Working with the hospitality industry & creating safe spaces for everyone

A guidance to visible differences related to NF1

We were extremely disappointed to hear news of a dreadful, but sadly not uncommon, incident when a person diagnosed with NF1, was attempting to purchase lunch at a restaurant last summer. He was asked to leave the establishment by a member of staff; he was told he was scaring other diners.

In August 2024 Oliver Bromley, whilst an inpatient at Kings Hospital, had grown tired of hospital food, and decided to go buy some lunch at a local eatery. He was turned away. The restaurant felt uncomfortable about his disability and visible difference. His story garnered attention from both national and international media outlets. Read his blog here .

As a follow up, Karen Cockburn, Charity Director, wrote to UK Hospitality to raise the subject, garner their reaction and thoughts, and with an offer to work together to raise awareness of NF, and provide official guidance to the sector on the matter. Their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group reviewed the case, and the information provided on NF1. Given their paramount commitment to fostering environments that are inclusive and open for both their workforce and customers, they were more than willing to work with us to get the word out.

Read their guidance on NF1 under the section Neurodiversity and Disability Inclusion here

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, said: "Hospitality has a proud history of providing safe spaces for everyone. Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for our team members and staff is both a passion and a priority. 

"With more than 26,000 people in the UK affected by NF, we've been pleased to work with Nerve Tumours UK to produce guidance for businesses to increase both awareness and understanding of  NF and visible differences. I look forward to continuing our work together."

Added guidance for the hospitality industry is available directly from NTUK: To avoid any such issues in future, you can call the Nerve Tumours UK National Neurofibromatosis Helpline on 07939 046030, (Mon/Wed Fri), where you will be able to talk to one of our senior medical team about NF1, NF2 or SWN. They will be able to advise you and your team; and enable you to disseminate the latest medical information made available by the UK’s leading experts, The NTUK Medical Advisory Board. This information is also available on our website if you wish to download it yourself.