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A three-part initiative has been launched in Medway to tackle discrimination against those with non-visible disabilities.
The Non-Visible Disability Initiative (NVDi) aims to work with local businesses, encouraging small changes and providing training courses to make the high street more accessible for those living with a disability.
Jadzia Samuel attended the launch event at Rochester Cathedral
Non-visible disabilities include health conditions such as Parkinson’s, autism or heart failure, all of which may not be immediately obviously to the general public.
Those with hidden disabilities can sometimes face challenges in accessing what they need when out and about, and this can have a big impact on their day-to-day life.
Phil Bungay, a Pride in Medway 2017 finalist from Chatham, helped launch the initiative after facing discrimination by local businesses owners.
He said: "I've been asked to leave premises because I was 'drunk' - actually I wasn't at all. I've just got Parkinson's."
He continued: "I've also been asked why I have the key for the disabled toilets because I don't look disabled.
"So that's why I wanted to put this together as someone who doesn't look disabled on the surface.
"Non-visible disabilities are just as important to me as visible ones."
The event at Rochester Cathedral was a jump start for the campaign, with many charities setting up stalls with information and training materials for local businesses in attendance.
Justin Tomlinson MP, Minister of State for disabled people, health and work also sent a video message providing an overview of the government’s strategy on non-visible disabilities.
Cllr David Brake (Con), representing the Walderslade ward, believes this is an important step for Medway Council to take.
He said: "It is very important because we in Medway are resolute that we want all of our residents to live long, healthy and good lives.
"We would like to ensure that people are more aware of what is required to support people with non-visible disabilities.
"To achieve that objective we need the help and support from organisations such as MidKent College and other charities."
MidKent College has teamed up with the Adult Education Centre to provide phase one of the three-step initiative.
In partnership they have created a training course to educate on a wide range of hidden disabilities - the course then leads to an NVQ qualification.
Becky Farley, commercial director at MidKent College said: "We're hoping that people will come away from the course feeling empowered about recognising non-visible disabilities, and how they can work with customers to make their service better for each individual.
"The course is aimed at adults who are already working in customer facing enviroments - retail, hospitality and leisure for example.
"It's all about building that relationship with the customer to allow them to have the best experience and could return to the business knowing there is an understanding there for non-visible disabilities."
The second phase of the initiative is the development of a smartphone app, highlighting disability access points and services across Medway.
The 'Medway Locals' app is being developed in association with the University of Greenwich and will be trialled in Rochester before a wider roll-out is announced.
The third and final stage of the initiative is an awareness course in association with the Alzheimer's Society, encouraging employers to enrol their staff onto a Dementia-Friends training course.
Again, this is being piloted in Rochester High Street and they aim to transform it into the first 'Dementia friendly' high street in Kent.
Linda Nicolai from the Medway Neurological Network said: "Many people with neurological conditions, especially in the early stages, do not show the symptoms that people associate with being disabled.
"Therefore, they may not be given seats on buses or trains, or help when they need it."
With nearly 11 million people living with a hidden disability in the UK, Medway Council hope that this initiative will lead the way in providing safer and more understanding environments for those who have faced so much discrimination in the past.
