Hey guys and welcome back to another episode of The diaries of a SEND parent. I am so honoured and excited to share with you my incredible conversation with the lovely Nicola from the much loved and well known SEND account Happy hands with Hallie.Nicola is a beautiful person inside and out and shares her journey with two girls Bonnie and Hallie on social media with such love passion and heart. She is one of the first accounts I followed when my daughter was diagnosed and I continue to be inspired by her today. We talk about so much including the relief she felt in getting youngest Hallie diagnosed, homeschooling both girls and the toll it takes but most importantly she shares about her mental health and how she finds time for self-care. I just know already Nicola is going to help so many people with this chat. I hope you all find it as relatable and empowering as I did.honestly I could have spoken to her for hours!!Please remember to show love and support by rating the podcast and sharing with others. You can follow Nicola’s journey on social media by using the handle @happyhandswith_hallie
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Episode 10: Jade
In todays episode I chat with the lovely Jade Russell who is most known for being one half of the incredible SEND podcast we’re not your typical which she hosts with Sophie Cobden.I invited Jade on the podcast as an opportunity to share her unique journey raising her beautiful daughter Baylee-Beau who is 3 and a half years old, autistic, has global developmental delay and is severely hyper-mobile. Baylee-Beau has two older siblings, her Brother Brody is 11 years old and her sister Blake is 9.I absolutely loved our conversation as it was brutally honest and vulnerable. Jade does not hold back and I know will help other SEND parents and carers walking similar paths feel less alone.So wherever you to chose to listen from please make sure you rate the podcast and show Jade the love and support she absolutely deserves.You can follow Jades journey as a SEND mummy on instagram @iamjaderussell and check out her and Sophie’s podcast @werenotyourtypical
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Episode 9: Leona
In episode 9 of the diaries of a SEND parent I got to sit down with the Lovely Leona a powerhouse SEND mum to 5 year old son Arthur who is Autistic, Non- verbal, has Pica and a learning disability. She is also mummy to her 2 and half year old daughter Emmie who is not only beautiful but sassy too 😊Leona’s journey as a full-time carer is deeply rooted in her own lived experience having grown up with younger brother Daxy who was diagnosed with Aspergers many years agoHer understanding of the SEND world is raw, real and incredibly moving and in this episode we talk about everything from navigating daily routines to meeting Arthurs sensory needs and how overwhelming it can all feel at times we also dive into the quiet grief that comes when your child is given a diagnosis and the process of finding yourself again. It’s honest emotional and filled with moments every parent will relate to. You are not alone in this journey and this episode is a powerful reminder of that. Please remember to support this podcast by leaving it a 5 star review as it helps to push it out to a wider audience and remember as always show all the support and love for Leona 🙌🏻You can follow Leona on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @leonajadesmith where you will find her journey as a SEND mum.
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Episode 8: Chelle
On Todays episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with my amazing friend Chelle who is a married SEND mum to two incredible boys Bobby and Mickey. The boys are both Autistic, non-speaking and have global developmental delays.We talk about everything from mental health, respite and the complexities of finding and getting support. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the resilience so many SEND parents carry, often quietly and behind closed doors. Chelle’s honesty is so refreshing, and I know her story will resonate with so many of you listening.So whether you’re on a long walk, running errands, hiding in the kitchen for five minutes of peace, or just need to hear another voice that gets it — this one’s for you.Please show Chelle all the love and support and if you have enjoyed listening please give the podcast a 5star rating. **DISCLAIMER** please note during this conversation we talk about SEND reform ENGLAND which we both volunteer for . This is a not for profit organisation and the work we do is completely voluntary ***
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Episode 7: Ruby
In this episode I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the amazing Ruby from the account @ewenandme . Ruby’s big brother Ewen is autistic, non-verbal and severely learning disabled and Ruby is not only his sister, but his biggest supporter , advocate and best friend.Through her social media, Ruby gives a heartfelt and honest glimpse into life with a disabled sibling- full of love, challenges laughter and an unbreakable bond.Ruby’s story doesn’t stop there. She’s a black belt in karate, plays the guitar, saxophone and piano and loves 1000 piece puzzles. She also spends a lot of time supporting others as a P/A, respite club worker and team member at our favourite inclusive clothing brand SAA. Her insight, honesty and maturity are truly inspiring. This episode is all about sibling love, identity, sacrifices, responsibility and what it means to show up for your siblings- every single day.Please show her all the love and support ♥️
A heartfelt and honest podcast that gives parents and carers raising children with special educational needs and disabilities a safe space to share their journeys. From the highs of breakthrough moments to the challenges of navigating a complex system, each episode dives into real-life experiences, offering support, solidarity, and hope. Whether you’re a SEND parent yourself or someone who wants to understand more, this podcast is here to remind you—you are not alone.
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