Sainsbury’s on Bath Road, Cheltenham, is one of 38 stores across the country chosen to trial the sunflower lanyard scheme, designed to make shopping easier for those with hidden disabilities.
Those wearing sunflower lanyards might have hidden disabilities such as dementia and autism. The lanyards are already commonly recognised at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports by staff, who can offer extra assistance to passengers without them needing to search for help or explain their condition.
Sainsbury’s has now recognised that its staff can help shoppers in a similar way and has chosen its Cheltenham Bath Road store to trial the scheme.
Those wearing a sunflower lanyard will now be asked by staff what can be done to assist them, as staff will recognise the lanyard.
Tim Fallowfield is company secretary and corporate services director for Sainsbury’s, and said:’ We want to be the most inclusive retailer and we understand that a busy supermarket environment can present challenges for some of our customers.
‘As the first retailer to offer this service, this initiative is just one example of the steps we are taking to give our customers the best possible experience when shopping. We are working with our colleagues to ensure that they are fully equipped to provide assistance to those who need it and we encourage feedback from local communities where we are trialling the initiative.’
