In the lead-up to International Day of People with Disability, on 3 December, Department of Communities employee Dave Cunningham shares a personal experience that led to him living with a hidden disability, and reflects on the difference a supportive workplace has made.
On 15 April 1989, Dave Cunningham was 21 years old and lived in Anfield, Liverpool. He loved his job, had great friends and played football (soccer) every day. Life was brilliant… and then it wasn’t.
Little did he think that attending the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, with mates to watch a football game between his beloved Liverpool and Nottingham Forest would change his life forever.
Dave was caught up in a catastrophic crowd crush while entering the stadium, resulting in 97 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
He was crushed against a safety barrier for at least 20 minutes – he couldn’t move and couldn’t breathe; he was close to death.
Dave spent months recovering from his physical injuries, but the emotional effects have lasted much longer, resulting in chronic post-traumatic stress disorder.
This was compounded by police blaming Liverpool fans over the incident, whom they alleged were drunk and disorderly. However, the Hillsborough Independent Panel report of the incident found that no Liverpool fans were responsible for the disaster, and the main cause was a ‘lack of police control’.
“The cause of my PTSD is as much about the way I was treated after the event as the event itself,” Dave said.
“The physical and emotional effect of this is ongoing. You don’t expect to go to a game and see people die in front of you.”
Now working with the Department of Communities, Dave has reflected on this moment and living life with a hidden disability.
“Having chronic PTSD can be debilitating and isolating,” he said.
“Managers and colleagues at Communities have been so accommodating to me. I feel accepted, supported and empowered in my role.
“I feel like I am being listened to in an entirely non-judgemental manner, and I don’t feel bad about asking questions.
“There have been several people (they know who they are) who have reached out to me and provided immeasurable support to build my confidence and resilience. I will always be grateful for their ongoing assistance."
Take a moment to watch this video, as Dave opens up further about his experience and the support he receives at Communities.
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