For many people with a hidden disability, the world can be a scary, confusing and overwhelming place.

The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme allows those who feel comfortable doing so to wear a lanyard which indicates that they may need a little extra help or support with navigating a specific environment.

Seventeen-year-old Midsomer Norton Sixth student, Mocca, who was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) a year ago, spoke to The Journal about the initiative. She says: “We are actively petitioning public transport services; particularly train services, to follow the lead of organisations, such as Gatwick Airport and Sainsbury’s, in implementing the scheme.

“If these organisations agree to take part, those who might struggle with the environment can be easily identified, and staff will know that they may require additional support or reassurance.

“This would lower anxiety levels for many people, because they will know that in a normally stressful environment, there will be understanding about the impact that hidden disabilities may have on a person.”

The scheme originated in May 2016 at London Gatwick Airport and is now being recognised globally, as it highlights and creates awareness for those with hidden disabilities. The organisation is now looking to bleed into public services and drive it into the public eye by following the lead of big companies, such as M&S and Argos, who are already supportive.

Mocca is hoping that the Sunflower lanyards will allow people to be more open to others and that it will raise awareness to those in need. She explains: “We won’t have to mask our difficulties. Particularly when it comes to public transport, as it may eliminate confusion between people with hidden disabilities and the police, for instance.”

Often, people suffering with ASD can be pulled up by the public services for behaving suspiciously, because they may not necessarily understand what is being asked of them. Mocca described how someone with ASD could find random bag searches stressful, as they may not like people touching their belongings – this is where the lanyards would become extremely useful.

By wearing them, and people being trained to understand what that means, it would enable users not to have to constantly explain themselves; with the lanyard being instantly recognised and understood.

Mocca adds: “Myself and a group of others are leading this specific campaign to involve public transport in the initiative. It has snowballed since we first started, but I think that is good, because it will help so many people. GWR have already shown interest in the scheme; we just need more transport companies like this to get on board.”

The campaigners are now appealing for more people in the South West to help by getting involved with the initiative and start to make a difference to people’s lives.

Mocca says: “I am hoping to get more people to become part of the movement. If we can get local businesses to understand and be interested in the scheme by putting out a public announcement, then that is already a step in the right direction.

“It is a really good cause, and even if we can relieve a bit of stress from someone’s day by eliminating the need for direct communication, it will mean that they can feel the benefit from it.”

The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme is open to anyone who feels the need for it, and can be easily implemented in any work place for very little effort.

For anybody who should be made aware of this initiative: https://hiddendisabilities- store.com/index.php will register any organisations wanting to participate.

For anybody interested in purchasing a lanyard for themselves, they can be bought from: https:// hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/ products-19.html.

Readers can also sign Mocca’s petition at: http://chng.it/vvfrdwLx5q or contact her via Instagram: @positive.cookiee