What is the Milton Keynes Umbrella Project?
- Since 2019, the ADHD Foundation has installed vibrant umbrella displays in public spaces across the UK, including Liverpool, Aberdeen, and Heathrow.
- These installations are designed to spark conversations and enable cities like ours to show that we champion difference and we aspire to be more inclusive. They provide a bold and colourful platform for us to recognise and celebrate Neurodiversity.
- The MK Umbrella Project is underpinned by the recognition that all people are valid and valuable, regardless of having different ways of engaging in the world.
- With an installation of 400 umbrellas, ours is the largest display in the UK to date.
Educate • Advocate • Celebrate
In 2025 we’re delighted to have brought this stand-out display of colour to Milton Keynes where it was showcased in Midsummer Place.
- To Educate – through providing more knowledge, myth-busting and sharing lived experiences
- To Advocate – by reframing perspective and shifting the narrative to acceptance and support
- To Celebrate – by shining a light on strengths and the positives of difference.
What is Neurodiversity?
‘Neuro’ = brain and ‘Diversity’ = a range of difference and varieties.
So like the different umbrellas, it symbolises all of the different and unique ways that we all act, think, respond and feel. Neurodiversity is a collective term for every single one of us!
This means we are all neurodiverse
One of the aims of the MK Umbrella Project, is to improve the acceptance and understanding of neurodivergence – an umbrella term to describe individuals whose minds or cognitive functioning means they may think, learn or act differently.
There are many types of neurodivergence, they include: Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourettes Syndrome, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia.
The MK Umbrella Project recognises that all types of people are valid and valuable, regardless of having different ways of engaging in the world.
The Neurodiversity Movement is a social justice movement that seeks rights, equality and inclusion for neurodivergent people and an end to marginalisation. It began in the US in the late 1990’s, when honoring different brain types and accepting people for who they are was first cited.
On the Day
Podcasts
If you missed any of the speakers from the launch event, do not worry, you can listen to them all back here:
You will be able to listen to local people and their experiences with neurodiversity including inspiring messages from:
- Jane Lambert – Project Lead and CEO of Makewell Clinic.
- Simon Martin – General Manager of Midsummer Place – Our host and headline sponsor
- Cllr Maie Bradburn – The Mayor of Milton Keynes
- Chris Curtis – MP (Milton Keynes North)
- Dennis Murray – The Assistant Chief Constable
- Ife Thomas – Motivational speaker, author and coach
- Hester Grainger – Co-founder of Perfectly Autistic
- Bekka Prideaux – Founder of The Curious Choice
- Dr Lyndsey Roberts – Interim CEO The ADHD Foundation
- Nikki Ross – Retired ACC for Thames Valley police and late diagnosed with ADHD.
- Caitlin Smith – Education professional diagnosed with Autism as an adult.