A NEW scheme has launched across Warrington to encourage kindness and understanding for those who may find it difficult to follow social distancing rules due to having additional needs or disabilities.

Not all disabilities are visible such as learning difficulties, mental health challenges and dementia, as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments.

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 people face.

This is even harder during the current pandemic as understanding the need to social distance, stay two metres apart from others and following new rules can be really challenging.

2 Steps has been developed in partnership with self-advocates, with the support of Warrington Speak Up.

To support tolerance and understanding from the public and staff in shops, a wristband scheme has been introduced, where people with additional needs or hidden disabilities can wear a 2 Steps wristband to show they may need some additional help or consideration from others.

Cllr Rebecca Knowles, cabinet member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “Living with a hidden disability can be challenging, even under normal circumstances, but now with the addition of having additional rules to follow it has been made even more difficult.

“The pandemic has brought communities together and people have shown compassion and support for others. I ask that we all continue to be mindful of people around us, acknowledging that some may need our help, or simply just more space and understanding when going about their daily tasks.”

What can you do to help?

Step 1 – If you see someone who isn’t following the rules, please keep in mind that they may be finding it difficult. Be considerate and do what you can to help by creating more space, for example by taking 2 steps away. One of the most important things you can do is to be kind.

Step 2 – Tell people about this scheme so that more people can be understanding and considerate.

Warrington Speak Up’s self-advocacy group helped to design the logo for the project.

They said: “The council got in touch and asked us for our ideas and we agreed that it’s very hard to get social distancing right. We thought that wristbands were a good idea and we hope they help everyone to feel more confident about getting out and about safely.

“Once we have spread the word, hopefully people will understand that the rules are very hard for some people and we all need to be kind. We can all help each other to get through this if we remember to be respectful.”

If you, a friend or family member have a hidden disability, or would find the rules hard for any reason and would like a wristband, visit warrington.gov.uk/2steps, email warringtonspeakup@gmail.com, or call 248472 for more information. You can pick up a FREE wristband from the customer service desk in Golden Square, or PJ’s Jewellers on the ground floor in Warrington Market.