Sunflower assistance at LNER

In a first for a UK train company, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has introduced sunflower lanyards for passengers who may need additional assistance at stations or during their journeys.

The device is becoming the established symbol of hidden disabilities in the UK with LNER bringing it in to let staff know discreetly if customers have conditions such as autism, dementia or a visual impairment so help if needed can be offered more quickly.

The move follows the successful introduction of the lanyards, which have been endorsed by hidden disability charities, at several major UK airports and supermarkets.

LNER is taking the scheme a step further by creating volunteer and specially-trained Sunflower Ambassadors along its 936mi route between London, Yorkshire, North East England and Scotland..

Head of customer experience Amber Robinson said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to travel with us and offer help if needed for those with hidden disabilities for whom public transport can understandably be an unnerving experience.

“Any customers who spots an employee wearing one of the lanyards can be reassured someone is on hand who has been trained in how to help who might need special assistance.“

www.lner.co.uk

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum