Hidden disabilities scheme backed in Chichester

Chichester District Council has pledged to do its bit to help people with hidden disabilities by recognising and promoting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.
Sunflower lanyard and badgeSunflower lanyard and badge
Sunflower lanyard and badge

The scheme, which was launched at Gatwick Airport in 2016, provides green lanyards dotted with sunflowers to people with hidden disabilities such as autism and lung conditions.

It acts as a discreet way of letting others know they may need extra help or understanding.

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At a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (January 19), Alan Sutton (Con, Fittleworth) tabled a motion calling on the council to not only promote the scheme but to encourage others to do the same and to make sure all staff and councillors understand the impact of hidden disabilities.  

Mr Sutton, who has had a hidden disability since he was seven years old and has undergone heart surgery, said the lanyards had also been useful during the pandemic, alerting people to the fact that the bearer does not have to wear a face mask. 

He said: “Since I wear that, I have no challenges, nobody’s asking me if I’m playing the system. 

“They know that there is a disability or an issue relating to that.

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“I want us to be able to not only embrace it but to supply the badges so if we encounter someone within our organisation in one of our buildings, we’re able to introduce the scheme as well as embrace it.”

The motion received unanimous support from the other councillors.

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