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Go North East adopts the sunflower lanyard scheme to help customers with hidden disabilities

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Go North East adopts the sunflower lanyard scheme to help customers with hidden disabilities

Go North East, the region’s largest bus company, has joined the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme that helps assist individuals with hidden disabilities to feel more confident to complete everyday tasks.

The scheme is popular across the whole of the UK and has been adopted by lots of businesses from Tesco and Sainsbury’s to smaller independent businesses.

Go North East is the first bus operator in the North East to join the scheme, which has also been adopted in the region for travel by rail operator LNER and Newcastle Airport, helping people with ‘hidden’ conditions such as autism, hearing loss and multiple sclerosis.

By wearing the lanyard or using one of the sunflower cards, it lets people discreetly know that the customer may need some extra assistance, patience or time when travelling.

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Go North East, said: “We’re delighted to get on board with the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.

“Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced.

“This is the latest addition to the extensive awareness training our colleagues receive, which includes work with the likes of the Alzheimer’s Society and RNIB.

“By wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or using the cards, customers can discreetly let our drivers know that they may need additional support, help or a little more time.”

Paul White, CEO at the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, added: “We are very excited that Go North East is the first bus operator in the North East to join the scheme.

“This will be hugely beneficial to support the wearers of the Sunflower whilst travelling on their network.”

To find out more about the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, visit hiddendisabilitiesstore.com.

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On the Go since 1913

Around 175,000 journeys are made on Go North East bus services every day to travel around this wonderful region. Travelling to work or education, to visit friends and family, to have a night out, or to visit one of the region's many tourist and leisure attractions.

For over 100 years, Go North East has connected the region's towns and villages with the cities of Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland and currently operates across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and into Tees Valley.

Employing over 2,000 local people, with a fleet of almost 700 buses and coaches and an annual turnover of £100m, the company is the regional subsidiary of the Go-Ahead Group plc, one of the UK's leading providers of passenger transport.

Go North East
117 Queen Street
NE8 2UA Gateshead