Castle Quay in Banbury has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, with staff trained to support visitors who may need extra time, help or understanding while using the centre.
The shopping centre has introduced the scheme as part of its Mental Health Awareness Week activity, adding a recognised way for people with non-visible disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses to discreetly show that they may need support.
Castle Quay’s official page says its team has been trained to recognise and support people wearing the Sunflower, and that visitors can pick up a Sunflower lanyard from the customer service desk during their visit.
At a glance
What: Castle Quay has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.
Where: Castle Quay, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5UN.
Who it supports: Visitors with disabilities, health conditions or chronic illnesses that may not be immediately visible.
How it helps: The Sunflower lets people voluntarily indicate that they may need help, patience, clearer directions or more time.
Lanyards: Free Sunflower lanyards are listed as available at Castle Quay and can be collected from the customer service desk.
What the Sunflower symbol means
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a voluntary symbol for people whose disability or condition may not be immediately apparent. The official scheme describes it as a way for someone to show, discreetly, that they may need “a helping hand, understanding, or more time” in places such as shops, transport, workplaces and public spaces.
Castle Quay says examples of conditions that may not be visible include autism, chronic pain and hearing loss. The aim is not to single people out, but to give visitors a simple way to ask for a more patient and supportive experience if they choose to use it.
Staff trained to offer support
As part of the launch, Castle Quay said its customer-facing teams across security, customer service and housekeeping had completed official Sunflower training.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower says its training helps organisations understand what the symbol means, what non-visible disabilities are, and how staff should approach and support people wearing the Sunflower in an appropriate way.
Liz Swift, retail liaison manager at Castle Quay, said: “At Castle Quay, we are always looking at ways we can improve accessibility and create a more welcoming environment for all visitors.
“Launching the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme is an important step forward for the centre and reflects our commitment to ensuring customers with non-visible disabilities feel recognised, supported and included when visiting us.
“By providing Sunflower training to our teams, we are helping to create a more understanding environment where customers can feel confident accessing support if they need it.”
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week in Banbury
The launch forms part of Castle Quay’s wider Mental Health Awareness Week programme, called Rooted in Action. Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 runs from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 17, with the national theme focused on taking action to support good mental health.
Castle Quay’s programme includes workshops and pop-ups linked to wellbeing, community connection and local support. The centre says the events are free and no booking is required.
| Date | Activity | What is planned |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 12 | Orinoco Banbury and Oxfordshire Mind | A sustainable craft activity and information about local mental health resources. |
| Wednesday, May 13 | Banbury Therapy Group | A chance to speak to the group in a relaxed setting about professional therapy and support. |
| Thursday, May 14 | Banbury Community Garden seed swap | A nature-focused session linked to gardening, calm and community. |
| Friday, May 15 | Canal & River Trust pop-up | Information about local waterways and the wellbeing benefits of spending time by water. |
| Saturday, May 16 | RhythmWalk | A wellbeing session combining movement and music. |
| Sunday, May 17 | Wellbeing finale | A final session with Banbury Therapy Group and RhythmWalk. |
Useful visitor information
Address: Castle Quay, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5UN.
Access: The official Sunflower locator lists accessible parking spaces, an accessible toilet, level access, seating and a Changing Places toilet at Castle Quay.
Customer facilities: Castle Quay says its toilets, including disabled and Changing Places facilities, are behind the customer services desk near the Lock 29 tunnel from the South Car Park.
Getting there: Castle Quay says Banbury bus station is at the eastern end of the centre, with services connecting Banbury with Oxford and surrounding towns and villages. The centre is also around a 10-minute walk from Banbury railway station.
Parking: South Car Park and North 1 Car Park are open 24 hours, with free parking from 6pm to 7am.
Why it matters
For visitors with non-visible disabilities, busy public places can be harder to navigate if they need more time at a till, clearer directions, a quieter interaction or help from a member of staff. The Sunflower scheme gives people a recognised way to signal that need without having to explain their condition every time they ask for support.
For Castle Quay, the move adds to existing accessibility measures at the centre, including disabled parking, Changing Places facilities and customer service support. It also gives staff a clearer framework for offering help in a way that is respectful and non-intrusive.
More information is available through the Castle Quay Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme page.
FAQs
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
It is a voluntary symbol for people with a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent. Wearing it can indicate that someone may need support, understanding or more time.
Can visitors get a Sunflower lanyard at Castle Quay?
Yes. Castle Quay says visitors can pick up a Sunflower lanyard from the customer service desk, and the official Sunflower locator lists free Sunflower lanyards at the Banbury centre.
Do visitors have to explain their condition?
No one is required to use the Sunflower or share personal medical details. The scheme is voluntary and is designed to give people a discreet way to show that they may need help or time.
Are the Mental Health Awareness Week events free?
Castle Quay says its Rooted in Action events are free and no booking is required.
When is Mental Health Awareness Week 2026?
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 runs from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 17. The Mental Health Foundation says this year’s theme is action.
