Hundreds Of Colourful Umbrellas Have Appeared In Liverpool City Centre

Although the weather doesn’t always show it, summer is here and the Umbrella Project are back for their fifth year. Suspending 200 multi-coloured umbrellas high above Church Alley, the project is here to raise awareness and understanding of ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions.

The canopy of bright red, blue, green, yellow, and orange umbrellas located in front of the Bluecoat has returned as part of the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity’s famous Umbrella Project. Launching on June 24, the project installation will remain in place on Church Alley until late August.

Schools across the Liverpool City Region have also signed up to create their own mini umbrella displays, highlighting neurodiversity in children and young people and educational settings. More installations are set to launch throughout July in Cheltenham, Bracknell, Stoke, Glasgow and Lisburn as well as multiple national participating schools.

The 2022 Neurodiversity Umbrella Project launches first in Liverpool today thanks to @EY_UKI @EY_CareersUK @EY_Foundation Tomorrow Aberdeen, next week Cardiff, Cheltenham, Bracknell, Stoke, Glasgow & Lisburn☂️ @WitherslackGrp @HeathrowAirport @AbdnInspired @DoITProfiler pic.twitter.com/DmBrpsIGmu

— The Neurodiversity Charity ADHD Foundation (@ADHDFoundation) June 24, 2022

Invented by Liverpool-based ADHD Foundation – the largest ‘user-led’ ADHD agency in Europe – the umbrella installation aims to flip the narrative of neurodiverse individuals, and instead, recognise the strengths and ability of those with cognitive differences. The idea for the Umbrella Project was born from the concept that ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia sit under the ‘umbrella’ term of neurodiversity.

Dr Tony Lloyd, Chief Executive of ADHD Foundation, said: “Like the ADHD Foundation itself, the Umbrella Project first began right here in Liverpool. Whilst the campaign continues to receive global attention and grow beyond all expectation, we are proud to launch our 2021 Umbrella Project in our home city for the fourth year.

“Through our work, we have seen first-hand how local schools are leading the way by championing a curriculum fit for the 21^st century that celebrates the gifts and talents of every neurodiverse child and young person. Seeing so many schools across the Liverpool City Region take part in their own umbrella projects this year is testament to the strides that have been made.”

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Dr Lloyd added: “The word ‘neurodiversity’ is an umbrella term for the many neurodiverse conditions that 1 in 5 people live with, hence how the idea for the Umbrella Project was born. When we first launched this small project back in 2017, we were unprepared for the massive impact it was going to have – nationally and internationally.

“By raising awareness and understanding, the project celebrates the remarkable contribution neurodiverse individuals make to our economy, our education system, our personal relationships and our lives. ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity is actively working to change how the world views neurodiversity, and every Umbrella Project is yet another step forward in achieving this.”