Growing Hope Conversations

Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. The podcast from Growing Hope, a charity offering free therapy for children and young people with additional needs, and support for their families. Join our host, Bambi French, as she welcomes guests who’ve been there - sharing real stories, honest struggles, and how churches can truly make a difference. In this episode, we're joined by Sophie Killingley, a freelance illustrator and writer. Sophie shares her family’s journey through multiple autism diagnoses. She describes the joys and struggles of being a SEND family - and a pastor's family - within a church community. Sophie is married to Pete and has two neurodivergent teens and a cat called Major Tom. She is passionate about the intersection of faith and creativity and breaking down the sacred/secular divide to explore the world as it is, and freeing others to do the same. Her work and cartooning are quirky offerings of humour and heart from her perspectives on mental health, Christian culture, and the daily realities of having a neurodivergent family. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Growing Hope Podcast 00:19 Navigating Neurodivergence: A Personal Journey 08:12 Experiences in the Church: Support and Challenges 14:04 The Impact of Autism on Family and Faith 18:01 Creating a New Ministry Through Art and Writing 25:10 Empowering Children with Additional Needs 30:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 38:03 Accessibility Training for Churches Get involved: Visit Sophie’s website Sign up to Sophie’s mailing list  Podcast: Triptych Conversations Podcast  Follow Sophie's Substack Look out for Sophie's new book coming in 2026: Blessed are the Neurodivergent Join the monthly Growing Hope newsletter

Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. The podcast from Growing Hope, a charity offering free therapy for children and young people with additional needs, and support for their families. Join our host, Bambi French, as she welcomes guests who’ve been there - sharing real stories, honest struggles, and how churches can truly make a difference. In this week’s episode we’re excited to be joined by Graham Miller, CEO of London City Mission, a charity working to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those in London unlikely to otherwise hear it. LCM help churches build bridges into communities in their local area where Jesus Christ isn’t widely known. Graham is a parent of children with additional needs and he himself has been diagnosed with ADHD, having received his diagnosis as an adult.   Graham reflects on leadership, faith and ADHD, and how neurodiversity in leaders is both a challenge and an opportunity.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Graham Miller and London City Mission 02:05 Graham's Journey to ADHD Diagnosis 04:55 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Life 06:34 Navigating Leadership and ADHD Diagnosis 09:31 The Impact of ADHD on Faith 12:24 Understanding Neurodiversity in Faith Communities 15:32 Supporting Families with Additional Needs 18:08 The Role of the Church in Inclusion 21:25 Overcoming Isolation in Neurodiverse Families 24:26 Embracing Neurodiversity as a Strength 27:18 Encouragement for Neurodiverse Individuals and Families 32:37 Accessibility Training for Churches Get involved: Read about the work of London City Mission and how you can get involved at lcm.org.uk/  Email us at ⁠info@growinghope.org.uk Hear updates from Growing Hope in our monthly newsletter: growinghope.org.uk/newsletter Listen to The Conversations Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform

Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. The podcast from Growing Hope, a charity offering free therapy for children and young people with additional needs, and support for their families. In this episode, Rachel tells Bambi about her family’s journey of raising children with additional needs. She reflects honestly on grief, joy, and the unexpected gifts along the way. Rachel also speaks about navigating the tension between faith, disability, and healing - how her perspective on prayer shifted, and the hope she holds onto in the midst of uncertainty. A moving conversation for parents, carers, and churches seeking to understand how to walk with families in both challenge and hope. Bible verses referenced: Isaiah 9:6-7 “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” (NIV) Ephesians 3:16-19 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (NIV) Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:19 - Introduction to Rachel's Journey 04:55 - Navigating Early Challenges and Grief 10:57 - Faith, Healing, and Acceptance 19:02 - The Impact of Writing and Community Support 25:01 - Words of Wisdom for Parents 28:12 - Conclusion and Future Hope 28:56 - Find out more about When Dreams Change Get involved: Read Rachel and Andrew Wilson’s book The Life You Never Expected: Thriving while parenting special needs children Listen to The Conversations Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform Read about the work of Jubilee+ Email us at ⁠info@growinghope.org.uk Hear updates from Growing Hope in our monthly newsletter: growinghope.org.uk/newsletter 

Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast.    In this week’s podcast we’re thrilled to be joined by Carrie Grant MBE. Carrie is a parent of four children with special educational needs, TV presenter, vocal coach, leadership coach, ordained minister and campaigner for families with SEND.   This week is Part 1 of Bambi’s conversation with Carrie. Carrie reflects on raising four children (three birth, one adopted), navigating misdiagnoses, battling stigma within schools and churches, and fostering an inclusive church community that centre marginalised voices.   This is a podcast from Growing Hope, a charity offering free therapy for children and young people with additional needs, and support for their families. Join our host, Bambi French, as she welcomes guests who’ve been there - sharing real stories, honest struggles, and how churches can truly make a difference.   00:00 Introduction to the podcast 00:22 Introduction to Carrie Grant 02:11 Navigating the World of Special Educational Needs 05:36 The Intersection of Faith and Special Needs 08:52 Challenging Norms in Faith Communities 14:27 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Marginalised Families 17:37 Understanding Healing and Disability in Faith 23:05 Redefining Needs and Neurodiversity 24:37 Part 2 Coming Next Week   Get involved: Buy a copy of A Very Modern Family by Carrie and David Grant Join monthly Growing Hope newsletter

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.12 Sophie Guthrie-Kummer & Pregnancy Choices // This is the last episode in our series and it is such an interesting one! Our hosts Naomi and Mark chat to Sophie about pregnancy choices and additional needs. Sophie is the Director at Choices – a charity which supports parents through pregnancy and beyond. You can face really difficult choices when you're pregnant. It’s a very vulnerable time and it's important to be well equipped and informed about the complex choices you may have to make. Sophie works with women and men during a range of pregnancy crises as a counsellor. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.11 Kay Morgan-Gurr & Public Accessibility // This week Naomi and Mark talk to Kay. Kay is Co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance and the current chair of Children Matter. She is also the disability advisor to Spring Harvest and serves on the Evangelical Alliance council. Kay uses a wheelchair and has a visual impairment. In this episode Kay shares her experience of what its like to navigate society as a wheelchair user and someone with additional needs. These stories and conversations are really important as we begin to rebuild society after Lockdown. There are lots of opportunities to make our public events, spaces and buildings more inclusive. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.10 Sarah Hutt and Phil Guthrie - Disability and Conflict // This week Naomi and Mark talk to Sarah and Phil the co-founders of Crux. Crux aims to help people and communities navigate conflict. They want to equip people to have the conversations that matter. Having a child with additional needs is complex. There are often difficult decisions and conversations that need to be had. We often meet families who are experiencing conflict. This could be with their family, neighbours, school or healthcare provider. If you relate to this, we hope this episode gives you some helpful advice so you can take a step towards resolving the conflict in your life. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.9 John Naude & Disability and the Church // This week our hosts Naomi & Mark have a conversation with John Naude, the Associate Vicar at The Point Church in Burgess Hill. John was born with spina bifida and was the first stipendiary (paid) clergyman to use a wheelchair. There is a perception in our society (and in the church) that you can’t be disabled and lead. We believe all people have the ability to connect with God and make a positive difference in our world. At Growing Hope, we want to encourage and enable people to do what God has created them to do. John has some fantastic advice about following God’s calling. We hope you enjoy the episode! Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.8 Lynn McCann & SEN Schooling // This week we are joined on Growing Hope Conversations by Lynn McCann to chat about SEN schooling. As Mark says in the episode - Children and young people only get one chance at their school years so making sure they get the right support and encouragement is absolutely vital. Lynn McCann is an Autism Specialist Teacher with Reach Out ASC in North West England. Lynn delivers strategies and support for individual pupils in Secondary Schools to enable them to thrive. She is the author of three books for teachers and is also a speaker and trainer. Lynn has a wealth of experience and has some fantastic advice for teachers, parents and other educators. Particularly those working with children who have Autism. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.7 Beth Mellor & Additional Needs Parenting // Naomi and Mark chat with Beth Mellor about additional needs parenting. In 2015 Beth set up Take 5 & Chat in Whitley Bay to create a safe space for parents and carers to meet together over a slice of homemade cake. Beth understands the anxieties many parents face on their own and wanted to create a community of families that could support each other. If you don't live in the Whitley Bay area you can join the Take 5 & Chat community on Facebook. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.6 Nicola Watson & Additional Needs and Isolation // This week our hosts talk to Nicola Watson who is the Additional Needs Co-ordinator for Care for the Family. Nicola also has 3 children of her own, one of whom has global developmental delay. In this episode Nicola shares her advice as a professional, working with families who have children with medical, additional and mental health needs, and as a parent. Nicola highlights the importance of asking for help if you are experiencing challenges and isolation. If this episode resonated with you because you are feeling alone in your situation then please get in touch. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear Nicola's fantastic idea for helping adults with additional needs build friendships, improve their self-esteem and become more of a part of society through work. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.5 Adeola Aremu & Parenting a child with Autism // Welcome to this week's conversation! Our hosts Naomi and Mark are joined by Adeola Aremu who shares her personal story of caring for her son who has autism whilst also single-handedly raising 3 other children. Adeola's incredible story will encourage those facing similar challenges. It’s also a great episode if you would like to understand more about the joys and challenges of raising a child with additional needs. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify (link in bio) #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.4 Paul and Becky Harcourt & Disability and Leadership // Our hosts Naomi and Mark are joined by Paul and Becky Harcourt - national leaders of New Wine England and All Saints' Woodford Wells in London. They talk about their experience of working in public-facing leadership roles whilst also raising children who have additional needs. This juggling act of balancing work and family life is one many parents experience and there is some great advice in this episode. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify (link in bio) #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.3 Emily Thompson - My Life with Down's Syndrome // Welcome to this week's conversation! Naomi and Mark are joined by Emily and her mum Cheralyn. Emily talks about what her life looks like, the activities she takes part in, her personal faith and her aspirations to become a mermaid. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify (link in bio) #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.2 John Williams - Disability in Schools // This week Naomi and Mark talk to John Williams about growing up with cerebral palsy. John also talks about his work as a Chaplain in a secondary school in Wigan. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation

Growing Hope Conversations // Ep.1 Emily Owen - Living with NF2 // Join our hosts Mark Arnold and Naomi Graham as they talk to author and public speaker Emily Owen about her experience of living with NF2 - a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along your nerves. Growing Hope Conversations is a new 12-part podcast series sharing stories of those living with additional needs and tackling barriers of accessibility. We believe real change in society starts with honest conversations. #WelcomeToTheConversation www.growinghope.org.uk

This conversational podcast is based on an interview with Occupational Therapist Naomi Graham, Lead Therapist of Growing Hope King's Cross. She gives practical tips, strategies and insights into Occupational Therapy for children with additional needs and their families, and the journey of therapy in Growing Hope.

This podcast interviews Speech and Language Therapist Aimee Hobbs, exploring language delays and disorders and giving practical tips, strategies and insights into Speech and Language Therapy for children with additional needs and their families.

This conversational podcast is based on an interview with Occupational Therapist Shaaron Powell who is launching the Growing Hope Clinic in Brockley. She gives practical tips, strategies and insights into Occupational Therapy for children with additional needs and their families.

This conversational podcast is based on an interview with counsellor Heather Graham, giving practical tips, strategies and insights into parent/carer and children's counselling on the journeys children with additional needs and their families may take.