Member Article

Celebrated art installation Umbrella Project returns to Liverpool for summer

Brightly coloured umbrellas have returned to a Liverpool city centre street as part of an initiative to raise awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism.

Devised by ADHD Foundation, the Umbrella Project launches today (June 28) over Church Alley (in front of the Bluecoat), and celebrates the gifts, talents and employability of those with ADHD, autism and other neuro-developmental disorders. Every umbrella has been signed by a child stating ‘My Super Power is….’ as part of a wider education programme with participating schools St Sebastian’s and St Cuthbert’s Catholic primary schools, Dovecote Primary School, Clare Mount Specialist Sports College on the Wirral, and Pontville School in Ormskirk.

It follows the phenomenal success of last year, when the Umbrella Project first appeared on Church Alley becoming the most Instagrammed street in the city during the summer. The art installation has also launched today at BBC North at MediaCityUK, Salford Quays, as the initiative expands across the North West region.

Dr Tony Lloyd, chief executive of ADHD Foundation, said:

“ADHD and autism are ‘umbrella terms’, hence the Umbrella Project was created back in 2017. We were overwhelmed by the reaction it had last summer - and it is by popular demand that it is back in 2018!

“The objective is to highlight the skills and “super powers” of children with neuro-developmental disorders - society’s “invisible disabilities” that can lead to unfair stigma and prejudice. We want to raise awareness and kick start a conversation about how we can best improve the outcomes for these talented young people as they enter into adult life.”

Dr Emma Derbyshire, public health nutritionist and advisor to Equazen, lead sponsor of the Umbrella Project, said:

“The ADHD Foundation Umbrella Project is a really inspirational initiative that Equazen is part of. As a project, it illustrates the complexity and broad spectrum of behavioural issues associated with ADHD - and the need for a range of treatment options and support. Equazen is one of the few companies to fund research into omega-3 supplementation. Like myself, they know how life-changing it can be to find an effective therapy.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:

“This is a fantastic initiative which I wholeheartedly support. Liverpool City Council is fully committed to supporting the education, mental health and employability of people with ADHD and autism. Raising awareness is fundamental in promoting the general public’s understanding of ADHD. With half a million children across the country being affected by the condition, and many going completely undiagnosed, it is more important now than ever that as a city we lead the way in doing everything we can to support them.

“I want Liverpool to truly be an ADHD and autism friendly city. We have to work together to remove the barriers that are preventing people from being able to reach their true potential. The Umbrella Project is a great way of showing that commitment and generating a conversation about the issue.”

Luciana Berger, MP for Liverpool Wavertree and president of Labour Campaign for Mental Health, said:

“ADHD Foundation’s Umbrella Project is a fantastic way to raise awareness of ADHD and autism. I’m delighted that they are building on the success of last year to bring this inspirational and colourful initiative back to Liverpool for the summer.”

Sponsor Cash for Kids charity manager, Carole Clare, said:

“We were delighted when Tony approached us to get involved with this campaign. As a grant giving charity who supports many local children’s organisations for a variety of different needs we felt this was a fantastic initiative and fulfilled our criteria perfectly. We have recently completed our fundraising Super Hero Day so we were able to use some of the funds raised from this to support the campaign. It was just a perfect fit.”

The Umbrella Project comes thanks to the support of sponsors Equazen, makers of clinically proven brain health omega 3 & 6 supplements, Liverpool City Council, The Witherslack Group Alternative Education Providers, Cash for Kids, and Printkick.

There are over 500,000 school age children with ADHD in the UK and over 60,000 children with autism. The foundation aims to promote and improve the mental health outcomes, educational attainment, employability, social inclusion and life chances of children, young people and adults affected by ADHD through early intervention, with a range of training and therapies.

Businesses in Liverpool City Region can get involved with the Umbrella Project by sponsoring an umbrella for just £100, which will buy a whole programme of support for families. To sponsor an umbrella call Paula Stock, business development manager at ADHD Foundation, on 0151 237 2661.

For further information about ADHD Foundation visit www.adhdfoundation.org.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter @ADHDFoundation #UmbrellaProject #whatsyoursuperpower #umbrellas

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Richards .