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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.
Episodes
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
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
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
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
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
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
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
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
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
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
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
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:
Join the Growing Hope newsletter: www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
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
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
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
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
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
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
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