Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is helping to raise awareness of new wearable items to help people with sight loss and hidden disabilities let people know they’re doing their best to socially distance.

In August, RNIB Cymru announced the launch of the ‘Please Give Me Space’ (PGMS) tool it had developed, with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme and support from the UK Government Cabinet, to act as a reminder to the public to be mindful and give space to help keep each other safe.

Thanks to the Hidden Disability Store,  the PGMS symbol is now available to purchase in the form of wearable items and Darren is encouraging those with sight loss or a hidden disability to consider making use of them.  

He said;

“In the early months of lockdown, it became clear that for some people with different disabilities and conditions, including those with sight loss, maintaining social distancing was incredibly challenging. For many, it was causing significantly increased levels of stress and anxiety. As a result, the Please Give Me Space tool was developed as an option to be used by anyone who may have a hidden disability or anyone who feels that they may need support with social distancing when out shopping, walking or socialising. 

“The PGMS symbol of a person in-between two double-headed arrows on a yellow circle background has now been adapted to be used in a range of formats, allowing the wearer to pick the item best suited to their needs. It is available as a card to print or mobile phone badge as a free download from the government website. But for anyone that wants to wear a PGMS item, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme (makers of the Sunflower lanyard) have now launched a product range of accessories with the symbol incorporated in the design. The wearer can decide what item within the range, best works for them from.

“I think these wearables are a fantastic idea and I encourage those who would benefit from using them to visit the ‘Please Give Me Space’ website, https://pleasegivemespace.uk/ to view the colletion, which includes a lanyard ID card, face masks, badge, snood and tabard.”