Henry Smith MP paid tribute in Parliament on Tuesday (14th June) to a Gatwick Airport scheme which ensures assistance for passengers with hidden disabilities who may require additional support.

The scheme provides passengers with a lanyard, which is entirely voluntary for passengers with hidden disabilities and their families, which will act as a discreet sign for members of staff that additional assistance may be needed.

Henry said;

“Ensuring that passengers with hidden disabilities such as Dementia are able to receive support is an important matter and I commend Gatwick Airport for introducing its lanyard scheme.

“400 lanyards have already been distributed since the launch of the scheme less than a month ago. This initiative sees passengers, Gatwick staff and third party providers working together to provide an enhanced service to passengers – I’m grateful for their commitment to offer assistance to passengers with Dementia and their families.

“Going through an airport can be a stressful experience and this scheme allows members of staff to identify customers who have a hidden disability, who may need additional support while at Gatwick.”

The scheme was launched on 18th May, as part of Dementia Awareness Week 2016. This programme of events also saw Henry welcome the Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison MP, to K2 for the Crawley launch of Dementia Friendly Swimming.

Gatwick Airport have produced a booklet, ‘Making Your Journey Easier’, where assistance provided to passengers is outlined.

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Speaking in the House of Commons, Henry Smith MP said;

“I pay tribute to Gatwick airport in my constituency for its lanyard scheme, which means that those with hidden disabilities and dementia can be better assisted on their travels through the airport. Does he agree that the airport leads the way in these enhancements for passengers?”

Oliver Colvile MP, who initiated the debate, responded;

“Absolutely. My hon. Friend has got that 100% right. Gatwick has been leading the way, but it will be very interesting to see how many emails and letters I get from other airports around the country and in Northern Ireland after this debate.”