testimonials
This page is where comments are collated to reflect the success or feedback of Barriers to Bridges. As a new online presence it is important to showcase how our content is hopefully raising awareness of areas not tapped into before by readers, maintaining thought-provoking, challenging journalism or of course holding those who keep us on the margins of society, to account.
You can of course comment on individual articles or leave a full testimonial of the magazine here. As the founder and editor, your testimonial is not only hugely appreciated, but extremely important for future funders or stake-holders to see the impact and importance of the magazine.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave more of your thoughts or feedback.
Dawn Sanders,
Editor
Departing Feedback from Sophie Lord
Finishing volunteer sub-editor
As your editor, what did Dawn do well.
- Pushed me to improve my ideas and my writing style, I feel like I’ve improved which is great.
- Kept me involved in creative discussions, very much a team approach rather than you being in control & us following along as would be the case in some publications.
- Open minded and kind.
- Determined to improve the mag & look for funding.
- I really admire the mission of the magazine and the voices it gives people.
How did you find the work structure, for example, scheduled deadlines for articles or posting particular items on our social media channels at specific times?
- Flexible & easy-going, I felt as though I had creative control which was nice!
Do you have any further comments?
I really hope the mag gets the funding it deserves, keep going and remember the impact it has for ordinary people! Thank you for the opportunity, it’s enabled me to keep up my journalism and has been great. I might pitch for a future issue! 
Best wishes,
Sophie
Survey Feedback
1 Has there been a particular article in Barriers to Bridges in a recent issue which you especially enjoyed reading, or you found informative? If so, which one?
2 What do you appreciate most about the magazine?
The opportunity for those to have their voices heard that wouldn’t have necessarily had the chance to.
3 Is there an issue in line with addressing barriers faced by our target audience you would like to see covered?
Representation of lived experience within employment.
4 What, if anything, could we improve?
Nothing i am happy with what you do.
“I wanted to submit a testimonial regarding the publishing experience I had with Barriers to Bridges.
I really had a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed the publishing process and explaining the Bengali words in my poem. I really like the magazine and I am honoured and grateful to the team of Barriers to Bridges for accepting and publishing my work.”
“I’m honored to have contributed to “Barriers to Bridges,” a magazine that fearlessly addresses issues too often overlooked by mainstream media. This magazine’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice aligns with my own values.
The team behind “Barriers to Bridges” has been nothing short of professional, and they have honored their commitments to me throughout this process. It’s truly refreshing to collaborate with individuals who share a genuine passion for their mission.
This magazine is a much-needed addition to the media landscape, covering issues that traditional outlets often neglect. It’s heartening to see a publication dedicated to giving a voice to those who are too often unheard.
Thank you, “Barriers to Bridges,” for amplifying important voices and creating a platform for change. Let’s continue building bridges toward a more compassionate future.”
“Thank you so much for writing this article. It means a lot to be “seen.””
@RainbowYeticorn, Twitter user
“Barriers to Bridges Magazine is vital for giving a voice to marginalised communities, who are under-represented in the traditional media, and who have to fight harder to be heard. It is empowering to have a piece published in the magazine if you happen to be from one such marginalised group. It is a breath of fresh air to hear less heard perspectives, a different take on things. Barriers to Bridges Magazine is a good opportunity for readers to hear from other voices too. The magazine is also unusual, in that it doesn’t speak on behalf of disadvantaged people – it invites us to speak for ourselves.“
Auriol Britton
“I have been reading your inspiring magazine and can sense your passion as editor. As a PE teacher, the cooperative play article particularly resonated with me. I agree, cooperative play is so inclusive and beneficial for so many reasons. It’s universal language is so powerful.
I am looking forward to reading future editions! Keep up your meaningful work!“
Grant Matthews
“Wonderful,Carrie! ….. never forget to RE-MIND you of you. You’re ALWAYS worth it. Live the life you love. xx”
Gretel Fletcher
“Hi Dawn. This is a really great idea. I enjoyed your article on Barriers to Bridges. Looking forward to reading more. I will do what I can to support this venture. Have a blessed day!”
Kathy Terwilleger
“An excellent insight into the problems so many people in the West Country face. Keep up the good work Caitlin.”
Kath Watters
“Congrats on the second issue.”
Kestrel ^!^
“Thank you, Dawn, for all your passion, resilience, hard work and inspiration to get justice and authentic equality in society.“
Caroline
“What an inspiring and enlightening article! So much hope created by the power of people and a community.“
Caroline
“Let’s hope that performing artists with additional needs do get to share in the decision making or get on funding boards. We do need meaningful power changes from the top.“
Caroline
“What a moving article! Given that everything is connected in our universe, we need to look after our plants and animals, as they look after us. I have loved doing ‘No Mow May’, leaving our lawn to grow freely. It has produced an abundance of hidden gems, such as moon daisies and herb robert, and the insects love it too. Dragonflies appear to feast on them and a green woodpecker pops by most mornings to feast on the anthills. Needless to say, this nutures my soul and I have extended it into ‘No mow June’!“
Caroline
“Seeing your dream become reality is testament to your tireless dedication and passion for what you do.
Huge congratulations.
Haven’t yet had chance to dive in completely. Excited by the prospect.“
Leigh
“Well done! You’ve created not only a publication that looks very professional, the subjects you address are highly relevant. Your creation has exceeded my expectations. I’d give you a pat on the back or even a hug, but at the moment neither are allowed.“
Dale Le Fevre
“Congratulations on your First Issue to you Dawn and all others involved with Barriers to Bridges Magazine. Hopefully the first of many. Bright blessings.”
Kestrel ^!^
“I really loved hearing about Dale and his work!
As an OT working in CAMHS this is an area I’m especially interested in. I think it’s so important – and undervalued – using play / silliness / creativity / physicality to connect people with their bodies and with each other. thanks for writing and sharing!“
Debi
“Thought-provoking piece. I hadn’t really heard of ‘cooperative play’ before – and what a good concept. I’m sure it could really help nurture tolerance in communities.“
Raoul
“This article inspires a lot of hope for more unity in our world.“
Caroline
“Love your magazine.
Very interesting article
Thank you for pushing forward and getting peoples voices heard.”
Leigh
“I never met Brendan but it sounds like he shone beams of life into many people’s lives.“
Caroline
“Hi Dawn, thank you for such a revealing and informative tribute to Brendan. I can echo much of what you say in my recollection of many conversations with Brendan. RIP Brendan.”
Christopher
“I found this article interesting. As a primary school teacher, parents often ask me for initial advice about seeking a diagnosis for suspected autism. The pros and cons of labelling are therefore helpful to understand. Also, I am an Emotional Freedom ‘tapping’ therapist so I wish gentle tapping could become accepted as positive behaviour for anyone that needs to calm themselves, to self regulate and to help quieten their mind.“
Caroline
“I found this article thought-provoking and also shocking that sex workers and asylum-seekers have been shunned by establishment feminists.“
Caroline
“I found this article thought provoking and appreciate that it openly addresses points that I haven’t really heard talked about elsewhere before. Contestant critique of movements is what society needs to keep things in check and moving forward. Also interesting that it was actually written five years ago but it could have been written today!“
Debi
“Sadly a lot of the stuff you mention here, I believe is entirely typical of the everyday issues and barriers that affect parishes and their thinking across the UK, and is why the Church of England even with it’s huge advantages firmly embedded into our cultural, political and economic landscape is still in a death spiral in terms of numbers of worshippers, while some other Christian organisations seem to be doing relatively better.“
Kestrel ^!^