This email is about the Sunflower Program. The training involves watching a brief (10-min) video.
There is also information below about ushering at the concert(s).
Sunflower Program
As part of our commitment to making Big Sing for a Big Cause 2025 an inclusive and accessible experience, we’re inviting participants to engage with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which is supported here at ACU.
The Sunflower Program is a simple, internationally recognised initiative that helps people with non-visible disabilities; such as neurodivergence, anxiety, chronic illness, sensory sensitivities, or learning differences; discreetly indicate that they may benefit from additional time, support, or understanding.
There are a few ways you can choose to be involved:
· Wear a green Sunflower lanyard if you have a hidden disability and feel it would be helpful to let others know you may appreciate a little extra support during rehearsals or performances. Participation is entirely optional, and lanyards are available upon request.
· Become a Sunflower Champion by completing a short online training module (approx. 10 minutes). Champions wear a white lanyard and act as approachable support people for lanyard wearers, offering assistance, answering questions, or simply being a friendly presence.
· Lead Champions will be identified within each participating ensemble. These volunteers will help coordinate Champion efforts, support distribution of lanyards, and act as a point of contact at rehearsals and events. If you attend regularly and are interested in taking on this role, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’d like to wear a lanyard, become a Champion, or help lead these efforts within your ensemble, we’re here to support you.
Learn more:
ACU Student Info – Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Website
ACU Access and Disability Service – General Info
If you’d like to request a lanyard, complete the Champion training, or express interest in being a Lead Champion, please reach out. We’re excited to continue building a supportive, welcoming space for everyone involved in Big Sing for a Big Cause.
Big Sing participants with further questions about the Sunflower Program should contact (choir member) Ruby Mansell, rubyjmansell@gmail.com
USHERS
If you are available at one or both concerts to usher (and then stay to watch the concert!), please contact (choir member) marian.jenkinson@gmail.com, who is the Front of House Manager. Note: We would like all ushers to complete the Sunflower Program training and wear the lanyard (which we will provide).
Performances:
Fri 27 June, 7-8:30PM (St Patrick's Cathedral)
Sat 28 June, 6-7:30PM (Preston Market)
I expect the ushers would need to arrive at least an hour prior to the performances but Marian will provide further instructions.