Converged sponsors Aberdeenshire school’s umbrella project

23/08/2022
Converged Communications Solutions has funded the installation of brightly coloured umbrellas throughout Ellon Primary

A SCOTTISH IT, cyber security and internet service provider has funded the installation of brightly coloured umbrellas throughout a local primary school to promote and celebrate the neurodiversity of its pupils. Converged Communications Solutions donated the ADHD Foundation’s display and education pack to Ellon Primary, where 25 colourful umbrellas have been installed throughout the school as part of a nationwide campaign this summer to raise awareness of conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, which all come under the ‘umbrella’ term ‘neurodiverse’.

Converged’s CSO, Robbie Ross, explained: “With several of our staff living with a child diagnosed with ADHD or autism, this is a topic close to our hearts. By joining a band of business supporters, we are pushing the message out to workplaces, and hope that our involvement will help employees and employers recognise not just the challenges but also the benefits that come from living with these neurodivergent conditions.”

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.

“As a parent at Ellon Primary, I couldn’t be more pleased that Converged has facilitated its inclusion in the umbrella project. Understanding comes from education, and I know that teachers will use the tools provided to maximise the opportunity to get the pupils engaged around the differences which make us all unique in our own way.”

To supplement the large-scale city centre umbrella installations on display throughout the summer in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, schools were invited to take part by creating their own mini umbrella displays, sponsored by local businesses.

Converged’s Managing Director, Neil Christie, added: “Around one in five people in the UK are neurodivergent, so there is a need to ensure our corporate environment is fully inclusive for these individuals. Our future workplace will and should be shaped around a diverse workforce and tapping into everyone’s differing skillsets is the key to success. Converged is committed to supporting these important causes which champion neurodiversity and inclusion.”

The 25 umbrellas have a pre-drilled 5mm hole at the top, which allows them to be threaded with wire and suspended in prominent positions including canteens, hallways, reception areas, assembly halls and even outdoors.

Headteacher at Ellon Primary School, Leighanna Whalley, said: “The Umbrella Project is designed to flip the perception of neurodivergent individuals on its head, and celebrate the many strengths that come from thinking differently, in a bid to empower and enable the next generation of children and young people. The display has created a real talking point and encouraged open conversations, and the assembly resources and neurodiversity training webinars have been invaluable. We’d like to thank Converged for making us aware of this project and for their support in bringing it to life.”

Converged Communication Solutions is an independent, Aberdeen-headquartered IT and cyber security provider. Established in 2005, the company offers an integrated range of Internet connectivity, IT support, telephony and cyber security services to companies and organisations across Scotland. It employs around 30 staff, which includes strong technical support and cyber security teams. Converged is a Certification Body for the Cyber Essentials Plus and Cyber Essentials standards, an assessor for the IASME Governance Standard and an official partner of CityFibre’s Aberdeen project.

More information about Converged Communication Solutions is available at www.converged.co.uk or telephoning 01224 656380. 

The latest stories

Amplus Energy auctions Aberdeen FC mascot’s shirt for local charity
Programme announced for leading literary festival in Aberdeen
Aberdeen local opens boutique gift shop after years of online success
Charity calls on community to light up the North-east with memories this Christmas