Arun Joins Sussex Local Authorities Supporting "Hidden Disability" Awareness

Thursday, 19 November 2020 14:00

By Karen Dunn, Local Democracy Reporter

A 'Sunflower Lanyard', a wordless symbol of a hidden disability

An emotional councillor has thanked Arun District Council for its pledge to promote the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.

The scheme provides green lanyards dotted with sunflowers to people with hidden disabilities such as autism and lung conditions, as a discreet way of letting others know they may need extra help or understanding.

At a meeting of the full council on Wednesday (November 18), David Edwards (Con, Felpham East) tabled a motion calling on the council to recognise and promote the scheme — and was almost overwhelmed by the response.

Mr Edwards, who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, explained that his condition sometimes caused ‘issues’ and wearing the lanyard let others know why he might occasionally act ‘strangely’.

Other councillors shared their own experiences with hidden disabilities and gave unanimous support to the motion.

Jacky Pendleton (Con, Middleton-on-Sea) said: “To my mind, the simplest schemes are the ones that are the most successful — and this one is something that will change the lives of people who are experiencing difficulties which others don’t necessarily understand.”

Inna Erskine (Lib Dem, Pevensey) has a child with additional needs and said parents ‘often carry the brunt of public ill will or misunderstanding’.

She said of the lanyard:

“It is a flag that immediately generates understanding and empathy in people that are trained and understand what that sunflower lanyard means.”

Claire Marie Needs (Lib Dem, Aldwick West) spoke about her own struggles with anxiety and said:

“I really think that the sunflower campaign will change people’s perceptions of all hidden disabilities including mental health.”

The motion called on the council to promote the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme and ‘its importance in breaking stigma’, as well as encouraging local businesses, the county, town and parish councils to do the same.

More details about the scheme can be found at https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/