Owl Blue - Advice for people with hidden disabilities

Professional advice and guidance that will enable you to confidently self-help and understand those around you with hidden disabilities

Owl Blue is a not for profit organisation, based in Maryport, West Cumbria, and has been established for just over 13 years.

We work with the families of people with hidden disabilities and those who share their lives. These hidden disabilities include Autism and co-occurring conditions such as learning disabilities and mental health problems, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), ADHD and the Deaf.

We understand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be when suspecting someone close to you has a hidden disability, receives a diagnosis, when you’re dealing with challenging  behaviours or navigating your way through the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) system.

Owl Blue’s practitioners are qualified and professional and we can help you to access information, advice and strategies free of charge. You do not need a diagnosis for Owl Blue to help you.

We are able to signpost you to other appropriate groups and professionals that can also support you or simply call us for an informal chat.

Owl Blue’s confidential 1:1 appointments are tailored to the problems arising from the individuals and their condition and aims to encourage understanding and self-help.

Owl Blue also helps those in the community that wish to understand individuals affected by hidden disabilities. We work alongside mental health and other NHS health professionals, private consultants and practitioners, voluntary organisations, local businesses, Local Authorities and schools.

Owl Blue aims to improve understanding of hidden disabilities in the wider community and to help create a more inclusive society for people with hidden disabilities.

Currently Owl Blue is acting as a single point of contact for businesses and voluntary groups within Cumbria and the surrounding areas.

Contact us to discuss CPD-accredited training and workshops, addressing neurodiversity bespoke to your environment.

Our Team

Stuart McDougall

  • Fundraising Manager
  • Owl Blue Founder

Nichola McDougall

  • Charity Manager
  • BA (Hons)  – University of Cumbria

    MEd – Autism – Student @ University of Strathclyde

Amanda Denwood

  • Autism Practitioner – Autism Cumbria
  • BA, PGCE, NPQH, PG Cert

Geoff Evans

  • Autism Consultant
  • Med, PGCE, CSC.
Owl Blue

Our Policies

Articles of Association
Adult Safeguarding
Child Safeguarding
Data Protection
Equality Policy
Privacy Policy

Our Funders

Owl Blue would like to thank the following major funders. Without the kindness and generosity of the local people, businesses, voluntary groups and charity organisations we would not be able to continue the work we do. We are very grateful.

If you are a financial supporter of Owl Blue and would like your logo displayed on our page, please email nichola@owlblue.org.

Owl Blue provides professional advice, guidance and strategies on hidden disabilities...

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