Cynon Valley Museum

Building a partnership for change

In November 2019 Cynon Valley Museum in partnership with local charity, Cynon Valley Pals, introduced the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme to the museum.

Originally implemented across airports, the scheme is a more discrete way for staff to acknowledge members of the public who may need additional support on their visit. The scheme was introduced to the museum by Cynon Valley Pals, who were advocating for its use across the community.

It was launched following a period of consultation and workshop sessions with the charity, with Cynon Valley Pals sharing their lived experiences and answering questions about the scheme.

The success of this launch has created a successful relationship with the charity. The museum has built on the scheme introducing sensory information into its galleries. The signs are designed to give an expectation of what is to come in the museum, reducing the anxiety of unknown spaces and potential for sensory overload.

Today the museum continues to work with Cynon Valley Pals as part of a project funded by the People’s Health Trust. The museum is working with local families supported by the charity whose voices will decide how the project unfurls, while developing new skills and continuing to engage with the museum and local community.

The partnership remains one of learning and exchange. Today we are continuing to learn and build upon best practices. Through this working partnership we have done more for the museum and the community than both could ever have done alone.