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welcome to Safely Seen,
this is our story.
We’re a queer and neurodivergent-led community where autistic, ADHD, disabled, and neurodivergent people can show up exactly as they are and be met with genuine respect, care, and understanding. Safely Seen was created so that our community can finally feel what we’ve always deserved: to be truly seen, safely.
We especially focus on supporting women, gender diverse, trans, and non-binary people, because our voices and needs are too often overlooked. And while our roots are in neurodivergent support, we also work with people with additional disabilities, recognising that each person’s experience is layered and unique.
why we exist
The idea for Safely Seen grew out of my own journey as an AuDHD, queer, single parent. When I began seeking support for my daughter, I found so many services that claimed to be inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly, but they didn’t feel that way at all. The language spoke about us instead of to us. It painted autism and disability as deficits, and that didn’t sit right with me.
I didn’t want my daughter growing up believing that her differences made her “less.” I wanted her, and our whole community, to know that being different is not only okay, it’s valuable.
So I built what I couldn’t find: a space that is led by our community, for our community.
Althea's path to Safely Seen
Before Safely Seen, I spent years in the corporate world. On paper, I was “successful,” but the reality was that it hurt my brain and eventually led to a massive shutdown and breakdown. That forced me to step back and rethink what I really wanted.
I started working as an independent support worker with autistic children, and for the first time, I felt a sense of alignment. When I became pregnant with my daughter, life shifted again. I realised I was a lesbian, separated from her dad, and faced a lot of anxiety about returning to corporate work. I was even offered a big role in medical biotechnology, but the thought of going back sent me into meltdown.
So, I chose differently.
I returned to support work, this time with autistic adults. Quickly, I noticed just how many queer, neurodivergent people, especially women, gender diverse, and trans folks, needed support. That’s when it clicked. This was my place.
Now, I get to do work that aligns with my values, allows me to care for my daughter, and supports a community I’m deeply part of. And that makes my brain, and my heart, happy.
what we stand for
Safely Seen is built on values that guide everything we do:
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Respect: treating each other as equals.
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Authenticity: showing up honestly, without masks.
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Accessibility: making support truly usable, practical, and inclusive.
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Expression: celebrating the ways we communicate, create, and connect.
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Safety: spaces where you can exist without fear of judgment.
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Community and Care: lifting each other up and building opportunities from within.
what does the future look like for Safely Seen?
Safely Seen isn’t just about providing support. It’s about building a community where autistic, ADHD, disabled, and queer folks can thrive. My dream is to grow Safely Seen into a place that not only supports people but also hires from within our community, creating opportunities for those who may have been made to feel small elsewhere.
Here, “the best” isn’t defined by the neurotypical world. It’s defined by you, and what you want for yourself.
This is my story, but really, my hope is that it's the start of our story.
Because Safely Seen is for all of us.