Get Involved > Campaigns > Never Seen Never Been

Shining a light on the people too often overlooked – and opening doors to the experiences everyone deserves

Every day, people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, dementia, and the carers who support them are quietly excluded from the opportunities many take for granted. Days out. Friendships. New places. New experiences. A sense of belonging.

At Guideposts, we believe everyone should be seen, valued, and able to take part in life. Never Seen, Never Been is our commitment to making that a reality.

Why this campaign matters

Across the UK, thousands of people live their lives on the margins – not because they want to, but because they fall through gaps in our communities, and in our public services.
They are:

• Rarely seen in public life
• Seldom invited to take part
• Often isolated, despite their enormous potential
• Overlooked, even by systems meant to support them.

Through Never Seen, Never Been, we’re changing that. We’re breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring no one is left behind.

People with Learning Disabilities

Many people with learning disabilities never have the chance to do things others consider ordinary – a trip to the seaside, a show in the city, or simply visiting a new town.

These experiences build confidence, independence, and joy.

With your support, we can open the world to more people:

• More day trips
• More adventures
• More moments that spark pride, connection, and possibility.

People living with Mental Health Conditions

Mental ill-health can shrink a person’s world until they feel invisible. Friendships fade, work is lost, and leaving the house becomes overwhelming.

Guideposts creates safe, welcoming spaces where people can reconnect, rebuild confidence, and rediscover purpose.

Through groups, coaching, and one-to-one support, we help people feel heard, understood, and ready to move forward.

People living with Dementia – and Carers

Dementia isolates not just the person diagnosed, but their partner, family, and friends. Social circles fall away. Everyday life becomes harder to navigate.

Our dementia-friendly communities offer connection, joy, and respite.

We help people stay active, engaged, and supported — and we give carers the understanding, companionship, and breathing space they desperately need.

What Your Support Makes Possible

Your generosity fuels real, tangible change. Through Never Seen, Never Been, you can help us:

🌈 Create more life-changing experiences

From Friendship 4 All activities to excursions for all our day services, plus special open events like parties, festivals and events – your donation opens doors.

🤝 Build communities where everyone belongs

People find friendship, understanding, and a place where they are truly seen.

🔄 Support long-term recovery and wellbeing

Ongoing support helps people stay connected, avoid crisis, and live fuller, more purposeful lives.

📣 Raise awareness and champion inclusion

Together, we shine a light on the inequality and isolation too many people face – and we take action to change it.

Progress so far

Through our Never Seen, Never Been campaign in 2022-24 we focussed on the needs and aspirations of our Learning Disability communities, making trips possible for more people.

Funds donated to Never Seen Never Been have enabled a day trip to the seaside, a trip to London Zoo, a day on a special steam train for St George’s Day, and an amazing experience for members of our Community Hub in Stroud to record their own song in a professional recording studio. We have been developing accessible camping and residential trips to the seaside, and produced our inclusive festival zone, FestivALL, and many more activities.

The enthusiasm they have been received with has been overwhelming.

Join us in making the Invisible Visible

We believe in a world where everyone has equal opportunities to experience joy, connection, and community.

A world where no one is left behind.

A world where everyone is seen.

Your support helps make that world possible.

If you believe that new experiences should be accessible to all, regardless of disability, you can support our campaign to make it happen:

Donate today
Become a monthly supporter
Help us champion inclusion