The Caravan and Motorhome Club has become an official supporter of the global network, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, for members and guests who may have an invisible disability and need additional support or help during their stay at any one of the Club’s campsites and pop-up campsites across the UK.
Globally, one in seven people live with some form of disability.
While some experience a disability that is visible, a significant number of people have a non-visible disability, impairment or condition.
Wearing the Sunflower lanyard or badge discreetly indicates to people around the wearer that they need additional support, help or a little more time.
Staff across all directly managed Caravan and Motorhome Club locations have received training and can provide badges or lanyards to give to members who require them.
By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, it also allows the Club’s members and guests to find out the Access guides for campsites.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s head of strategic product development, Natasha Shane, said: “Our staff and volunteers have received training and can access valuable information on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website to improve their wider awareness of supporting our members and guests in need of extra help.
“By becoming a member of the Sunflower we are reinforcing the message that our Club is inclusive and our members and guests are very important to us, enabling them to have the most comfortable stay wherever they may be holidaying.”
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was developed in 2016 to raise awareness of invisible disabilities, and to reduce judgement and increase support for anyone that needs it.
People can choose to wear a lanyard that is clearly visible from a distance, featuring a Sunflower on a green background, which allows wearers to be subtly visible and encourages support and understanding from others.
Paul White, CEO at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted that the Caravan and Motorhome Club have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower global network.
“The Club is the embodiment of adventure and holidays. Now that they are part of the Sunflower network it means that Sunflower wearers with non-visible disabilities will be able to experience these memorable adventures and enjoy a break away from home.”
The Sunflower is now recognised globally ranging from retail transport including 130 airports, UK rail networks, travel, tourism and over 450 universities, schools and colleges.
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