Our resident health and disability panel works to ensure we are always considering residents with disabilities in our policies and training. The panel contains representatives of our disability staff network, Parallel, to help raise awareness of non-physical disabilities among staff and residents alike and to ensure these individuals are heard within the organisation.
We would like to bring to your attention to the sunflower lanyard and how it can help support those with hidden disabilities.
The sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to people around the wearer, including staff, colleagues, and health professionals, that the person has a hidden disabilities and may need additional support, help or a little more time.
How did the initiative begin?
The sunflower lanyard initiative was established in the UK in 2016 by the staff at Gatwick Airport. Their role involves assisting thousands of passengers a year but they soon realised that some passengers had a non-visible disability.
So, they came together to find a system to make is easier to help support these passengers. This led to a discussion with several different teams and charities, and they came up with the sunflower lanyard.
Why the sunflower?
Without a visual sign, it can be difficult for others to recognise, admit, or even understand the daily barriers faced by people living with an invisible disability.
So, they wanted a discreet sign which was plainly visible from a distance as well as being joyful and dynamic. So, the sunflower was suggesting because its bright, shows positivity, strength as well as confidence and is universally known.
Since its implementation, the sunflower lanyard has been adopted globally in countries such as: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, USA and the UAE.
How can you show your support?
To request a lanyard, click here. You can also download one of these sunflower badges to add to your email footer. The green badge is for those who wear the sunflower to show that they have a hidden disability.
You can also download one of these sunflower badges to add to your email footer. The green badge is for those who wear the sunflower to show that they have a hidden disability.
The white badge is for those who want to show their support those who have a hidden disability.
If you would be interested in getting involved with our Health and Disability Panel, please contact involvement@nhg.org.uk for more information.