Growing Hope Conversations Growing Hope

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