Helmsley Town Council is proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.

Ryedale residents with a hidden disability can wear a sunflower lanyard which is designed to act as a discreet sign to others that they may need additional help.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has increasingly been adopted by large supermarkets and airports, as it allows everyone with a hidden disability to choose to be subtly visible when they need to be.

North Yorkshire Council rolled out the scheme with Ryedale's five town councils and local voluntary organisations such as Ryedale Special Families, Ryedale Sight Support and the Camphill Village Trust.

Lisa Keenan, Chief Officer of Ryedale Special Families, said: "We have a number of families who have already benefitted from the Sunflower Scheme so it is great to hear that our councils are also adopting the scheme. Anything that promotes understanding and acceptance of hidden disabilities it a positive step."

For more information and to see the full range of sunflowers - see the Hidden Disabilities Store at www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com

Councillor Ian Saggers of Helmsley Town Council added: "The Sunflower Scheme can only be good for Ryedale, its residents, businesses and visitors by increasing awareness of hidden disabilities."

If you have a hidden disability and would like one of the sunflowers, they are available free of charge from any of the above organisations.

For more information and to see the full range of sunflowers - see the Hidden Disabilities Store at www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com