Local Women Editor Kim Kelly is joined by Louise Gallagher, Nicola Doran & Jenny McCooke

🎙️ Finding Your Voice: Building Confidence & Emotional Resilience | Local Women Childcare Podcast What happens when a child struggles to find their voice—and how can parents, educators, and caregivers help?

In this heartfelt episode of the Local Women Childcare Podcast, Jill is joined by Megan, who shares her inspiring journey of growing up with a stutter and how she transformed fear into confidence. From childhood speech therapy to the McGuire Programme, Toastmasters, and a career as a Mental Health Nurse, Megan's story is a powerful reminder that challenges don't have to define our future. Together, they discuss:

✨ Growing up with a stutter and its impact on confidence

✨ Why emotional resilience matters for every child

✨ Practical advice for parents and childcare professionals

✨ What to say—and what not to say—to support children with speech differences

✨ The importance of community, patience, and believing in every child's potential

Whether you're a parent, teacher, childcare professional, or someone navigating your own journey with confidence, this conversation is full of hope, practical insights, and encouragement.

💬 We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help us reach more families. 🌐 Learn more about Kiddiwinkles and our Heartstrong approach to emotional wellbeing: https://kiddiwinkles.co.uk

#ChildcarePodcast #Parenting #EmotionalResilience #Confidence #SpeechTherapy #Stutter #ChildDevelopment #EarlyYears #MentalHealth #LocalWomen #Kiddiwinkles

Sheena Thompson is joined by Peter Leonard from Greenhill Kitchens

After uncertainty over whether the popular Lough Neagh Artisan Market would return again, following a previous cancelled market due to the impact of the algal bloom crisis, organisers are excited to announce that the Lough Neagh Artisan Market will be even bigger with a more family-focused experience for visitors this summer.

Taking place on Sunday 7 June from 12pm to 4.00pm, the market will be firmly planted on the scenic and stunning loughside setting of the grounds of The Lock Keeper’s Cottage, Toome, on the banks of Lower Bann.

This year’s vibrant event will feature more artisan traders and more live entertainment than before, bringing a family fun day atmosphere to the market, designed to encourage greater footfall and create a fulfilling and fun experience for visitors of all ages and tastes.

Kim Kelly has been chatting to Una Johnston from Lough Neagh Artisan Market

Welcome to 'Local Women: The Business Pivots', where we talk to inspiring women in business from across Northern Ireland who have changed direction, taken risks, overcome setbacks, and built something new. Real stories of resilience, reinvention, and what happens when the plan changes.

This month Gayle McVea meets Career & Mindset Coach & Creator of Sparkle Cara Quinn

This month Joanne Salley takes a trip to the amazing Shandon Hotel & Spa in Donegal and visits some of the local attractions like Croithli Distillery & Horn Head

This podcast is sponsored by That Prize Guy

This month we are talking about two of the biggest hurdles every parent faces, sleep and potty training. Joining Jill Hessin is Susan Wallace from Settled Petals. Susan is a renowned child development expert, baby sleep consultant and potty training consultant.

Jenna Hill meets Grace Bigger from Grace Bigger Academy

Welcome to 'Local Women: The Business Pivots', where we talk to inspiring women in business from across Northern Ireland who have changed direction, taken risks, overcome setbacks, and built something new. Real stories of resilience, reinvention, and what happens when the plan changes.

Meet your host - Gayle McVea, Regional Director of The Athena Network in Northern Ireland, where she supports women in business to connect, grow and thrive through meaningful networking and collaboration. Gayle is also a Women’s Leadership Coach and Mentor, passionate about helping women build confidence, lead with impact, and create success on their own terms.