The Umbrella Project - Celebrating neurodiversity in Milton Keynes

LMC supports The Umbrella Project to celebrate neurodiversity and promote inclusive, empathetic communication in the construction industry.

By Wing Tsang
14 Apr 2025

One of the things we pride ourselves on at LMC is being an inclusive employer. To do that successfully means a constant review of how we work and how we can support our team, whatever their background.

That’s one of the reasons that we’re backing The Umbrella Project, a large-scale art installation designed to represent and celebrate neurodiversity.

It features hundreds of brightly coloured umbrellas suspended overhead, each one symbolising a unique neurodivergent condition, including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

The installation aims to break down stigma, promote inclusivity, and encourage conversations about how we can support those who think differently.

“Neurodivergence isn’t always visible, and many people go through life without realising they’re neurodivergent. Others may struggle without the support they need simply because their differences aren’t obvious,” said Liz Male, managing director and founder of LMC.

“The Umbrella Project aims to change that by shining a light on the wide spectrum of neurodivergent experiences, to encourage greater awareness, empathy, and understanding.”

As a PR agency specialising in construction, understanding neurodiversity is important.

Research shows 1 in 4 construction workers identify as neurodiverse, yet many don’t disclose their condition. Over a third feel there’s little empathy for them at work.

To tell truly inclusive stories, we need to understand the people we’re communicating with.

By learning how different minds process information, we can craft clearer, more inclusive communications. The alternative is that we risk using inaccessible language, reinforcing stereotypes, or missing stories that matter.

Supporting our local community

The latest Umbrella Project installation is in Milton Keynes, where over 400 umbrellas hang above Midsummer Place Shopping Centre. They’ll remain in place for six months, providing a bold and beautiful reminder that no two minds are the same.

Liz added: “As a local employer, LMC is proud to be one of the sponsors of this inspiring initiative. Inclusivity starts with being more aware of other people’s lived experiences and then making changes to support them.”

By Wing Tsang

14 Apr 2025

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