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UCL supports the Sunflower and Please Give Me Space lanyard schemes. Find out what these are, where you can collect lanyards at UCL, and how you can support the initiatives.
Last updated 8 December 2025
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About the schemes
- What is the Sunflower lanyard scheme?
The Invisible Disabilities Sunflower scheme is an initiative that provides an easily recognisable symbol to indicate that somebody has an invisible disability and requires additional assistance while out in public. Some disabilities may not be readily visible or obvious, which can lead to uncomfortable questioning of individuals who do not ‘look disabled’, particularly regarding access to disabled spaces and resources. The Sunflower scheme is a way of addressing this issue, and anyone who has an invisible disability is welcome to join the scheme (see joining information below).
Some examples of invisible disabilities include: ADHD and autism, asthma, cancer, dementia, diabetes, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), endometriosis, epilepsy, long COVID, multiple sclerosis, peri/menopause, and Tourette’s. Further information about invisible disabilities can be found on the Sunflower website.
If you see someone wearing a Sunflower lanyard:
- Please remember that they have needs that may not be visible or obvious.
- Please be sensitive and patient as needed.
- If you are unsure about how to best support a person’s needs, please take the time to ask them how you can help, as every individual is different.
- What is the Please Give Me Space scheme?
The Please Give Me Space scheme is an initiative that offers an easily recognisable symbol to indicate someone needs to be given more physical space by others. This is a polite prompt to encourage people to respect an individual’s personal space and support their needs, particularly in busy environments. Anyone who needs more space around others is welcome to join the scheme (see joining information below).If you see someone wearing a Please Give Me Space symbol:
- Please give them as much space as possible.
- If you are interacting with them, in general, it is best to avoid physical contact with the person (such as handshakes or hugging) or close proximity, unless they initiate or they tell you they are comfortable.
- If you are unsure about whether something is okay, it is best to gently ask the person to clarify how you can best support their needs. Everyone is different, and people will have different levels of comfort with proximity and certain interactions.
How can I join the Sunflower or Please Give Me Space schemes?
All UCL staff and students are welcome to join the Sunflower or Please Give Me Space schemes (or both). Free lanyards are provided for the Sunflower and Please Give Me Space schemes. If you feel a scheme applies to you and you would like to wear a lanyard, you can collect one from any of the locations listed in the applicable dropdown.
Wearing a lanyard is entirely optional. You may collect a lanyard from both schemes if this applies to you.
- Staff collection locations
Please remember to check opening hours before visiting.
- Andrew Huxley Building
- Cruciform Hub
- Digital Accessibility Hubs (UCL Bloomsbury and UCL East)
- IOE Library
- Main Library
- Science Library
Please note that if you are visiting Andrew Huxley, the first Monday of each month is busier than usual due to onboarding of new staff. You may wish to visit on another day if you want to socially distance.
You can also request lanyards by speaking to your line manager. Staff may request lanyards before arriving at UCL.
- Student collection locations
Please remember to check opening hours before visiting.
- Cruciform Hub
- Digital Accessibility Hubs (UCL Bloomsbury and UCL East)
- IOE Library
- Main Library
- Science Library
- Student Support and Wellbeing Services (UCL Bloomsbury and UCL East)
Students can also request lanyards by logging a request on AskUCL. Students may request lanyards before arriving at UCL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- I already have a Sunflower or Please Give Me Space lanyard. Can I use that?
Yes, you are most welcome to use a lanyard or any other products that you already have.
- Does UCL provide any other free Sunflower or Please Give Me Space products?
UCL only provides free lanyards. There are other products associated with both schemes, such as pins and face masks, but you will need to procure these yourself.
You can also visit the Cabinet Office website to download a printable badge for an ID card holder.
- How I make people aware of my invisible disability in my email signature?
The best way to make others aware of your invisible disability by providing textual information. For example: “I have an invisible disability which impacts my capacity to respond to emails. Thank you in advance for your patience.”
It is best to avoid the inclusion of graphics or images (such as the Sunflower or Please Give Me Space Symbols) in your email signature for sustainability and accessibility reasons. There is a much higher energy cost associated with sending images compared to text. Images may also present issues for screen readers.
For more information about email signatures, including accessibility information, please refer to the guidance on the UCL Brand website.
- Why does UCL use the term ‘invisible disabilities’ and not 'hidden disabilities'?
The term ‘invisible disability’ and ‘hidden disability’ have equivalent meanings. Both refer to disabilities that are not readily perceivable or obvious. UCL's disabled staff and students have choosen to use the term 'invisible disabilities'. This reflects the fact UCL is proud of its diverse community and does not want anyone to feel they should or need to hide who they are.
You may, of course, use whichever term you feel most comfortable with.
- Is Please Give Me Space related to the NHS ‘Distance Aware’ initiative?
The Please Give Me Space scheme is related to the Distance Aware scheme, created by the NHS to promote social distancing, particularly to protect people who are clinically vulnerable. Please Give Me Space is more expansive, as it also includes respectful distancing. Distance Aware uses a similar symbol, with a shield rather than a circle.
Useful resources
- Information about the history and purpose of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
- Please Give Me Space information and resources (HD Sunflower website)
- Cabinet Office print-and-use resources for Please Give Me Space scheme