The Unseen Barriers Foundation
@unseenbarriers.bsky.social
We exist to make the invisible visible. To name what others overlook. To ensure disabled people are not just accommodated, but truly understood and supported.
Another Major Milestone!
We’re proud to announce that The Unseen Barriers Foundation has officially been registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) with Companies House.
This is an important step in strengthening our commitment as a not-for-profit organisation. Our next goal is achieving c
We’re proud to announce that The Unseen Barriers Foundation has officially been registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) with Companies House.
This is an important step in strengthening our commitment as a not-for-profit organisation. Our next goal is achieving c
August 22, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Another Major Milestone!
We’re proud to announce that The Unseen Barriers Foundation has officially been registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) with Companies House.
This is an important step in strengthening our commitment as a not-for-profit organisation. Our next goal is achieving c
We’re proud to announce that The Unseen Barriers Foundation has officially been registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) with Companies House.
This is an important step in strengthening our commitment as a not-for-profit organisation. Our next goal is achieving c
Today, we are proud to share that The Unseen Barriers Foundation is now officially recognised by the UK Government as a Disability Confident Employer.
This is more than a badge. It is a commitment to building an inclusive workplace where disabled people are valued, supported, and able to thrive.
This is more than a badge. It is a commitment to building an inclusive workplace where disabled people are valued, supported, and able to thrive.
August 11, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Today, we are proud to share that The Unseen Barriers Foundation is now officially recognised by the UK Government as a Disability Confident Employer.
This is more than a badge. It is a commitment to building an inclusive workplace where disabled people are valued, supported, and able to thrive.
This is more than a badge. It is a commitment to building an inclusive workplace where disabled people are valued, supported, and able to thrive.
Today we held the first full board meeting of The Unseen Barriers Foundation, effectively our first AGM.
Five members. Five voices. One shared vision.
Head to our facebook page to read more
Five members. Five voices. One shared vision.
Head to our facebook page to read more
August 3, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Today we held the first full board meeting of The Unseen Barriers Foundation, effectively our first AGM.
Five members. Five voices. One shared vision.
Head to our facebook page to read more
Five members. Five voices. One shared vision.
Head to our facebook page to read more
We’re a Team of Two… and We Need Your Help
A pound from your pocket.
An hour of your time.
A shared connection.
A repost on social media.
Together, we can reach those who are yet to find us and continue standing alongside the people we already support.
tinyurl.com/UnseenBarriers
A pound from your pocket.
An hour of your time.
A shared connection.
A repost on social media.
Together, we can reach those who are yet to find us and continue standing alongside the people we already support.
tinyurl.com/UnseenBarriers
We’re a Team of Two… and We Need Your Help
Hi, we’re Shaun and Fiona.
open.substack.com
July 26, 2025 at 10:19 PM
We’re a Team of Two… and We Need Your Help
A pound from your pocket.
An hour of your time.
A shared connection.
A repost on social media.
Together, we can reach those who are yet to find us and continue standing alongside the people we already support.
tinyurl.com/UnseenBarriers
A pound from your pocket.
An hour of your time.
A shared connection.
A repost on social media.
Together, we can reach those who are yet to find us and continue standing alongside the people we already support.
tinyurl.com/UnseenBarriers
HUGE UPDATE!
A very proud moment for The Unseen Barriers Foundation as we become members of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation (SCVO).
This demonstrates that our structure, mission, and values align with Scotland's National bodies. We will uphold these values in everything we do.
A very proud moment for The Unseen Barriers Foundation as we become members of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation (SCVO).
This demonstrates that our structure, mission, and values align with Scotland's National bodies. We will uphold these values in everything we do.
July 17, 2025 at 8:58 PM
HUGE UPDATE!
A very proud moment for The Unseen Barriers Foundation as we become members of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation (SCVO).
This demonstrates that our structure, mission, and values align with Scotland's National bodies. We will uphold these values in everything we do.
A very proud moment for The Unseen Barriers Foundation as we become members of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation (SCVO).
This demonstrates that our structure, mission, and values align with Scotland's National bodies. We will uphold these values in everything we do.
Taking the Distress Model from theory to the kitchen table.
Sometimes the simple offer of a hot drink and a slice of toast can be the difference between someone engaging, just being present, or not showing up at all.
Read our latest blog: unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/from-theor...
Sometimes the simple offer of a hot drink and a slice of toast can be the difference between someone engaging, just being present, or not showing up at all.
Read our latest blog: unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/from-theor...
July 16, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Taking the Distress Model from theory to the kitchen table.
Sometimes the simple offer of a hot drink and a slice of toast can be the difference between someone engaging, just being present, or not showing up at all.
Read our latest blog: unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/from-theor...
Sometimes the simple offer of a hot drink and a slice of toast can be the difference between someone engaging, just being present, or not showing up at all.
Read our latest blog: unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/from-theor...
We're advocating for distressed families free of charge whilst personally funding the design and creation of our mascot Cùran.
Visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr... to pledge and help us keep fighting for families in distress.
Visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr... to pledge and help us keep fighting for families in distress.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
July 15, 2025 at 5:01 PM
We're advocating for distressed families free of charge whilst personally funding the design and creation of our mascot Cùran.
Visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr... to pledge and help us keep fighting for families in distress.
Visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr... to pledge and help us keep fighting for families in distress.
New blog Alert!
Why the Distress Model Is the Third Wave
It explains why traditional disability models fall short and how the Distress Model changes how we see access and inclusion.
It also links to personal reflections on each of the four barriers.
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-the-di...
Why the Distress Model Is the Third Wave
It explains why traditional disability models fall short and how the Distress Model changes how we see access and inclusion.
It also links to personal reflections on each of the four barriers.
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-the-di...
Why the Distress Model Is the Third Wave of Disability Theory
The Social Model got us to the door.
unseenbarriers.substack.com
July 15, 2025 at 4:25 PM
New blog Alert!
Why the Distress Model Is the Third Wave
It explains why traditional disability models fall short and how the Distress Model changes how we see access and inclusion.
It also links to personal reflections on each of the four barriers.
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-the-di...
Why the Distress Model Is the Third Wave
It explains why traditional disability models fall short and how the Distress Model changes how we see access and inclusion.
It also links to personal reflections on each of the four barriers.
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-the-di...
Introducing Cùran - They are our mascot, our little champion, us and maybe even you. Read the blog on substack via the link:
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/curan-the-...
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/curan-the-...
Cùran: The Misunderstood Dragon Who Sees You
There is a reason we chose a dragon.
unseenbarriers.substack.com
July 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Introducing Cùran - They are our mascot, our little champion, us and maybe even you. Read the blog on substack via the link:
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/curan-the-...
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/curan-the-...
Our crowdfunder is now live: Help Give Cùran Their Voice
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
July 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Our crowdfunder is now live: Help Give Cùran Their Voice
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
Perception-Based Distress Isn't Shyness.
A blog post by our founder on what it really means and why it is often mislabelled and misunderstood.
Warning - this post does contain some strong language.
A blog post by our founder on what it really means and why it is often mislabelled and misunderstood.
Warning - this post does contain some strong language.
Perception-Based Distress isn't shyness.
Whilst researching and writing my framework, Perception-Based Distress was probably the most difficult one to name.
unseenbarriers.substack.com
July 12, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Perception-Based Distress Isn't Shyness.
A blog post by our founder on what it really means and why it is often mislabelled and misunderstood.
Warning - this post does contain some strong language.
A blog post by our founder on what it really means and why it is often mislabelled and misunderstood.
Warning - this post does contain some strong language.
Our crowdfunder is now live: Dismantling Invisible Barriers.
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
July 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Our crowdfunder is now live: Dismantling Invisible Barriers.
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
Even a small donation can go a long way in helping us deliver trauma-informed training, create sensory-safe spaces, and bring Cùran’s voice to life.
Let’s dismantle invisible barriers together.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unseenbarr...
Applied to a role tackling missed MH appointments, the core of my MSc and Framework. Told I scored high, then rejected for being “outside their framework.” It wasn’t. They just weren’t ready.
Full piece:
Full piece:
Spirit Advocacy and the Fear of Real Change
When I first came across the Peer Project Internship with Spirit Advocacy, I was struck by how closely it aligned with the themes of my own work.
bit.ly
July 11, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Applied to a role tackling missed MH appointments, the core of my MSc and Framework. Told I scored high, then rejected for being “outside their framework.” It wasn’t. They just weren’t ready.
Full piece:
Full piece:
Why a whole foundation?
Read our reasoning behind the foundation at;
www.facebook.com/UnseenBarriers/
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-a-whol...
Please note that should you read some of our other substack posts, they do contain explicit language and may not be suitable for all.
Read our reasoning behind the foundation at;
www.facebook.com/UnseenBarriers/
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-a-whol...
Please note that should you read some of our other substack posts, they do contain explicit language and may not be suitable for all.
July 10, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Why a whole foundation?
Read our reasoning behind the foundation at;
www.facebook.com/UnseenBarriers/
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-a-whol...
Please note that should you read some of our other substack posts, they do contain explicit language and may not be suitable for all.
Read our reasoning behind the foundation at;
www.facebook.com/UnseenBarriers/
unseenbarriers.substack.com/p/why-a-whol...
Please note that should you read some of our other substack posts, they do contain explicit language and may not be suitable for all.
When people say “Why didn’t you just say something?” they miss the point.
Saying something is the barrier.
Saying something is the barrier.
July 10, 2025 at 7:00 AM
When people say “Why didn’t you just say something?” they miss the point.
Saying something is the barrier.
Saying something is the barrier.
“You don’t look disabled” is one of the most destructive sentences in the English language.
It doesn’t just invalidate — it creates Perception-Based Distress.
And we’ve had enough.
It doesn’t just invalidate — it creates Perception-Based Distress.
And we’ve had enough.
July 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM
“You don’t look disabled” is one of the most destructive sentences in the English language.
It doesn’t just invalidate — it creates Perception-Based Distress.
And we’ve had enough.
It doesn’t just invalidate — it creates Perception-Based Distress.
And we’ve had enough.
Cùran was born from the words people never heard, the barriers no one believed, and the softness no one valued.
We gave them form.
We gave them a hoodie.
Now we give them to you.
We gave them form.
We gave them a hoodie.
Now we give them to you.
July 8, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Cùran was born from the words people never heard, the barriers no one believed, and the softness no one valued.
We gave them form.
We gave them a hoodie.
Now we give them to you.
We gave them form.
We gave them a hoodie.
Now we give them to you.
We are looking for Trustees to join us. For all information, click on the link or visit www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jo...
July 7, 2025 at 9:38 AM
We are looking for Trustees to join us. For all information, click on the link or visit www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jo...
If the world has ever felt full of barriers, it wasn’t your fault. It was built to block you. No one named it — until now.
July 7, 2025 at 7:01 AM
If the world has ever felt full of barriers, it wasn’t your fault. It was built to block you. No one named it — until now.
Perception-Based Distress.
If you’ve ever been afraid to show up because "you look fine" or "don’t look disabled enough", you’ve experienced this.
Cùran see's you and you are not alone.
If you’ve ever been afraid to show up because "you look fine" or "don’t look disabled enough", you’ve experienced this.
Cùran see's you and you are not alone.
July 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Perception-Based Distress.
If you’ve ever been afraid to show up because "you look fine" or "don’t look disabled enough", you’ve experienced this.
Cùran see's you and you are not alone.
If you’ve ever been afraid to show up because "you look fine" or "don’t look disabled enough", you’ve experienced this.
Cùran see's you and you are not alone.
We gave Cùran a name of our own.
It doesn’t mean anything in Gaelic. But now it does.
To us, Cùran means Little Warrior. Little Champion.
Even if only inside the Unseen Barriers office
It doesn’t mean anything in Gaelic. But now it does.
To us, Cùran means Little Warrior. Little Champion.
Even if only inside the Unseen Barriers office
July 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We gave Cùran a name of our own.
It doesn’t mean anything in Gaelic. But now it does.
To us, Cùran means Little Warrior. Little Champion.
Even if only inside the Unseen Barriers office
It doesn’t mean anything in Gaelic. But now it does.
To us, Cùran means Little Warrior. Little Champion.
Even if only inside the Unseen Barriers office
We have some merch ideas and we would love you to check them out. visit www.unseenbarriers.org/merch
July 4, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We have some merch ideas and we would love you to check them out. visit www.unseenbarriers.org/merch
Unseen Barriers is not a buzzword. It’s a warning. A theory. A call to action. And now a Foundation. Find us at www.UnseenBarriers.org
July 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Unseen Barriers is not a buzzword. It’s a warning. A theory. A call to action. And now a Foundation. Find us at www.UnseenBarriers.org
We are not a service. We are a signal. A sign that distress deserves language. That silence has a cost. That maybe you’re not alone after all.
July 2, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We are not a service. We are a signal. A sign that distress deserves language. That silence has a cost. That maybe you’re not alone after all.
Distress doesn’t look how you think it does. Sometimes it cancels appointments. Sometimes it masks. Sometimes it shuts all the way down. We built The Unseen Barriers Foundation for that.
July 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Distress doesn’t look how you think it does. Sometimes it cancels appointments. Sometimes it masks. Sometimes it shuts all the way down. We built The Unseen Barriers Foundation for that.