Quiet Guides

REASSURING SUPPORT

What is a Quiet Guide?

Quiet Guides are visual visit tools that help people prepare for unfamiliar places. They include step-by-step photos, simple text, and sensory maps. They're especially helpful for autistic visitors, people who are anxious, and anyone who finds busy places overwhelming.

INCLUSIVE

Why This Matters

When visitors feel prepared, they feel welcome.
Visual guides and sensory maps are more than “nice to have”—they reduce anxiety, improve access, and show that your venue takes inclusion seriously.They also help you meet your legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 by making “reasonable adjustments” for disabled visitors.

PURPOSE

Who This Helps

• Autistic visitors and families• People with anxiety or PTSD• People with sensory processing differences• Older visitors with hearing or vision changes• Teachers planning accessible school visits• Anyone who likes to know what to expect

• Get in touch

CHALLENGES

Common Concerns and Simple Solutions

Concern: “We don’t have the time.”
Solution: A basic visual story takes a few hours to create and helps hundreds of visitors for months even years to come.Concern: “We don’t know what to include.”
Solution: Follow my step-by-step guide, or ask me to visit andI’ll walk you through the whole process.Concern: “We’re worried we’ll get it wrong.”
Solution: A visual story doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be honest. Real photos, real spaces, real help.Concern: “We’ve never thought about it before.”
Solution: That’s okay, the biggest solution is simply deciding to do it. Once you’ve made that commitment, everything else can follow.

POWErFUL NEXT STEPS

Is this all we need to do to help autistic visitors?

A visual story is one of the most powerful things you can do and one of the simplest. But it’s not the only step.Other things that make a real difference include:- Clear signage and quiet spaces
- Consistent staff awareness
- Sensory information available in advance
- Welcoming, predictable entry experiences
- A clear commitment to inclusive designIf you’d like help reviewing what you already offer, identifying barriers, or training your team I can support you.I offer practical, affordable consultancy tailored to small heritage venues.You don’t need a big budget — just a willingness to make things better.You could also connect with a local special school or autism support group many are happy to help review your visual story or give feedback. That kind of partnership builds trust, improves accuracy, and strengthens your local community ties.And this kind of inclusion makes good financial sense. When autistic visitors feel safe and welcome, they stay longer, return more often, and bring others with them. That means increased footfall, word-of-mouth recommendations, and greater visitor spend over time.

• Get in touch

OUR LOGO

Why is the bee on our logo?

There’s always one bee who leaves the hive to explore — flying out into the world to find something new. When that bee returns, she doesn’t keep the discovery to herself. She shares what she’s learned, helping the others prepare before they go.Quiet Guides are like that first bee.They go ahead, learn what to expect, and bring back a calm, clear story so others feel ready too.

NO BUDGET?

Pro Bono Support for Small Sites

If you're a small, volunteer-run heritage site, based within 35 miles of central Cambridge (see map below), I may be able to offer to create a Quiet Guide free of charge. These visual tools help you welcome anxious or neurodivergent visitors and support inclusive access across your venue.I do this because, as someone who knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by new places, I want others to feel calm, informed, and welcome.

SCHOOLS

Custom Guides for School Visits

Planning a school trip to a museum, gallery, or historic site? I can create a custom Quiet Guide to help your students feel prepared, especially those with autism, anxiety, or sensory processing needs.

Quiet guides are ideal for autistic children and young people, and can make the difference between them being comfortable with the visit or missing out.