Ayrshire Cleans
Hidden disabilities
You cannot always see what someone is dealing with. You are welcome here.
What hidden disabilities are
Hidden disabilities are disabilities or conditions you cannot always see. They can include autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, dyslexia, epilepsy, chronic pain, hearing or memory difficulties, and others.
Someone can look “fine” and still need more time, a quieter space, or clearer steps. Each person is different.
You do not have to explain
You do not have to tell anyone about a condition to join in. You can say what would help without sharing a diagnosis or your personal story.
Coming alone is fine. Asking me to come along is fine too. There is no single right way to take part.
Ask me to come alongLow-energy days, depression and anxiety
You are welcome if you can only do a little. There is no pressure to chat, stay long or explain how you feel.
Rest is allowed. Leaving early is fine. You do not have to join a clean-up to be part of this community.
Reporting a spot from home still helps. It is also fine to come back another day.
If you need support now
This site is not a crisis service. You do not have to deal with a hard day alone.
If you or someone else is in danger now, call
999.NHS 24:
111.Samaritans: free anytime on
116 123.Breathing Space: for people in Scotland aged 16+ with low mood, depression or anxiety. Call free on
0800 83 85 87.Weekdays: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am.
Weekends: Friday 6pm to Monday 6am. Times are UK time.Text
Shout to 85258.Free, confidential text support any time in the UK. Shout: 24/7 text support.
If you join a clean-up
What a pick is usually like
Each place and day can be different. These are usual conditions, not a promise for every event.
- Sound
- Picks are usually outdoors in places like beaches and parks, and fairly quiet. There are no megaphones. You are welcome to wear headphones or ear defenders.
- Social
- Coming on your own is fine. You do not have to pair up or make small talk.
- Touch
- A grabber and a bag mean you do not have to pick litter up with your hands. Gloves are welcome.
First time? One step at a time
- Choose your way in.
Try a short pick, ask for company, or report a spot from home. Choose what feels manageable today.
- Check the plan.
For an organised pick, read the event details. If you are unsure about a place or what to expect, email me before going.
- Start small.
You do not need to fill a bag or keep up with anyone. A little time and a few pieces of litter can be enough.
- Stop when you need to.
You can take a break, finish early, or decide another day would be better. Reporting from home still counts.
If things feel too much
It is fine to pause or leave. If you can do so safely, move to a quieter place and take your time. You do not need to explain why.
If you need urgent support, the support numbers above are separate from my personal offer to come along.
For friends, family and other helpers
Let the person choose what helps. Quiet company can be enough; there is no need to turn a pick into a conversation about a condition.
- Speak plainly and give people time.
- Do not assume what someone can or cannot do.
- Ask before helping.
- Leaving early is fine. There is no need to explain.
- Do not draw attention to a lanyard or a condition unless the person brings it up.
A personal offer from me, Cieran
Would you like me to come along?
If you would rather not go alone, would like company, or need a bit of help going out or getting to a spot, you can ask me to come along to a public clean-up, a reported spot, or a clean-up in a garden.
I am happy to pick you up if that would help, or to come and help with a garden clean-up. This is free — there is no payment. It is something I offer to help people who are in need, because I know what it is like to be alone and to struggle. It is about community.
I will do my best when I can, but I cannot promise every day or every time. There is no pressure, and plans can change.
If an adult is with you, I will do what I can to help. This is about improving Ayrshire and making it better and cleaner, and about support as well — so people and groups can take part, including older people and care homes.
Before you send a private message
Private Facebook messages are only for adults aged 18 or over
Private Facebook messages are only for adults aged 18 or over. Please do not use this button if you are under 18.
If you are under 18, do not send a private message. Please come to a public pick with a parent, guardian or carer. If you need to write first, that adult should email me. I will not continue a private message that appears to be from someone under 18.
If an adult is with you, I will do what I can to help. This is about improving Ayrshire and making it better and cleaner, and about support as well — so people and groups can take part, including older people and care homes.
Do not share your home address, phone number or other private details in a message.
Email is still available if you prefer not to use Facebook.
Email: hello@ayrshirecleans.co.uk
This is a personal offer of company, not a care, befriending, medical or crisis service.
About me
I'm Cieran. I have autism and ADHD, and spend a lot of days navigating anxiety and depression.
Getting outside with a grabber and a bag gives me structure, physical focus, and fresh air. Picking litter gives me a clear job with a visible result.
I started Ayrshire Cleans to turn frustration into practical action. It is my community litter-pick project in Ayrshire. I run it independently — it is not a council service.
This is a community project. Reporting a spot here does not replace contacting the council when you need a council service.
Why this page is here
I want visitors, helpers and councils to know this project is run by someone with hidden disabilities.
If you also have hidden disabilities, you are welcome. You do not have to explain a condition to be treated with care.
How the website tries to help
- Simple words, short steps and Easy read.
- The Accessibility button changes how the site looks. Changes apply to the real page straight away.
- Dyslexia-friendly adds a dyslexia-friendly font, extra spacing and shorter, left-aligned lines.
- Calm mode uses softer colours, fewer extras and short summaries, with no movement.
- Steady screen keeps things still. Reduce motion stops sliding and moving things.
- High contrast and bigger text can make words easier to see.
- Colours fade slowly when switching dark or light mode, even with Reduce motion on. There is no expanding circle or flashing effect.
- You can report a spot without an account.
Different things help different people. You can mix one or more settings to find what works for you. Fewer distractions can help with ADHD. Read more on the Accessibility page.
The sunflower
Some people choose to wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. It lets others know they may need a bit more time or understanding.
It is voluntary. Not everyone with a hidden disability wears one.
Further help
This page shares my experience. It is not a diagnosis guide, medical advice, or a substitute for NHS or other professional help.
Understanding hidden conditions
Mental health and someone to talk to
Follow along
See the clean-ups, photos and updates, or find the community on the accounts below.
Contact
Email hello@ayrshirecleans.co.uk.