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 opportunities many take for granted: days out, friendships, new places, new experiences and 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 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 are changing that. We are 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 and everyday life becomes harder to navigate.
Our dementia-friendly communities offer connection, joy and respite. We help people stay active, engaged and supported, and give carers the understanding, companionship and breathing space they 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 our day services, plus open events such as parties and festivals, your support 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 take action to change it.
Progress so far
Through our Never Seen, Never Been campaign in 2022–24, we focused on the needs and aspirations of our learning disability communities, making trips possible for more people.
Funds donated to the campaign 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 experience for members of our Community Hub in Stroud to record their own song in a professional recording studio. We have also developed accessible camping and residential trips to the seaside, and produced our inclusive festival zone, FestivALL.
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, and everyone is seen.
Your support helps make that world possible.
If you believe that new experiences should be accessible to all, regardless of disability, donate to Guideposts and help us make it happen.