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A pilot scheme which is being trialled on Hastings trains hopes to raise awareness of passengers with learning difficulties, autism and hidden disabilities. The scheme involves both the JAM card and the Sunflower Lanyards which aim to support passengers who need extra assistance when using the rail network. Though currently in the trial stage, these schemes are part of a wider initiative to improve the service across all Southeastern Trains.

A number of highstreet chains have announced that they are supporting Chron’s and Colitis UK’s Not Every Disability is Visible Campaign and will be installing new signs at their accessible toilets making it clear that the facility is available to all those with a disability, not just those using mobility aids.

Chron's and Colitis UK, the charity that works to raise awareness of Chron’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and other digestive conditions have teamed up with the pharmaceutical company Takeda UK to show people what it is like to live with the condition. 

This Purple Tuesday, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has published new guidance for pubs, titled “An Open Welcome: Making your pub more accessible for customers”, which will help licensees make their venues as welcoming as possible for those with access needs.

Designer outlet village Clarks Village have announced a number of steps they will be taking and encouraging their brand partners to take as part of Purple Tuesday to improve the customer experience for their disabled customers.

The government announced at the end of October that buses around Britain will become more accessible to passengers thanks to a new partnership with the Real Time Information Group and a new transport campaign. The Real Time Information group, support the use of communications technology on public transport and will work with the Department for Transport to allocate £2million to small bus operators to provide audible and visible onboard information.

Digest of accessible performances around the UK in November

The pub chain Wetherspoons has teamed up with charity Chron’s and Colitis UK to install signs in all their bathrooms to raise awareness of hidden disabilities following an incident at one of their pubs.

Bath Central Library will be offering a safe and quiet space for families with children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities in the run up to Christmas. The aim is to help them escape the crowds and noise they may find stressful. 

The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has announced that NHS staff and social care workers in England will now undergo mandatory training on autism and learning disabilities. The training programme, which has been named after a patient in Bristol who sadly lost their life, will aim to improve care for people with autism and learning disabilities so that all staff understand their needs.