Why I built Helpful Harbour
I built this site out of necessity. After an injury at work left me looking for new ways to support myself, I fell into the ‘online guru’ rabbit hole and saw just how many scams and dangerous ideas are out there. I also found that vital safety recalls were being buried in the noise. I’m here to ‘hopefully’ bridge that gap. I track the risks so you can stay safe, informed, and protected.
Sign up for email alerts to be notified of urgent product recalls and safety notices that may affect you or your home. Or join the mailing list so Helpful Harbour can keep you up to date on the latest news.
I will be covering news, reviews, guides, alerts, comparisons, life & accessibility, community and hopefully, there will be plenty of fun too. Some posts may use affiliate links; others I will share just because I believe they’re awesome. Affiliate links will always have a disclaimer. You won’t find any stealth marketing here – except where I’m exposing it and I’ve got months and months of research.
A practical, ND-first corner of the internet: honest reviews, useful guides, tutorials and templates. Some posts use affiliate links; others I share because they’re awesome.
There’s also a page spotlighting vetted small community projects, social enterprises, community interest companies – I’m planning on spotlighting one a month so it would be great if you could take part and vote for your favourite. Sure, it might not do anything, but there’s also the chance it might make a big difference so it’s worth a shot.
Help Shape Helpful Harbour
Which topics would you like to see more of? Your vote helps me prioritize content that actually matters to you.
My goal is to build an inclusive space that’s honest, safe and secure.
Scam Spotting
Concerned about telephone, door to door or online scams or fraud? I’ll be researching every week to find information on the latest scams, red flags and how to spot them. There will be downloadable resources you can give to any friends, relatives or neighbours you’re concerned about so they’re aware of the latest schemes.
If you or anyone you know have been a victim of a crime, please report it
Product Recalls, Food Recalls and Alerts
Product and Food recall alerts. All articles will point you to the official source of information if you’d like to sign up for the text or email alerts straight from the source. Vehicle alerts may be coming to the site.
Product Reviews
An honest take on products and services.
- Gadgets and Gizmos
- Apps, Tools, Services and Systems
- Resources
- and much more
- Food – because, why not?!
How-To Guides, Tutorials, Comparisons
There will be a vast variety of topics in this section. Want an online guide created? Use the ‘Contact Us’ form or email us hello@helpfulharbour.com. I aim to reply within 24/48 hours.
Feel Good Stories
Highlighting positive stories, small charities doing great work, and community wins.
Book Reviews
Helpful Harbour Book Haven is your calm corner for books and audiobooks. Plain-speech notes, content warnings up front (in an accordion), and filters for tropes, vibes, spice and more.
Charity & Community Spotlight
I’m hoping to find some of the smaller charities or that don’t have the budget for advertising like the big boys, and give them a free platform on this site. All will be fully vetted prior to being added.
Travel and Events
Did you know that not all venues are accessible to all? Neither did I. Short breaks and holidays with honest accessibility notes and pet friendly picks.
Pets
Pet care, food, toys, accessories, training, health & Insurance, housing. Enrichment which covers physical, cognitive, social, sensory, and nutritional, which influence toys and feeding method. Exploring
Crafts, Creativity and Cosplay!
| Crafts: how-to guides, comparisons and reviews for tools, materials and suppliers. There will even be a few of my own creations – even the failures! |
ND Guides and Freebies
Practical, ND-affirming guides. Short steps, definitions, real examples. Keeping tabs on neurodivergent news and doing deep dives to make sure it doesn’t get buried.
Cooking, Recipes and Kitchen
Covering a selection of ND-friendly recipes for sensory-comfort. Short steps. Easy prep. Quick cook. A short list of ingredients. Sections for slow-cooker and air-fryer options for no or low spoon days.
Exploring various cleaning, planning and organisation, tips, tricks and hacks – do they help?
TV, Movies and Music
Articles, lists and news. As a lifelong binge watcher, I think I’m going to enjoy this one because I’ll have a genuine excuse for the binges.
Shop
There will be both physical handmade items and digital resources available soon – all at reasonable prices.
Services
Virtual Assistant services. Body Doubling. Graphic Design.
Over 25 years office experience including office management for over 10 years. Customer support experience over 25 years. Excellent computer skills (modest, I know right!) Flexible working options only due to health conditions. I will be updating the website with a full list of services in due course.
House Rules
- No miracle cures
- Clear disclosures on any affiliate links
- Trigger warnings where relevant
- Accessibility first, ND-affirming always
- Straight-talk