Co-Op launch lanyards for shoppers with hidden disabilities

Sunday 08 July 2018

Shoppers who have hidden disabilities which make it difficult to do their weekly shop will be given more support through the Co-op’s latest scheme.

Grand Marché customers who suffer from dementia, have learning difficulties or are visually impaired, or any other "hidden disability," will be given the choice to wear a sunflower lanyard or pin badge saying "I may need support."

Customers with hidden disabilities sometimes need more time to process information or prepare themselves in what can feel like an overwhelming, unfamiliar environment. They can struggle when they have difficulty in following verbal instructions, using technology, or interpreting body language and facial expressions.

The new scheme was launched last week in partnership with local charities to raise awareness among Co-op colleagues about the diverse and unseen disabilities their customers might have. The lanyard and badges are completely voluntary and are available from Grand Marché service desks and aim to attract the attention of the staff.

Under the Co-op’s Channel Islands Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme, the staff has received training about challenges customers with hidden disabilities can face, so they can respond in a way that benefits the customer and makes their experience as easy and comfortable as possible.

Tanya Dorrity, the CI Co-op Society’s Community Officer said: “As a community retailer, we feel it’s our duty to provide as much support as possible for disabled islanders.

“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme will allow our colleagues to recognise our shoppers with invisible disabilities so that we can support them in any way we can to make their journey through our stores better.”

 The scheme was launched under the Society’s disability and inclusion strategy which aims to make disabled islanders’ quality of life better, whilst changing people’s attitudes.

Karen Blanchford, Executive Director for the Guernsey Disability Alliance (GDA) added: "It’s important we realise that not all disabilities are visible, so we should all make a conscious effort to be more aware of the challenges that islanders with hidden disabilities face and be supportive in whatever way we can.”