Sanctuary colleagues go ‘Behind the Mask’ to explore Disability History Month

At Sanctuary, we believe in creating spaces where every voice is heard and every story matters.

‘Behind the Mask’ creative exhibition

This year, to mark Disability History Month and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we embraced creativity as a powerful way to spark conversations and deepen understanding.

Delivered in partnership with our Disability Network, the ‘Behind the Mask’ creative exhibition invited colleagues to explore the unseen realities of living with a disability,  long-term condition or neurodivergence.

Nathan Warren, our Group Director – Growth & Partnerships and Disability Network Executive Sponsor, introduced the exhibition, saying: “This initiative is designed to give voice to those experiences through art, poetry, photography, textiles, and more.”

The exhibition revealed the masks people often wear, whether to navigate stigma, manage perceptions or simply get through the day.

Each piece told a story of resilience, individuality and the courage to be authentic.

As Kate Nash OBE, CEO of Purple Space, highlighted in her recent LinkedIn post, Sanctuary is ‘really leaning into the power of their own people’ resulting in ‘a collection of powerful, deeply moving pieces that reflect the reality of masking, lived experience and identity’.

Why it matters

Disability History Month is more than a date in the calendar. It’s an opportunity to reflect on progress, challenge assumptions and commit to building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Through ‘Behind the Mask’ we’ve seen how creativity can open hearts and minds, encouraging empathy and understanding.

Looking ahead

Inclusion is a journey, not a destination. We’ll continue to work with networks like Purple Space and our own employee networks to ensure that Sanctuary remains a place where diversity is celebrated and accessibility is embedded in everything we do.