As many rush to get hugging again, it is worth a reminder that for some people hugging and close physical contact is not always welcome.

Milestones, transitions and rites of passage for children with additional needs.

We see three very different people and situations, but in each case Jesus taught us something wonderful about compassion, faith and hope.

It is about putting someone else’s needs first for a while, being willing to step up and help someone.

Let’s not choose between in-building or online children’s and youth work; let’s not create exclusion by cutting off families who have been able to connect to church like never before over the past 12 months.

The positives of James having the jab are clear. The negatives, while short lived, have nevertheless been significant for him.

Sharing our load with God helps; seeking his peace is good for our souls.

The photo is low-res, his hands are out of focus as he is clapping with delight, it wouldn’t win any photography competitions, but I just love it!

Ann Voskamp encourages us to find three things each day that are good, three things to give thanks for, and to write them down.

Let us all metaphorically roll our sleeves up, get a bowl of warm soapy water, get down on our knees adopting an attitude of servanthood, and wash some feet together…. 

What could be a possibly misunderstood use of a key Bible passage when it comes to whether healing is related to how much faith a person has when they pray?

What can we do to help to protect the mental health and well-being of our children, young people, and ourselves, during this lockdown.

Many children with additional needs can struggle with unpredictability and uncertainty, so try to keep a rhythm each day that they can get used to.

All of the different things that Christmas brings can be really hard for children with special needs to cope with.

Children mattered to Jesus, and He taught us a lot through the things He did with them.

Back to school has gone well for many disabled children. But there are children who have been let down with 24% still not back in school.

Something unusual happened. I remember the phone call clearly, the name of James’ school showing as the caller. I apologised to my colleagues and rushed out of the room.

Leave the youth group on a Sunday and start going to ‘adult’ church services can be hard for any child, but having additional needs can often make it more difficult.

The battle between good and evil’ flows through the film. This study plan is primarily created to be used with children and young people.

A bit of ‘hygge’ might come in handy for us all… especially for parents of children with special or additional needs.

The effects of lockdown continue to cause all sorts of difficulties for families of children with additional needs and disabilities.

It was time to go back. Nervous days led up to the big day, a sleepless night the night before, and that was just me!

Whether it’s coming to somewhere like the beach, or even if it’s just spending some quality time on the sofa watching a film and eating some popcorn together, these times matter.

It’s not weak to reach out for help, this really is “being the strong one”.

We are just like candles, shining a light on a part of the world that the world often chooses to ignore.