The Sunflower lanyard: what it means, how to get one and venues that recognise it
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lets staff know you may need a little more help or time. Here is what it means, how to get one, and the venues we track that say they recognise it.
Sunflower lanyard questions answered
What does the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower mean?
It is a voluntary way to let people know you have a disability or condition that may not be obvious. Wearing it signals that you might need extra help, understanding or more time in shops, at work, on transport or in public places.
Why is the symbol a sunflower?
The sunflower was picked because it is discreet but distinctive and can be seen from a distance. The scheme says it suggests happiness, positivity, strength, growth and confidence. The Sunflower launched in 2016.
Who can wear a sunflower lanyard?
Anyone who feels they may benefit from extra support, understanding or more time can wear one. There is no qualifying list of conditions, and it applies whether a disability is visible, non-visible or both.
Do I need a diagnosis or proof to wear the Sunflower?
No. You do not need to give any proof of your disability to wear a Sunflower product or to ask for support, and you do not have to explain why you are wearing it.
Is the sunflower lanyard free?
Lanyards are available free of charge to customers from businesses and organisations that are Sunflower Members. Sunflower products are not for resale by individuals, businesses or organisations.
Where can I get a sunflower lanyard?
You can collect one free from a Sunflower Member, or order from the official online store if you cannot travel or prefer delivery. Official products are also sold through registered stores on some reseller platforms and by member charities that show an official badge.
Are sunflower lanyards sold elsewhere genuine?
The scheme warns that Sunflower products resold outside its official channels may be overpriced, counterfeit or copycat versions.
Do airports recognise the Sunflower?
Yes, the scheme says over 200 airports are part of its network, alongside thousands of businesses in sectors such as retail, transport, healthcare and education.
Does the Sunflower entitle me to fast track, priority or other benefits?
No. The scheme says it does not entitle you to anything other than showing you have a hidden disability, and it is not a pass to be fast tracked or for any other benefit. It simply signals that you may need help or more time.
Can you skip queues with a sunflower lanyard?
No. Wearing one does not let you skip queues or guarantee access to priority lines. If waiting is hard for you, you can ask a member of staff for help.
How does a business or organisation join the Sunflower scheme?
It creates a business account, buys a paid membership plan and trains at least 80% of its workforce with the Sunflower training videos. It then buys wearer and ally products to give to colleagues and customers free of charge and launches as Sunflower friendly. Charities have separate memberships.
How can I find places that recognise the Sunflower?
The official Sunflower map lets you search near a place within a chosen radius and plan a route by car, public transport, air, walking or cycling. It also lists Sunflower friendly airlines, ports and ferries, rail and tram operators, and bus and coach operators.
Checked against the official sources on 13 October 2026: hdsunflower.com, hdsunflower.com/uk/about-hidden-disabilities-sunflower, hdsunflower.com/uk/insights/post/facts, hdsunflower.com/uk/knowledge-base/do-i-need-to-prove-i-have-a-non-visible-disability-or-condition-to-wear-the-sunflower, hdsunflower.com/uk/for-you, hdsunflower.com/knowledge-base/can-you-skip-queues-with-a-sunflower-lanyard, hdsunflower.com/uk/sunflower-memberships, hdsunflower.com/uk/find-the-sunflower.
Venues that recognise the Sunflower
We are adding this to every venue as part of our weekly checks, so this list grows each week. Each venue page shows what we found.
To get a free carer ticket, venues usually ask for separate proof. See what proof you need for a carer ticket.
Built from our venue data, last checked 13 October 2026. How we check.