The Umbrella Project is back raising awareness for ADHD

Following the success of last year’s installation, the Umbrella Project will return to Liverpool with hundreds of colourful umbrellas suspended over the city’s streets.

This year the art installation will also be coming to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays as the initiative to raise awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism expands. Launch date for both sites is June 28.

Devised by Liverpool-based ADHD Foundation, the Umbrella Project is promoting a whole school approach to neurodiversity. The project celebrates the gifts, talents and employability of those with ADHD, autism and other neuro-developmental disorders. Every umbrella will be signed by a child stating ‘My Super Power is….’ as part of a wider education programme with participating schools in Merseyside and Salford in a dynamic twin city project.

Businesses in Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester are invited to get involved with the Umbrella Project by sponsoring an umbrella for just £100, which will buy a whole programme of support for families.

This project has been brought to you by sponsors Equazen, makers of clinically proven brain health Omega 3 & 6 Supplements, Peel Holdings BBC MediaCityUK, Radio City Cash for Kids, The Witherslack Group Alternative Education Providers, Printkick, Liverpool City Council and Salford City Council.

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

“The objective of the project is highlight the gifts, talents and employability of children with neuro-developmental disorders and especially their employability. Our aim is to raise awareness and understanding and kick start a conversation about how we can improve outcomes for these children and young people.

“The campaign has already received backing from Liverpool City Council and Salford City Council, as well as some fantastic businesses and charities. If more businesses across the North West sponsor an umbrella their contribution will make a big difference to families and children with neuro-developmental disorders.”

ADHD Foundation Umbrella Project – Liverpool 9 – Children from St Oswald’s Primary School

Public health nutritionist and advisor to Equazen, Dr Emma Derbyshire notes:

“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.”

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.

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.