Growing Hope Conversations

Growing Hope
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Growing Hope provides free therapy for children and young people with additional needs in partnership with local churches across the UK. Growing Hope Conversations is a podcast series sharing real stories, honest struggles, and how churches can truly make a difference.

  1. 17/12/2025

    Held, Not Fixed: Disability, Church and the Presence of God with Dr Joy Allan

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. This week we’re joined by Dr Joy Allan, a theologian, preacher and speaker, and works as the Church Engagement and Relationship Manager for the Difference course, part of the Reconciling Leaders' Network. Her passion and expertise is disability theology, mental health theology and pastoral care. Joy shares her journey as a theologian, champion of the Difference course and passionate advocate for children with disabilities. She talks with Bambi about the complicated place of healing within faith communities, the role of the church in supporting individuals with disabilities, and the need for reconciliation in today's divided society. 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 00:19 Introduction to Dr Joy Allan and Her Journey 02:51 The Difference Course: Bridging Divides 05:54 The Intersection of Theology and Disability 11:03 Understanding Healing in Faith Communities 16:28 The Role of Community in Healing 21:51 Reconciliation and Hope in Today's World 31:55 Accessibility in Churches Get Involved: Difference course: www.churchofengland.org/resources/difference  Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter  Dr Joy Allan’s research and PhD: https://independent.academia.edu/JoyAllan

    32 min
  2. The Shortest Distance Between Two People: Laughter and Disability with Jade & John Reynolds - Part 2

    10/12/2025

    The Shortest Distance Between Two People: Laughter and Disability with Jade & John Reynolds - Part 2

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. This week on the podcast we’re joined by Jade and John Reynolds, an inter-abled couple who share their experiences of disability, faith and parenting through social media. In Part 2 of Bambi's conversation with Jade and John explore the power of humour in navigating the challenges of disability and diagnoses. They share personal stories of using comedy to defuse tension, foster connection, and find joy amidst adversity, highlighting the importance of laughter as a universal coping mechanism. 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 John and Jade's Journey 00:22 The Power of Humour in Healing 14:13 Encouraging Dads in Disability Spaces 23:03 Christmas Reflections and Family Connections Get Involved: Purchase Jade and John’s book Able to Laugh: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Able-Laugh-struggle-much-loved-interabled/dp/0281089817  Follow Jade on social media: https://www.instagram.com/jade.reynolds_/?hl=en  Follow John on social media: https://www.instagram.com/johnejreynolds/?hl=en  Jade and John’s website: https://www.abletolaugh.com/  Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    27 min
  3. Why is Your Mum in a Wheelbarrow? And Other Questions about Healing and Hope with Jade & John Reynolds - Part 1

    03/12/2025

    Why is Your Mum in a Wheelbarrow? And Other Questions about Healing and Hope with Jade & John Reynolds - Part 1

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. This week on the podcast we’re joined by Jade and John Reynolds, an inter-abled couple who share their experiences of disability, faith and parenting through social media. In Part 1 of Bambi's conversation with Jade and John, they discuss the dynamics of living with disabilities, parenting, and faith. They share personal stories, including the realities of being an inter-abled couple,  and offer a fresh perspective on overcoming life's hurdles with laughter and grace. 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 Episode 00:22 Understanding Disability in Family Dynamics 09:22 Navigating Conversations About Disability with Children 13:30 The Importance of Sharing Personal Stories 17:55 Exploring the Book: Able to Laugh 28:23 Faith, Healing, and the Reality of Disability 34:23 Finding Strength in Vulnerability 38:04 The Power of Humour in Healing 39:31 Transformative Resources for Change 39:45 When Dreams Change Get Involved: Purchase Jade and John’s book Able to Laugh: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Able-Laugh-struggle-much-loved-interabled/dp/0281089817  Follow Jade on social media: https://www.instagram.com/jade.reynolds_/?hl=en  Follow John on social media: https://www.instagram.com/johnejreynolds/?hl=en  Jade and John’s website: https://www.abletolaugh.com/  Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    40 min
  4. Signing Hallelujah: Removing Barriers to Church with Dr Minna Moffat-Feldman

    26/11/2025

    Signing Hallelujah: Removing Barriers to Church with Dr Minna Moffat-Feldman

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. This week on the podcast we’re joined by Dr Minna Moffatt-Feldman, the Accessibility Coordinator for Caritas Salford. Caritas work alongside people who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage, discrimination and homelessness, helping them to transform their lives with dignity.  In this episode, Minna shares her experiences as a deaf individual working within the church and community. She discusses shifting attitudes, removing barriers, and empowering churches to welcome everyone. She emphasizes that inclusion begins with awareness, empathy, and small, intentional actions that foster belonging for children and families with additional needs. 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. 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 00:21 Introduction to Dr Minna Moffat-Feldman 02:37 Understanding Deafness and Inclusion 05:20 The Role of the Church in Supporting Inclusion 07:28 Personal Experiences of Inclusion in Church 10:10 Accessibility vs. Disability: A New Perspective 12:59 Creating a Culture of Inclusion 15:34 Advice for Leaders and Families 17:59 Practical Steps for Inclusion 20:40 Resources for Accessibility in Churches Get Involved: Caritas website: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/ Jubilee 2025: Increasing Accessibility Guide https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/media/Jubilee-2025-Increasing-Parish-Accessibility-WEB.pdf  Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    25 min

  5. 19/11/2025

    Leading with Vulnerability: Life in Ministry and Neurodiversity with David and Joanna Whale

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast.  In this episode, we’re joined by David and Joanna Whale, clergy parents of children with additional needs, and admins of the Facebook groups Clergy Parents of Children with Additional Needs (UK) and Christian Parents of Children with Additional Needs. David and Jo share their experiences of life navigating the challenges of parenting children with additional needs while also leading a church. They discuss the importance of community support, education about disabilities within the church, and innovative approaches to inclusive worship.  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 David and Jo's Journey 01:37 Navigating Church Life with Additional Needs 04:47 Education and Re-education on Disability Theology 07:05 Innovative Church Activities for Inclusion 11:33 Creating Supportive Communities for Families 14:08 Challenges of Clergy Housing and Family Needs 14:54 When Dreams Change 15:24 Resources and Support for Families with Additional Needs 17:41 Encouragement and Lessons Learned   Get involved: Join the Facebook groups:  Clergy Parents Of Children With Additional Needs (U.K.)  Christian Parent Carers of Children with Additional Needs (U.K.) Join monthly Growing Hope newsletter

    21 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Loving God with all my Autistic Mind with Erin Burnett

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. This week on the podcast we’re joined by Erin Burnett, an author, speaker and theology student from Northern Ireland. Her autism diagnosis at the age of 18 helped her understand much of her anxiety as a younger teenager, and why the typical ways of talking about God just didn't connect with her. She was inspired to write With All Your Mind: Autism and the Church. 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. 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 Erin  01:36 Growing Up Autistic in a Christian Environment 04:52 The Impact of Diagnosis on Faith 08:07 The Journey Through University and Theology 09:55 Exploring Autism and the Church 13:10 Connecting with God: Different Perspectives 16:38 Advice for Churches on Inclusion 23:36 Accessibility Award for Churches   Get Involved: Visit Erin's website: https://erinburnettauthor.co.uk/ Buy a copy of With All Your Mind: Autism and the Church: https://amzn.eu/d/aqc213o  Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    24 min

  7. 05/11/2025

    Known, Loved, and Seen: God’s Heart for Parents with Tanya Van Dalen

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. This week on the podcast we’re joined by Tanya Van Dalen. Tanya is an occupational therapist, manager at Growbaby Kingston and author of Sensory Parenting for Sensory Children.  Tanya talks with Bambi French about faith, parenting, and finding hope in the middle of life’s challenges. Drawing from her experience as a mum, occupational therapist, and author, Tanya shares how God used her story to help others through Growbaby, Growing Hope, and her book Sensory Parenting for Sensory Children. It’s a gentle reminder that God knew the family you’d have, and He’s walking every step of the journey with you. Growbaby provides good quality, new and second-hand, baby clothes and equipment, completely free of charge, to anyone who needs it, regardless of their income, background, or faith.  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. 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 00:29 Introduction to Tanya and Her Journey 03:06 Supporting Parents in Their Journey 05:41 The Impact of Grow Baby 08:28 The Journey of Writing a Book 11:12 Navigating Different Sectors in Support Services 13:43 The Importance of Parental Self-Care 16:22 Faith and Parenting: A Spiritual Perspective 20:43 When Dreams Change   Get Involved: Search Growbaby to find your local Growbaby Buy a copy of Sensory Parenting for Sensory Children  Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    21 min
  8. Transforming Young Lives Through Sport and Support with Joe Lowther

    29/10/2025

    Transforming Young Lives Through Sport and Support with Joe Lowther

    Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. This week on the podcast we’re joined by Joe Lowther, CEO of KICK, a charity whose mission is to transform young people’s lives, with God’s love, through sport and support. ⁠ Joe Lowther is married to Laura and has 3 sons. He was previously a principal of an outstanding school and is now CEO of KICK. How can sport and faith bring belonging to children and young people, including those with additional needs? Joe Lowther joins Bambi to share how KICK creates inclusive spaces where every child can thrive - physically, mentally, and spiritually. From inclusive sports to faith-based mentoring, Joe explains how KICK is helping young people find confidence, community, and joy in who they are created to be. 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. 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  03:24 Joe Lowther's Background and Career Journey 06:19 KICK's Mission and Impact on Children 09:26 Support for Children with Additional Needs 12:27 The Importance of Physical Education and Mentoring 15:21 Inclusion and Diversity in Sports 18:17 The Role of Spirituality in Education 21:23 Celebrating Differences and Transformation 24:13 Expanding KICK's Reach and Community Engagement 27:33 Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents Get Involved: Find out more about KICK: https://kick.org.uk/  Join KICK's mailing list: https://kick.org.uk/e-news/ Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    30 min
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About

Growing Hope provides free therapy for children and young people with additional needs in partnership with local churches across the UK. Growing Hope Conversations is a podcast series sharing real stories, honest struggles, and how churches can truly make a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    Growing Hope
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Growing Hope Conversations