The reason you might see Morrisons shoppers wearing a sunflower lanyard

You might not have seen any yet, but once you become aware of the sunflower lanyard, you’ll start to notice them everywhere. Far from being a fashion statement or trend, there’s actually a very good reason you might notice Morrisons shoppers sporting yellow and green neckwear.

Morrisons is one of many shops signed up to the sunflower lanyards scheme. This scheme aims to shine a light on the issue of hidden disabilities and make it easier for shoppers to get the support they need.

Around one in five people in the UK has some form of disability, and 80% of disabilities are invisible. This means you might not know just by looking at someone with a disability that they are struggling with everyday tasks. They might not have a guide dog or use a wheelchair, but they struggle to manage everyday tasks that the rest of us take for granted.

This can lead to confusion and frustration, particularly when outsiders don’t understand why a person might be taking longer to complete a task, or why they might have parked in a disabled spot. From the outside, no one knows that they need extra help because their disability isn’t visible.

What is the sunflower lanyard scheme?

The sunflower lanyard scheme is an initiative aiming to bring hidden disabilities out of the darkness and make it easier for people to get the support they need. Anyone can choose to wear a sunflower lanyard if they want people to be aware they have a hidden disability.

While the primary aim is to make life easier for those with hidden disabilities, it’s also a great way to show solidarity with a community. If you have a hidden disability, it can be comforting to know that other people share your struggles.

How does it work?

Shopworkers in places like Morrisons have been trained to look out for these bright coloured neck lanyards. It’s a signal that the wearer might need additional support, extra time, or help to find items.

The wearer can also add an identification card to their lanyard which explains their disability in more detail. This makes it easier and quicker to explain how best to support someone. For example, if a person is hard of hearing or visually impaired, shop workers will be able to adapt their support to their needs.

Can anyone get one?

This scheme is open to anyone with a hidden disability. You can buy your lanyards online and wear them while you’re out and about. It makes sense to buy a few so you’re never stuck without one when you need it most. It also makes a great gift for a friend to let them know you’re thinking about them.

The scheme is not designed to fast track you through the tills and it won’t get you any freebies, but it is a great way to communicate your hidden disability with those around you. As awareness grows of the scheme grows, this will get even easier and you should find everyday tasks a lot less stressful.