Watford Town Centre BID unveiled a colourful art installation known as “The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project” on 27 July, raising awareness and celebrating all the different minds we have here in our community.
Our project featured on the BBC News homepage!
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the naturally occurring variations of the human brain – different human cognitive capabilities are expressed through unique talents, intelligence and the ability to think differently. The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project is an initiative introduced by the ADHD Foundation, the UK’s leading neurodiversity charity. Their mission is to create social change by working with agencies across all sectors to remove the cultural and systemic inequalities for neurodiverse people.
The colourful new landmark in the town was unveiled on Saturday 27 July, marked by a cutting of the ribbon ceremony. Watford Town Centre BID and the deputy Mayor of Watford, Aga Dychton, gave speeches about the importance of celebrating diversity in our town and supporting local businesses to become even more inclusive and welcoming.
The uplifting art installation adorned Queen’s Road from 27 July – 27 September and helped to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. Colourful umbrellas were strung together overhead with each display designed to represent the one in five of us who have a neurodevelopmental condition, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia or Tourette’s syndrome.
Our aim is to change the perception of neurodiversity and neurodivergent people locally, celebrating all the many strengths that come from thinking differently in our town.
