The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme (HDSS) continues to build momentum across the Diocese, with May bringing a strong mix of parish visits, school engagement, and local planning for more inclusive and accessible communities.
During May, David Loving-Molloy, Leader and Advisor of Inclusiveness, travelled to Whanganui, Napier, Hastings, Foxton, Dannevirke, and New Plymouth as part of the diocesan rollout. In parishes, the focus is now shifting toward establishing HDSS Parish Forum Groups to promote inclusion and accessibility for people who experience disability. These groups are intended to help parishes identify who may need greater support, listen to their experiences, and explore how Mass and wider church life can become more welcoming and accessible. A key part of this work is ensuring that people who experience disability, including those who wear the green HDSS lanyard, are involved as leaders and advisors.
This is a diocesan-wide initiative, with parishes, schools, and faith communities all invited to take part. Among the primary schools David has visited, those preparing HDSS displays and introducing the white lanyards include St James, Our Lady of Lourdes, and St Mary’s in Palmerston North, along with St Mary’s Foxton, St Joseph’s Dannevirke, St Mary’s Hastings, and St Patrick’s Napier. At Our Lady of Lourdes School in Palmerston North, a HDSS display is already being set up as part of this growing commitment to visibility and welcome (photo below).
The HDSS is a global initiative that helps people with non-visible disabilities discreetly signal that they may need support, understanding, or assistance. The Diocese’s adoption of the scheme reflects its commitment to becoming a more welcoming and accessible Church, with more information available online for those who would like to learn more.
