The Umbrella Project – celebrating different minds

Visitors to Bracknell town centre can take in an artistic display of colourful umbrellas. This is to celebrate the strength and abilities of neurodivergent people this May.

The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project raises awareness and understanding of our cognitive and learning differences. It also celebrates the intelligence, talents and employability of everyone.

NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board, Bracknell Forest Council, The Lexicon and the Cambium Partnership, in partnership with the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, have worked together to bring the project to Braccan Walk North, where the umbrellas will be suspended for the next few weeks.  

It is part of a wider education campaign to create social change. It also hopes to improve career paths and life chances for neurodiverse individuals. It is about recognising and harnessing the positive skills and contributions they can bring to a workforce and the wider society.

Samina Hussain, Senior Transformation Lead for Children and Young People at NHS Frimley, said: The Umbrella Project is an uplifting visual representation of all the different minds we have in Bracknell and is a visual cue for people to start a conversation on neurodiversity. Whether it is tackling the stigma that people can face with invisible disabilities or celebrating and supporting those who think differently.”

The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project opened at The Lexicon on Thursday, 18 May.  Visitors can take a picture and use #umbrellaproject2023 on their social media.

To find out more on how to get involved visit the ADHD foundation website.