In December 2024, the Newtownmountkennedy Community Forum launched their “Sunflower Lanyard Awareness Campaign”, an information campaign to help unite the community and spread awareness of hidden disabilities.
What is the sunflower lanyard?
The sunflower lanyard is a worldwide recognized symbol of hidden disabilities. It is a simple tool for people to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces. It can be worn by anyone who would like service providers and the general public to be aware that they have a hidden disability.
Where can the Sunflower Lanyards be found?
They are available, free of charge, from the following locations:
- The Post Office
- Fishers
- The Parkview Hotel
- Adrian Dunne Pharmacy
- The Pilates Studio
- Dunnes Stores
- The Primary Care Centre
- Newtownmountkennedy Area Sports Development
- Newtown Primary School
- Woodstock Educate Together School
- Cali Special class
- Eugenes Food Store
- Wicklow Wolf Taproom
If you see someone wearing the lanyard, please be kind and give them extra time or space. It may be the best thing you do that day and you never know the positive effect it could have on that person’s life.