When it comes to celebrating neurodiversity, Bedford Borough Council in partnership with Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum has got it covered – with the arrival of dozens of umbrellas of all different colours, high above the streets of Bedford.
One in five people in the UK has a neurodevelopmental condition, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or Tourette’s syndrome. These conditions, and a number of others, fall under the umbrella term of neurodiversity. The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project lead by ADHD Foundation is a colourful visualisation of the unique and wonderful talents within our community, representing of all the different minds in Bedford Borough.
Throughout April and May there will be multiple events taking place in the Borough to raise awareness of neurodiversity, culminating in a Festival of Inclusion at Russell Park, on Saturday 24 May, to kick-off the fourth Summer of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
How can I support the project?
- To find out more about neurodiversity and the support available across Bedford please visit https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/directory/site.page?id=6l3H1vvsSsk
- Everyone across the Borough is being encouraged to join in the fun. Grab a selfie under the umbrellas and email local.offer@bedford.gov.uk by Friday 9 May to contribute it to the final montage shared at the Festival of Inclusion.
- Join in with Umbrella Treasure Hunt, with 10 mini-umbrellas hidden around town – find them all and win a prize.
- Or you can simply share Bedford Borough Council social media posts to raise awareness.
To keep up to date with all the events taking place across Bedford Borough over the coming weeks, and months, visit Bedford Borough Local Offer website https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/
Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services said; “This is the biggest, brightest way of showing how much we want to celebrate all people in our Borough, and to provide opportunities for everyone.
“We are determined to provide ever more opportunities for neurodivergent people and families in Bedford Borough and ensure they know that they are a key part of the community. The Umbrella installation shows how, when we create spaces where everyone feels included and able to be themselves, we can build a stronger and happier future for everyone.”
Kerri Rennie, chair of the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum said; “By being truly inclusive and embracing all the differences we have strengthens our community; many of our future problems will be solved by people who think differently. When we thrive as individuals, we thrive as a community.”
The umbrellas will remain on display until Friday 22 May.
To find out more about Neurodiversity and the support available across Bedford there are a host of groups and online resources available.
Links
ADHD Foundation https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/events-and-webinars/neurodiversity-umbrella-project/
Bedford Borough Local Offer website https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/ with links at the bottom of the page for social media
Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum info https://www.bbpcf.co.uk/