Built from the hobby, for the hobby.
Forge Without Limits didn't start in a boardroom. It started at a kitchen table, with a brush, a miniature and a brother who deserved every chance to play.
A brother, a brush, and a lifetime of Saturdays.
My name is Dan. Forge Without Limits was inspired by my brother, who lived with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Growing up alongside him in this hobby showed me two things at once: how rewarding miniature wargaming can be — and how many small, quiet barriers stand in the way of the people who need it most.
Helping him build, paint and enjoy his miniatures taught me that with the right support, most of those barriers can be removed entirely. A carefully cut sprue. A grip that fits the hand. A patient afternoon spent explaining the rules again, without anyone rolling their eyes.
The hobby gave me friendships, confidence and a real sense of belonging. Forge Without Limits exists so that others can feel the same — regardless of disability, physical limitations or additional support needs.
A lifetime in the hobby
Tabletop gaming has been part of my life since I was around eight years old, when I first started collecting Warhammer 40,000. Since then I’ve built, collected and played across a huge range of miniature games and systems.
Over the years that has included Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, Kill Team, Necromunda, Battlefleet Gothic, Inquisitor, Star Wars: Legion, Marvel Crisis Protocol, Bolt Action and BattleTech, alongside many other games and miniature ranges. I’m also a long-time fan of Dungeons & Dragons, console gaming and PC gaming.
I’ve also spent a lot of time in the tournament side of the hobby, taking part in numerous local events over the years and enjoying some good results along the way. That experience helped develop my understanding of army construction, list building, unit synergy and how to put together a force that works well on the table. Although I’ve taken a break from regular tournament play, it’s still an area of the hobby I enjoy.
That experience feeds into the way I approach Forge Without Limits today. I can help people think through army choices, themes, units and play styles, whether they want something competitive, narrative, casual or simply an army they enjoy collecting and using.
I’m also a huge fan of the lore and worlds behind many of these games. That includes Warhammer and its various settings, but also things such as Dungeons & Dragons and Lord of the Rings — I’ve been a long-time fan of Tolkien’s books, the films and the wider history and mythology of Middle-earth.
For some people, that side of the hobby is every bit as important as building and playing with miniatures. Whether someone wants help choosing a faction because they love its background, wants to understand a setting better, wants to create something themed around the lore, or simply wants to explore these worlds without getting involved in the miniature side at all, that is something I’m equally happy to support.
Lived experience of disability and neurodivergence
Accessibility isn’t something I came to through a business plan — it has been part of my life for many years.
Through my own family and personal experience, I have spent a great deal of time around ADHD, autism, dyslexia, physical disability and other additional needs. My brother lived with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and supporting him was a major influence on why Forge Without Limits exists today. I also have direct experience of neurodivergence myself, which gives me a personal understanding of how differently people can experience communication, concentration, learning, sensory environments and the hobby itself.
Over the years, I have also supported family members with a range of neurodivergent and additional needs. That experience has taught me that there is rarely a single “right” way to help someone enjoy a hobby. Some people need more time, clearer explanations, a quieter environment, practical adaptations or simply someone who is willing to listen and work at their pace.
But Forge Without Limits isn’t only for people with a disability or diagnosis. Sometimes people just need a bit of help. That might be because of a temporary injury or illness, anxiety, low mood, a lack of confidence, feeling overwhelmed, social isolation, or simply not knowing where to start. Others may just want some company while they build or paint, someone to talk the hobby through with, or an extra pair of hands for something they are struggling with.
You don’t need to fit into a particular category to ask for support. Whether you have a long-term condition, a temporary barrier, need a bit of social interaction or simply want someone alongside you while you enjoy the hobby, Forge Without Limits is there to help where it can.
That is the approach I bring to Forge Without Limits. I don’t assume what somebody needs because of a diagnosis — or assume that somebody needs a diagnosis at all. I talk to the individual, understand what works for them and adapt the support around the person rather than expecting the person to adapt to the hobby.
Safe, responsible support
Forge Without Limits is committed to providing hobby support in a safe, respectful and responsible way. Dan holds an Enhanced DBS certificate, and safeguarding and individual needs are considered as Forge Without Limits continues to develop its supported hobby and education services.
To break down the barriers that prevent people from enjoying tabletop gaming — through practical support, professional craft and an inclusive community.
To become the UK's leading organisation for accessible tabletop gaming, where disability is never a barrier to creativity or friendship.
To provide professional hobby services and one-to-one support for people who may otherwise struggle to take part in the hobby they love.
Six values, one table.
Accessibility
Services adapt to the person, not the other way around.
Inclusion
Everyone is welcome — first-timers, veterans and everyone between.
Community
We build friendships, not just armies.
Creativity
Small models, big imagination.
Empowerment
Skills and confidence you keep for life.
Integrity
Honest work, fair pricing, quiet pride in the craft.
