Free ‘hidden disability’ lanyard

As shops and businesses emerge from lockdown, some people with a hidden disability such as dementia are finding the new safety precautions confusing and a little challenging.

To help those with a hidden disability cope with the new norm, home care provider Right at Home GF is giving away a sunflower lanyard to the first 150 people who get in touch. The lanyards with their sunflower design are becoming increasingly recognised across the UK as a discreet symbol showing that somebody has a hidden disability and might need additional support, time or understanding.

Alastair Shanks who is a dementia champion and the Managing Director of Right at Home GF says: “We decided to help raise awareness about the sunflower campaign because of the increasing number of stories we are hearing about people with a hidden disability who are finding themselves on the receiving end of verbal abuse because they are perceived not to be abiding by the new ‘rules’.

“This is a distressing and avoidable situation and if wearing a lanyard can prevent this from happening then that has got be a positive outcome for everybody.”

Hidden disabilities include learning difficulties, mental health, dementia, mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. Anybody who would like a sunflower lanyard for themselves or a loved one should email us or call 01252 783426.

Visit the Hidden Disabilities website and enter your postcode to see organisations in Guildford, Aldershot, Fleet, Farnham and Farnborough that recognise the sunflower lanyard scheme.