Unfiltered Lives

We are telling the stories of real people whose lives have positively changed as a result of our research. Through photography and compelling stories, Unfiltered Lives goes beneath the surface to the heart of why our researchers do what they do.

When refuge isn’t safe. Uncovering the abuse and failures of the asylum system faced by refugee victims of sexual and gender-based violence.


OPRAH

"My first experience in the UK, I was treated like a criminal, chained and handcuffed to go to hospital."

MARIAM

"A lot of people come here and depend on the men, they control everything and the Home Office help men to do that."

HANE

"Eight years I have been waiting.
I feel like I have been in prison for eight years."

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Change asylum policy and transform lives
with Professor Jenny Phillimore.

Shaping autism education to support a bright future for autistic children, young people and their families


TERRI AND SOPHIE

"They say being autistic is a spectrum of needs, but often people make the same assumptions about everyone with autism."

SHARDIA AND PATRICK

"We want to be a part of the narrative that breaks down some of the stigmas within my community and within other cultural communities."

WENDY AND SAM

"We can enable people with autism to live fulfilling lives and be able to access their communities successfully."

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Research led by Professor Karen Guldberg is helping to support autism in the classroom.

Empowering young people with visual impairment with educational and social inclusion


SHAMIMA

"Adjusting to visually impaired life was difficult at first, but having disabled support networks around me has helped me to find my voice."

HASUN

"I had one rejection say ‘as we are not ready to take on someone in a wheelchair, we’re not ready to take on someone with sight loss."

EDDY

"In mainstream school, I had little to no support so I struggled to access the things I needed in terms of education and provisions."

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Research led by Dr Rachel Hewett and Professor Graeme Douglas is empowering young people to address barriers.

Supporting Black and Ethnic Minority business


WADE, CLEONE FOODS

"In the African-Caribbean community, we haven't got large businesses which are acting as a beacon, so I am now very focused on what I can do for the next generation."

IAN & DENNIS, ID SECURITY

"Today, we share our knowledge and passion with other businesses to make sure they do not experience the same barriers."

ROSIE, MISS MACAROON

"Being a female entrepreneur, I've faced some challenges, but having a supportive network around me has really been the key to my success."

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Research led by Professor Kiran Trehan is highlighting the value of peer-to-peer mentoring.

"When refuge isn't safe"
Photography by Philippa James

"Shaping autism education"

Photography by Kris Askey

"Empowering young people with vision impairment"
Photography by Helen Lloyd

"Supporting black and ethnic minority business" 
Photography by Ross Jukes