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. 2d ago

    Held by Hope. From Poverty and Questions to Leading with Mercy.

    In this episode of Holding Hope, Naomi is joined by Natalie Williams, Chief Executive of Jubilee +, for a powerful conversation about belonging, neurodiversity, leadership and the mercy of God. Natalie shares openly about growing up in poverty, struggling to feel at home in church, and discovering a hope in Jesus that widened her horizons and changed the direction of her life. She reflects on what it means to be seen, valued and welcomed;  especially when life has felt shaped by disadvantage, exclusion or brokenness. Together, Naomi and Natalie explore how churches can hold hope for people in the midst of life's challenges and questions of identity. Natalie also shares moving stories from Jubilee +, including how children are learning God’s heart for people who are vulnerable, overlooked or pushed to the margins. 00:02 – Welcome and introduction 01:10 – Natalie’s story of poverty, faith and hope 05:54 – When church feels inaccessible 09:21 – ADHD, autism and understanding yourself 15:26 – Stories of hope from Jubilee Plus 20:18 – Holding hope in the middle of challenge 25:21 – Choosing compassion and encouragement 29:31 – Leadership, calling and God’s faithfulness 33:24 – Connect with Natalie and Jubilee Plus Get Involved: Follow Jubilee+ on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jubileeplus Follow Jubilee+ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JubileePlus Find out more: jubilee-plus.org/ Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    31 min

  2. May 13

    New Found Hope in our Soles

    This is a Holding Hope 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 and founder, Dr Naomi Fox, as she explores how organisations and individuals can hold onto the hope of Jesus when supporting people in difficult circumstances.   In this episode, we’re joined by Nathan Dudley, founder and CEO of New Found Hope. Nathan shares his journey of faith, hope, and innovation with the launch of New Found Hope and Aerlos trainers. He shares how he transformed personal struggles into a mission that empowers kids of all abilities.   01:07 Nathan Dudley's Journey of Hope 04:13 The Vision Behind New Found Hope 07:34 Understanding Aerlos Trainers 10:31 The Role of Therapy in Hope 12:16 Empowering Children with New Found Hope 15:31 Buy One, Give One: A Heartfelt Initiative 17:15 Navigating Challenges and Holding onto Hope 23:19 God's Faithfulness in Leadership   Get Involved: Follow New Found Hope on Instagram: @newfoundhope_ Follow New Found Hope on Facebook: www.facebook.com/newfoundhope.co.uk  Find out more: www.newfoundhope.co.uk Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    28 min

  3. Apr 15

    Hope on the Horizon with Rich and Lydia Dicas

    This is a Holding Hope 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 and founder, Dr Naomi Fox, as she explores how organisations and individuals can hold onto the hope of Jesus when supporting people in difficult circumstances. In this episode, join Naomi as she interviews worship leaders and songwriters Rich and Lydia Dicas. They share inspiring stories of hope, faith, and worship, exploring how hope sustains us through life's challenges and how worship can be a powerful expression of faith. Their ministry flows from a deep commitment to prayer, community, and the pursuit of God’s heart. Whether leading crowds in collective worship or writing quietly at home, their heart remains the same: to see people encounter the love of Jesus and be transformed by His Spirit. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:53 The Meaning of Hope 06:24 Worship and Hope in Difficult Times 11:44 The Journey of Songwriting and Healing 17:40 Honesty in Worship and Connection 20:21 Navigating Expectations and Holding onto Hope 21:31 Cultivating Innocence and Hope 24:05 The Struggle for Hope 26:58 Grieving and Adjusting Expectations 29:15 Stories of God's Faithfulness Get Involved: Listen to Rich and Lydia’s music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2sEjWVN7e55lGoxddfXAaY?si=QP_PzPPfQxeCdl64hxqPPg  Follow Rich on social media: https://www.instagram.com/richdicas/  Follow Lydia on social media: https://www.instagram.com/lydicas/  Rich and Lydia’s website: https://www.richandlydiadicas.com/ Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter

    36 min

  4. 12/17/2025

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

    12/10/2025

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

    12/03/2025

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

    11/26/2025

    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

  8. 11/19/2025

    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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Growing Hope Conversations