Growing Hope Conversations

Sometimes holding onto hope can feel difficult. In the latest episode of Holding Hope, Growing Hope founder Naomi Fox is joined by our Chief Executive, Vicki Smith, to talk about what it means to hold hope for one another — especially in those seasons when we might struggle to hold onto it ourselves. They share stories of hope from across Growing Hope, reflect on the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, and talk about the people who can come alongside us and say: “If you can’t hold onto hope, I can for you.” You’ll also hear about children growing in confidence through therapy, families finding support and community, and the ways Naomi and Vicki have seen God’s faithfulness through the Growing Hope journey. If you haven’t come across us before, we’re Growing Hope. We champion accessibility and inclusion for children and young people with additional needs, offering free therapy and support to them and their families in partnership with local churches. We believe that Jesus brings hope in every situation we face, and we created the Holding Hope podcast to share some of those stories.

In this episode of Holding Hope, Naomi Fox is joined by Rev Chris Lee. Chris is the Vicar of St Saviours Wendell Park, a growing Church in West London.  He is married to Jenny and father to Rose, Saoirse and Jack. He is an Instagram influencer with over 150k followers (@revchris7) and a YouTuber with over 350 million views on the various videos he is involved in. He uses his social media platforms to communicate the love of God and of self.  His 60 second sermons have brought him national coverage, being called by Holly Willoughby ‘the internet’s favourite vicar’.  Chris is a multi-published author with Penguin Century and Tyndale. He has been a regular contributor to Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2 and Sky News and has spoken at conferences at home and abroad. He is passionate about prayer and encouraging people to deepen their relationship with God. 

In this episode of Holding Hope, Naomi is joined by Simon Guillebaud MBE. Simon spent two decades living in war-torn Central Africa, and speaks out of that context with raw urgency and passion for the last, the lost and the least. He is the Founder and International Director of Great Lakes Outreach, host of the popular Inspired podcast, author of the award-winning book Choose Life, and travels widely, stirring up the Church for radical discipleship. He and his wife Lizzie live in Bath with their three teenage children. In this episode of the Holding Hope podcast, Simon and Naomi discuss some of their experiences in sharing life with people in need, and how hope has often shone through, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Find out more about Simon's work at www.simonguillebaud.com and www.greatlakesoutreach.org

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

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

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 

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

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 

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 

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