Variety Ireland launch new partnership at Clare's Cliffs of Moher
ONE OF Ireland’s largest and oldest charities, Variety announced the launch of its partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at the Cliffs of Moher.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for people to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent and that the person may need a helping hand, understanding, or a little more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
Variety Ireland provides direct help to children and young people throughout the 32 counties of Ireland up to their 19th birthday, who are living with illness, disability or financial disadvantage.
The Charity will step in where statutory healthcare, support and funding ends to ensure that children have the support they need to reach their potential and thrive, regardless of their health, mobility, abilities and economic background.
Working together, Variety and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower want to raise awareness of non-visible disabilities amongst children in Ireland. It is really important to recognise that there are well over 1200 different non-visible disabilities, and not all of these originate from birth. Some are acquired as children grow and develop, and others are as a result of illness or injury. Variety Ireland recognises all types of disability, and so it was really important to the team at Variety to partner with an organisation sharing their inclusive values.
The launch was welcomed by Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Also present were Senator Roisín Garvey, Deputy Violet Anne Wynne, Derek O’Neill, CEO Variety Ireland, Paul White, CEO Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Tristan Casson-Rennie, Regional Director, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Ireland & Northern Ireland.