Hidden disability sunflower scheme rolled out in shops across Ryedale

Ryedale residents with a hidden disability can now pick up a sunflower lanyard designed to act as a discreet sign to others that they may need additional help.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jun 2020, 14:00 BST
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has increasingly been adopted by large supermarkets and airports, as it allows everyone with a hidden disability to choose to be subtly visible when they need to be.The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has increasingly been adopted by large supermarkets and airports, as it allows everyone with a hidden disability to choose to be subtly visible when they need to be.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has increasingly been adopted by large supermarkets and airports, as it allows everyone with a hidden disability to choose to be subtly visible when they need to be.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has increasingly been adopted by large supermarkets and airports, as it allows everyone with a hidden disability to choose to be subtly visible when they need to be.

North Yorkshire County Council’s Stronger Communities team is rolling out the scheme with Ryedale’s five town councils and local voluntary organisations Ryedale Special Families, Ryedale Sight Support and Camphill Village Trust.

Ryedale District Council is also supporting the scheme.

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Lisa Keenan, chief officer of Ryedale Special Families, said: “We have a number of families who have already benefitted from the Sunflower Scheme so it is great to hear that our councils are also adopting the scheme. Anything that promotes understanding and acceptance of hidden disabilities it a positive step.”

Organisers agreed that the scheme may be helpful with social distancing, as it can be difficult for those with disabilities to be able to put it into practice.

County Councillor David Chance, executive member for stronger communities, said: “Last year we piloted the scheme at Harrogate library, which proved a great success.”

Councillor Ian Saggers, chairman of Helmsley Town Council, added: “The Sunflower Scheme can only be good for Ryedale, its residents, businesses and visitors by increasing awareness of hidden disabilities.”

If you are a local organisation which would like to register with the scheme, please email [email protected] for more details.

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