I never said it was an excuse not to wear a mask, the idea was that it would help me to get out and into the shops if I had something like that incase people confronted me as to why I wasn't wearing one.Originally Posted by Stella180
I never said it was an excuse not to wear a mask, the idea was that it would help me to get out and into the shops if I had something like that incase people confronted me as to why I wasn't wearing one.
As SM has said, you can just go onto the gov.uk website and print something off to explain why you’re not wearing a mask. You can do that today (https://assets.publishing.service.go...e_to_print.pdf)
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
john82 (13-08-20)
My point is many people are abusing the scheme and think the sunflower lanyard is for mask exemption when it is nothing of the sort. There is no actual mask exemption “symbol”. If you can’t wear a mask don’t wear a mask. SM and Paula are right you can print out cards at home but again it’s not necessary.
Yes I've seen some advertised. Our government has actually put printable cards on their website that you can just download and print off. We have only been mask compulsory this week so we are a bit behind you guys I think.
I was shopping yesterday and while most people were wearing masks, there were a few who were not and tbh no one gave them a second look. I am just so scared of someone challenging me that I persevere with it but I am constantly pulling it out from my face to breath. It only takes me 20 mins to run round Asda so I'm managing it so far.
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Thats the reason I don't go in for fear of somebody challenging me it just stresses me out.
I’m fully aware. I have one myself due to respiratory conditions. What I am telling you is that the scheme is not just about face masks and if you didn’t need the scheme before and you don’t need the scheme after the face masks are no longer necessary, then you don’t need it now.
John those are fab aren't they!!
The sunflower lanyard, I believe, was designed with autism/asperger's/ sensory issues in mind....and Im sure other conditions I am not aware of long before this awful pandemic started.
Facemasks are not going away anywhere fast so if it makes you feel easier to cope with shopping etc or being out in public then invest in one. Mental illness could definitely be classed as a hidden disability in my book so while it may not be the original intention, I believe if it makes life easier get one.
I know people who have autism etc are concerned that other people using the lanyard may belittle their relevance or effectiveness but I dont think it will......if anything it has raised awareness of what they mean.
You could always print off one of the govt cards discussed before and attach it to any lanyard to wear.
It's all about just giving each other respect to cope in a hard time. I have been in shops here where people haven't been wearing masks and none has said a word.
I really struggle with masks too but I try and mostly manage, but sometimes I have to take it off even just for a few moments to breath. Most people give you a sympathetic or understanding look.....if they even notice.
Whatever you decide, it has to work for you.
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I agree, I don't think you need anything - the only time people are being challenged around here is public transport heading into London. If you don't want to/can't wear one then don't! It really is that simple.
The hidden disabilities scheme is amazing and I agree with Stella there are a lot of people who are now picking up on it and abusing it because they don't need it, they are using it as an exemption and because you don't need any id or "proof" for it anyone can get one and it is watering down the impact and what it actually stands for...
Do a little of something that makes you happy every day!
Well I managed to go shopping Monday with my girlfriend, I felt really anxious and almost stayed in the car. I tucked the sunflower lanyard inside my t-shirt so it was hidden it was just there as backup & to calm me.
I'm glad you managed it. Well done.
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john82 (19-08-20)
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