Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

The Hidden Disability lanyard scheme was first launched in Guernsey by the airport in December 2017 and gave travellers the chance to wear the lanyard so trained staff at the airport, security and airlines could offer further assistance as required.

In June 2018 the Co-Op launched the Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard and pin scheme in their Grande Marche stores as a trial and is now a permanent service across all the stores in Jersey and Guernsey. The lanyard or pin give customers the chance to discreetly say I may need some extra assistance whilst shopping. 

You can find up-to-date information on the wearing of face coverings / masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and information relating to exemptions on the States website here.

Guidance regarding recommended or mandatory requirements to wear a face covering change regularly depending on States of Guernsey advice.

From Friday 17 December 2021, face coverings must be worn in certain specific indoor public spaces and on all public transport, unless you are exempt.

Exemptions will be made if any of the following reasons apply:

• if a person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause a person severe distress
• if a person needs to speak to or provide assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate, or if wearing a mask will cause distress to the person someone is assisting

The wearing of face coverings will also be exempt in the following circumstances:

• if asked to remove the covering in court, by a judge, for the purpose of giving evidence or confirming identity
• if asked to remove the covering in a bank, building society, or post office or by a relevant official (e.g. a police officer) for identification
• if asked to remove the covering by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, for assessing health recommendations (for example by a pharmacist) or for age identification purposes, including when buying age restricted products such as alcohol
• in order to take medication

The sunflower lanyard can be worn to indicate that a person is exempt if they have a hidden disability. If required these are available to collect from all major retail outlets listed below as well as via post from Health Connections (call 227470 or e-mail hello@healthconnections.gg). They can also be collected in person from our head office* in Le Bordage.

*Please note that if you do not have a hidden disability but temporarily require an exemption from wearing a face covering, Health Connections also stock States of Guernsey Exemption Cards and generic orange lanyards free of charge.

Venues that have sunflower lanyards and exemption cards:

• Waitrose – Admiral Park and the Rohais
• CO-OP Grande Marche – St Martin and  St Sampson’s,
• CO-OP Market Square – St Peter Port
• Marks and Spencer- L’Islet, St Peter Port and St Martins
• Alliance
• Forest Stores
• Morrisons at St Peters.
• Guernsey Tourist Information Centre
• Information Desk at Guernsey Airport
• Health Connections Office at Princess Elizabeth Hospital

The exemption cards are also available to print. Two images have also been produced which can be carried on a mobile phone to indicate an exemption or that you need someone to remove their face covering so you can understand them.