Hidden Disabilities Scheme

For when you need a little more support

Not all disabilities are visible – some are not immediately obvious, such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety and visual or hearing impairment. Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges you face. Here at Jigsaw and at HMP Leeds we recognise that and want to make everyone’s experience as positive as we can.

The Sunflower Lanyard

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme is an initiative designed to act as a discreet sign that somebody has a hidden disability and may require additional assistance while out in public. Wearing the Sunflower Lanyard lets us know that you may need additional support, help or more time.

If you are wearing a lanyard, our staff can offer you help but will not know what your individual disability and needs are. Just let us know what they can do. The support we can offer visitors with a lanyard may include:

more time to book in at Jigsaw and visits search
additional time to make their way to the establishment from the Jigsaw Centre
speaking face-to-face
using clear and easy-to-understand language
making others aware a person may be struggling or have behavioural issues

How to get a Sunflower Lanyard

If you would like to borrow a Sunflower Lanyard, we have a number that we can loan for the duration of your visit. Just let us know when you arrive at the Jigsaw Centre.

For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard, or to get a lanyard that you can keep and use anywhere that participates in the scheme, please visit Hidden Disabilities (link opens in a new window).