Marks and Spencer 'Sunflower Lanyard Scheme'

Recently, whilst working with a local Marks and Spencer store to set up a scheme of work for our sixth form, Miss Vicars was introduced to the 'Sunflower Lanyard scheme' in store. The lanyard, when worn, alerts staff to ask if they can help as they think that the person may struggle to ask for themselves if they have communication problems.

Marks and Spencer say 'The introduction of the sunflower lanyards is part of M&S’s ambition to be the most accessible retailer, both in-store and online. The sunflower lanyard scheme helps people with hidden disabilities which aren’t always obvious – such as autism, dementia and visual or hearing impairments. When a customer optionally wears a lanyard it’s a discreet signal to store colleagues that they may need a little extra support when shopping.'

We think it's a great idea and one that we wanted to share with the wider community.