunflower pin badge instead (personal preference). It has opened up conversations with a few people including senior management so still has the desired affect of letting people know about your disability/allyship’

‘Wearing the Sunflower Lanyard has made our customers feel more comfortable when they have entered our stores wearing them. It makes our customers feel seen, rather than ignored’.  

‘The Sunflower pin has made me feel less isolated as a disabled person. Knowing there are people who work for NEXT who are similar to me, gives me hope that as a disabled person I am not alone'. 

This marks a year where we take time to celebrate the fabulous purpose of wearing the sunflower lanyard which has made NEXT more inclusive to others. Treating them equal and making groups more diverse. It has been a very moving year with a lot of transformation where disabled people have tried to advocate for themselves and others, giving themselves a voice in the workplace. There has also been groups dong virtual workshops or face to face meetings to understand the policy requirements, being person centred and creating a safe space. Some disabilities are not always obvious or visible. 

The amazing idea of creating a nationally recognised way for disabled people to start a conversation is fantastic. We all use different communication methods with regards to our additional needs. As an organisation we need to work together to get a bigger picture of understanding, especially as some disabled people are non verbal. As a community we try every day to overcome the many different challenges and this is usually achieved in our own unique way. The Sunflower helps with that!

The source of my inspiration and the reason for what I do is my family and the members of the Able Community. My Nan in particular made it ok for me to be me, a bit quirky, very rebellious and this need to ensure social justice for all.
NEXT has a whole community of talented people who are cheering the company on to be the very best for all staff and customers by just seeing something from a different perspective. That is what Able is all about!

We are all different, whether disabled, carer or not, and all have a place to share their thoughts, ideas, feelings, building on that community spirit.

From a young age I was engaged in group activities and helped and encouraged in these teams and extra curricular activities. It has been the people who were kindest and helped ensure everyone who wanted to participate was included in the fairest possible ways who are the most memorable in having inspired me or being a positive influence on my life.

The ballet teacher who taught me from when I moved to Norwich just before age 6 until she retired when I was 17 was one of these people. Ballet was a constant in my life. It had a structure and a routine although I loved to improvise as no need to remember the order of the steps! From initial classes lasting less than an hour to eventually spending around 5 hours a week being included in some sort of ballet related activity meant that she got to really try to understand her students from seeing them from week to week and watching them grow and develop and getting to know their strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes.

Another one of the activities that I am still involved in now that challenges me but I have been encouraged and supported in is being a part of Girlguiding. I have been involved in Girlguiding in one way or other for most of my life. A lot has chopped and changed over that time but there has always been people who I could count on standing by my side. I have been given opportunities (just to name a few) to attend large scale camping jamborees, perform in front of an audience of thousands, take part in historical re-enactment heritage events and complete Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

From a young age my curiosity and desire to understand how things work set me apart. This drive, combined with my unique neurodivergent perspective, blossomed into a remarkable ability to learn, adapt, and empower others.

I transformed personal challenges into strengths, not only mastering new technologies but also using them to bridge gaps for those who struggled. My dedication to learning and empathetic approach made me a natural ambassador and a valuable source of support.

Even as the complexities of the adult world presented new hurdles, my curiosity and willingness to seek help to overcome them. Each new skill acquired became a source of pride and had a huge impact on me.

Everyone should have a personal support system, even if they don't realise it. It's taken me years to acknowledge and actively shape mine, outside of work and medical professionals.

Why have one? It improves mental and potentially physical health, offers belonging, security, resilience, self-esteem, confidence and reduces stress.

Over the last year, I actively identified my support system. Therapy workbooks prompted me to list potential people and evaluate past support experiences.

Family was the first category. I assessed who provided helpful support (and how) versus those who didn't (like an uncle good for practical help but not emotional).

My partner is a key support: helping with studies, finances, social isolation, and physical health.

Friendships evolved. Lockdown changed things, but reconnecting and new connections led to a small group of local and distant supportive friends, including my therapy group who regularly check in.

The Able community is another vital support network for daily advice, laughter, and encouragement, helping me come out of my shell.

Beyond my mother and husband, a close friend became a significant support after I reached out during his difficult time. We now have a strong, mutually supportive friendship.

I have three close, non-judgmental people who provide immense relief, love and hope. I encourage everyone to identify and appreciate their support system, as they are crucial to our wellbeing!