Growing Hope: Our Story So Far

I set up Growing Hope in December 2017 because I was convinced of the need. Time and time again families come to see us in clinic when they’ve been waiting for over two years. I also set up Growing Hope because I’m convinced that we can help – partnering with local churches enables us to reach communities and individuals who might otherwise still be waiting. For me, the opportunity to lead a Growing Hope clinic and then go on to become CEO of Growing Hope was a privilege. I was able to create a service which has supported many children, young people and families. I have also been able to combine two things I’m passionate about – being an occupational therapist and sharing the hope I believe that Jesus brings. 

At the start of Growing Hope I felt that God was asking me to set up not just one local charity but to create a national charity which would enable more local charities to be set up. This means that we set up Growing Hope National at the same time as Growing Hope King’s Cross. We have focused, right from the beginning, on creating a national charity which acts as a vehicle of support for each of our local clinics.

The local clinics in King’s Cross, Brockley, High Wycombe and Gateshead benefit from day-to-day support from our national team. This ranges from bookkeeping and financial support; coaching, procedures and templates for running a clinic; volunteer recruitment and management; fundraising support and guidance; and clinical supervision and access to training. There are opportunities throughout the year to connect with other Clinic Managers who are in the same role leading this important work in other local churches across the UK. Our vision is to set up twenty clinics by 2030 and we have two more clinics in progress for the year ahead.

“Working for Growing Hope is amazing. It is lovely to be working in a Christian environment with such a supportive and caring team. You never feel on your own because the Growing Hope national team and the trustees are always there to support if needed. When I started in January, I felt empowered to get to grips with things in my own time. Now, I feel confident in the role and have a good understanding of the charity and the processes.

The role is varied and no one day is the same. Moving jobs and becoming the High Wycombe Clinic Manager was one of the best decisions I have made. If you’re thinking about applying then do it, you won’t regret it!”

– Rosalyn, Growing Hope High Wycombe Clinic Manager

We’re reaching for More

Last year we supported over 500 children, young people and parents. As we open our Gateshead clinic and partner with more churches in the future we know the number of individuals receiving direct support will increase.

We have also seen a wide reach of support beyond our clinics through our When Dreams Change and Siblings Group courses. The courses are run by our therapists and trained facilitators, for parents, carers and siblings within local communities. Our newly launched Accessibility Award aims to equip churches to become places of welcome where everyone is seen, heard and able to belong. Our vision is to have twenty clinics across the UK by 2030 and to equip hundreds of churches and community groups through our courses and awards. I’m excited to see how the journey unfolds as we continue to bring hope to families across the UK.

The When Dreams Change course is exactly what is needed as a first step to self-care and keeping your head above water.”

– Mary* pseudonym

In three months time we are hoping to have three new therapists joining Growing Hope local clinics. We have already recruited Sophie, an Occupational Therapist who is joining the High Wycombe team. We’re looking for two more therapists who feel called to lead a Growing Hope local clinic as Clinic Manager. Could this be something God is prompting you or someone you know to consider? Our positions are in Gateshead with Alive Church and in Brockley with St Peter’s Brockley. You can hear from my colleagues Christaline, Rosalyn and Louise, on their experiences of being a Growing Hope therapist in the video here.

If you, or someone you know, feel like this is a role God may be leading you into then please do get in touch with me. There’s more information on our website with the details of the Clinic Manager job role. The deadline for applications for the role in Gateshead and the role in Brockley is Monday 19th June.

Dr Naomi Graham is a children’s occupational therapist and the Founder & CEO of Growing Hope. Growing Hope provide free therapy for children and young people with additional needs in partnership with local churches across the UK.