Barriers to Bridges is a national online quarterly. We are a progressive, forward-looking, thought-provoking outlet that uses empowering language and takes a refreshingly ‘person first’ approach when describing those with protected characteristics.

It is long overdue for a publication providing a ‘voice for the voiceless’. The UK media is dominated with corporate-funded mainstream narratives that silence those already on the margins of society, often stigmatising or stereotyping certain groups. This magazine brings accountability journalism to the fore. While many independent publications focus on wider macro-political, international topics, Barriers to Bridges focuses on micro-situations and people’s individual stories. We explore how particular communities, such as those with additional needs, refugees or people with mental health conditions, are overcoming barriers or becoming empowered through sports, art or increased employment/vocational opportunities. Therefore, we are helping to raise awareness, inform and educate wider society on our vision of challenging barriers of marginalisation, building bridges to empower communities.

We are the voice of:

• ‘People’ with additional needs;
• Single parents;
• Those struggling with mental health challenges;
• People from a working-class background;
• Those facing gender inequality;
• People who are homeless;
• Those identifying as LGBTQ+;
• People of colour;
• Those who struggle with addiction;
• People living off-grid or travellers.

Aims

Our aim is simple – with inequality on the increase, Barriers to Bridges Magazine will strive to do exactly what it says on the tin, by levelling society’s playing field. While we do not support a political party, human rights violations, discrimination and stigmatisation will inevitably underpin what we seek to address. While our target base is wide ranging, this will serve to keep content compelling, varied and interesting to readers and subscribers – we are uniquely not a niche publication.