Growing Hope Conversations

By Growing Hope

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

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FAQs about Growing Hope Conversations:

How many episodes does Growing Hope Conversations have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.

Growing Hope Conversations episodes:

December 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
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33min
December 10, 2025The 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
...more
28min
December 03, 2025Why 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
...more
40min
November 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
...more
25min
November 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
...more
22min
November 12, 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
...more
25min
November 05, 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
...more
22min
October 29, 2025Transforming 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
...more
31min
October 22, 2025 A&E for Emotions: Connected Parenting with Clare Luther
Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast.
In this episode, Clare Luther, parent educator, children’s book author, and emotional growth speaker, shares her journey of faith, parenting, and emotional resilience.
Clare starts to unpack her unique Daesy Dialogue framework - designed to guide and equip parents, caregivers and teachers to promote emotional growth in a constructive and healthy way. Rooted in biblical principles and shaped by her own experience, Clare offers practical strategies and hopeful encouragement to parents, especially those raising children 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.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:22 Introduction to Clare
03:26 Understanding Emotions in Children
06:23 The Daisy Dialogue Framework
09:15 Parenting Strategies and Connection 1
2:32 The Role of Faith in Parenting
21:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Get involved:
Buy a copy of The DAESY Dialogue Handbook
Check out Clare’s books and resources for children and parents
Join monthly Growing Hope newsletter
...more
35min
October 15, 2025 What can TV Teach the Church about Additional Needs? with Carrie Grant - Part 2
Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast.
This week is Part 2 of our conversation with 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.
In Part 2, Carrie talks about her own experiences of parenting SEN children, reflecting on the challenges of the education system and how faith and compassion shape her approach to family life.
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 Fighting for Support: The EHCP Journey
05:13 The Transformative Power of Mindset
09:07 Navigating Parenting Challenges with SEND Children
17:28 When Dreams Change
18:13 The Role of Fathers in SEND Parenting
21:41 Finding Hope in Difficult Times
Get involved:
Buy a copy of A Very Modern Family by Carrie and David Grant
Listen to El Roi, Warehouse Worship
Join monthly Growing Hope newsletter www.growinghope.org.uk/newsletter
...more
25min

FAQs about Growing Hope Conversations:

How many episodes does Growing Hope Conversations have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.

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Growing Hope Conversations

FAQs about Growing Hope Conversations:

How many episodes does Growing Hope Conversations have?

Growing Hope Conversations episodes:

FAQs about Growing Hope Conversations:

How many episodes does Growing Hope Conversations have?

More shows like Growing Hope Conversations

The Rest Is Entertainment