The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Every now and then I feel a desire to explore a new city or a new country. That’s a feeling many people experience but for those who live with the limitations which a phobia or anxiety disorder can create, the desire to travel can bring about a conflicting range of emotions. Not only a sense of excitement and anticipation but perhaps feelings of apprehension, hesitancy and even fear.

One evening, as I was trawling the internet in a search for hotels around Europe which matched my requirements for solo travel, I found a property in Ireland which seemed to be a good fit. This led to a research of flight options and one route would take me through London’s Heathrow airport where I would need to change planes but more than that – I would need to transit through two different terminals. That was the moment when excitement was curbed by apprehension.

Changing terminals at Heathrow can involve using underground passageways – an environment which I find challenging. During my research into the assistance which the airport could offer me, a member of staff asked if I used a “Sunflower Scheme” lanyard. I hadn’t heard of it. Immediately I researched further via the scheme’s website: https://hdsunflower.com

What is it?

The concept of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower came into being in 2016 at London’s Gatwick Airport. A collaboration involving The Airport Passenger Advisory Group (Gatwick Team) and representatives from a number of British charities explored the idea of using a lanyard to benefit people living with hidden disabilities.

To quote the purpose of the scheme directly from the hdsunflower.com site:

“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.“

In my personal experience of wearing the lanyard I have encountered nods of acknowledgment from staff as I pass through transport hubs. (The Heathrow Express concourses would be a prime example of that happening.) On two occasions of approaching the entrance gates to Newcastle Airport’s security zone, staff have asked me if I know where to go within the area and if I might need any assistance.

I have never, whilst wearing the lanyard, needed to ask anyone for assistance but the fact that staff are aware of my presence and my potential need for help provides reassurance. In my own case of agoraphobia/panic disorder, simply knowing that help is available nearby (my “places of safety” as I think of them) can be all that is needed to quell feelings of panic or prevent them even arising in the first place.

The most striking case of the lanyard helping me occurred recently while travelling alone on the Tyne and Wear Metro. It had taken years to reach the stage where I could even contemplate using this transport link again, as I had done in the past. On one occasion I had little option than to board an extremely crowded train carriage from an underground platform. This was only my third solo Metro trip and hence the situation posed a monumental personal challenge. Standing in an area as near to the doors as I could get, clinging to an upright support post and with my eyes firmly closed, I became aware of a passenger repeatedly asking me to take a seat which had seemingly become vacant further down the carriage. Though well intended, their firm insistence on my following their advice was becoming upsetting. I didn’t want to explain, vocally, my need to stay exactly where I was until I could exit the train. Certainly not in the presence of a carriage full of people and in a situation where I’d need to raise my voice. I opened my eyes, pulled out my lanyard with its attached PTSD information card from beneath my coat and held it up. The person nodded in acknowledgement, apologised and left me in peace – in my safe space where I needed to remain. The situation was defused calmly and successfully.

Who Can Use The Lanyard?

Essentially, anyone who considers themselves to have a condition or disability which affects their daily life but which would not be immediately apparent to an onlooker. The wearing of the lanyard does not require a medical certificate or formal endorsement. It is down to individual to assess whether any element of their health can bring about situations where a little help – or simply a little patience and understanding – would be welcomed.

Anyone who has a temporary disability or need would also be able to benefit from this scheme for the duration of their condition.

In essence, the wearer is saying to onlookers: “my disability is real, even though you can’t see it”.

Lanyards and Cards

Lanyards in varying lengths and cards containing condition-specific information can be purchased online from the hdsunflower.com website.

At present, I haven’t been able to obtain a specific information card for agoraphobia, so on certain occasions I use the next-best description card – either one for Anxiety or PTSD.

Heathrow airport offers the lanyard free of charge to passengers who would like to use it. Go to any of the Assistance desks at Heathrow to pick one up. (The card and lanyard shown in the photo above was one I collected at a Heathrow Assistance Desk.)

Offering Support

Businesses and charities – from sole trader to global enterprise – can offer support by joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Businesses may access training for their staff.

It is important to note that this is not a mandatory scheme. The benefits for those who wear the lanyard are not enshrined in law as this is an entirely voluntarily arrangement. However, businesses including retailers, transportation hubs and hotel chains are getting on board (nice pun going on there!) with the network and I’ve noticed the logo on display at an increasing number of locations. From its beginnings at Gatwick Airport, this idea now has a global reach with 36 countries being involved at the time of writing.