From the young people’s art work to their spoken word, young people across the city shared their experiences, their feelings and what they want others to know about them and their hidden disabilities. Launched on May 21st 2024, the three posters were produced by a creative designer (Lindy) from Leeds City Council, based on the themes of the young people’s art work and spoken word. We encourage partners to order and display these posters to raise awareness of hidden disabilities as well as join in the social media campaign!
Communication pack & posters
Background to the final posters
Social Media Graphics to use
Schools assembly / training resources
Please download and view the resources by clicking below or order physical copies for your setting by visiting the public health resource centre. Complete and return the order form to phrc.forms@leeds.gov.uk, you will need to register here if you haven’t already ordered resources from the Public Health Resource Centre.
We are inviting you to share the campaign using your communication channels throughout any key disability awareness dates such as Autism awareness day, Disability Pride Month, etc. Wording can be found below, and images are available to use here.
Social Media Suggested Text
Facebook / Instagram: Today, we are amplifying the ‘Raising Awareness of Hidden Disabilities – What young people want you to know’ campaign to show young people with SEND that Leeds cares! The campaign showcases the voices of young people with SEND who want to be understood, celebrated and accepted. It’s the perfect way to mark Disability Pride!
We are amplifying the ‘Raising Awareness of Hidden Disabilities’ campaign to show young people with SEND that Leeds cares! The campaign showcases the voices of young people with SEND who want to be understood, celebrated and accepted.
As part of a project to raise awareness of hidden disabilities in Leeds, the words and drawings of young people have been captured in a series of eye-catching, informative, and refreshingly honest posters. Young people with hidden disabilities have bravely shared their challenges, giving an insight into what may be going on ‘beneath the surface’, as well as celebrating their unique and amazing qualities. Alongside the posters, an awareness session has been created – a friendly challenge to our potential unconscious biases and a reminder for us to treat others with empathy.
For the young people in this project, public awareness and a deeper understanding what may be going on beneath the surface for those with hidden disabilities is key to tackling the stigma. How do we raise awareness?
The project…
As part of our work towards improving Wish 12, we are working to make Leeds a more inclusive city.
In Autumn 2023, we visited five settings with art materials sponsored by Merrion Centre to understand what young people wanted to share. The five settings were John Jamieson East SILC, St John’s School, Horsforth School, Brigshaw Academy (16+) and the SEND Youth Council to find out what they would like to share with others about their disabilities, what makes them unique, and how we can make a difference.
We spoke to young people about what this means to them and a clear message was around raising awareness of disabilities, particularly hidden disabilities – where the disability may not be obvious just by looking at the person.
This kickstarted an art project, asking young people “How can Leeds be more inclusive to those with hidden disabilities?”, so that children and young people are not feeling judged. The artwork created by young people has been developed into 3 posters, which will be displayed around Leeds in places such as community hubs and libraries with the aim of raising awareness. Pictures from the launch at Merrion Centre below:
There are 12 Child Friendly Leeds wishes. These 12 wishes were refreshed in 2022 and represent the voices of 80,000 children and young people from across Leeds.
increase awareness of different disabilities through the Local Offer and projects
more activities and places to go that are accessible
The long-term priorities are:
more awareness and understanding of different disabilities through developing child-friendly posters about disabilities with CYP and adapting the NHS England SEND training framework for Leeds.
more activities and places to go that are accessible to all through highlighting which parks are accessible on leeds.gov website and using disability register data to tailor activities in local areas.
Information on the disabilities highlighted through this project…
The young people who participated in this project, represented a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities – they are listed below. For more information around any of these needs, please visit the Leeds Local Offer page.
This list includes needs which were represented by the young people who took part in this project, meaning it does not cover all needs/disabilities. If you don’t see anything here that represents your individual needs, please visit the Leeds Local Offer page where more needs/disabilities are covered.
The artwork by young people, alongside the posters inspired by their work were displayed in a unit at The Merrion Centre for the launch from Saturday 18 May – Friday 24 May, where schools and partners are invited to view.
Over a year ago Sadiya from the Child Friendly Leeds team and Kayleigh from Leeds Youth Voice began conversations with Charlotte Daisy from from Merrion Centre and Town Centre Securities PLC. They provided funding towards the original art project and vouchers for all those children who took part, to thank them for expressing themselves openly about a personal topic.
Growing up I suffered with Dyslexia. I found it hard to express myself. In my head I knew exactly what I wanted to say but voicing it was always a challenge. Now, having myself struggled through school and university exams, I feel there is a need to help and encourage children with hidden disabilities and disorders like mine.
That said, each child is unique and there is no one size fits all criteria. We need to peel back the layers and listen to our next inspiring generation and tailor our help to their specific needs.
On this project I was really amazed at the work of these students. They were bright, enthusiastic, talented, and most importantly they all shared a common goal in trying to overcome the challenges posed by their hidden disabilities. It was truly inspiring.
Charlotte-Daisy Leeming, Head of ESG, Town Centre Securities PLC
Some of the young people created ‘spoken word’ pieces to express their thoughts and feelings. These have been recorded and can be heard in this video.
The Hidden Disability Sunflower..
This project ties in with the global initiative, the ‘Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’.
“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.”
In other words, wearing the sunflower lanyard can tell others around you that you have a hidden disability, which may affect the way you interact with things around you.
