A Better Chance’s Post

I met Martha Morgenroth while we were working together at an alternative school in Catford. We knew our friendship was inevitable when we both turned up to work wearing the same jumper and socks one day, totally uncoordinated! When our children experienced school based anxiety even with us both onsite with them, we had to make some radical decisions and some radical changes. We accepted that preserving their mental health was the most important priority and deregistered our children from school. It was hard. We gave up our jobs. We went from two incomes to one. We were burnt out. There was no other option. We founded a weekly home ed provision called @make_and_create_club that supports families with neurodivergent children, which is successful with supporting those with a demand avoidant/PDA profile. We love running our club and as we're a great team, decided to take the leap and formalise our business partnership! As passionate parent educators who have made audhdacious decisions to support our audhdacious families, we know and understand how lonely and isolating it can be. To do the thing other people aren't doing. To feel afraid that you're not doing the right thing but know intrinsically that there is no other option. Your children aren't school shaped. Perhaps you weren't either. Finding your tribe/community/educators/professionals who see you and your child can be hard. And we want to help. We are passionate about creating long lasting, meaningful, positive cultural change for both families of neurodivergent children and those who educate and support their learning. So, we've created audhdacious.humans. A place where we can share experiences, knowledge, stories, rage, and be completely ourselves. Be different. Be brave. Be bold. Be daring. Be AuDHDacious. This is our mission and we’re starting a movement. Are you with us? #homeeducationuk #neurodivergentbusiness #senprofessionals #progressiveeducation #sensorylens #parenteducator #smallbusinessuk #audhacioushumans #audhdaciouslearners #audhdaciouseducators

Check out this recap of four top-notch programs on postsecondary education and philanthropy. Over 2024, the Postsecondary Access and Attainment (PSA2) Impact Group hosted webinars on workforce training pathways, mental health, peer-to-peer advising and emergency student aid. See them here on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gghaAqtM

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 Grace Sholl – 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 and 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 Grace is a proud member of 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼-𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 and a dedicated community member who understands the power of early connections. In this video, Grace shares how small, everyday actions - like spending time with children, playing, and fostering relationships—can have profound, long-term impacts on their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. As Grace beautifully puts it, early brain building isn’t just about academic milestones. It’s about creating environments that nurture emotional, social, and developmental growth - giving children the foundation they need for a brighter future. The Brain Building for Better Futures initiative was developed in response to Logan’s parents and carers asking for a deeper understanding of Early Childhood Development. Together, common language and practices that unite families, communities, and professionals is being built for the collective wellbeing of Logan’s children. Thank you, Grace, for your passion and dedication to the #LoganTogether movement! ➡️ Read more about the Brain Building for Better Futures project here: https://lnkd.in/gsCd6a6e Queensland Mental Health Commission, Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership, ARACY, Michelle Cole, Sophie Morson, Rowena Cann, Michelle Lucas, Shelley Gawronski, Jodie Booth

🎒 As students head back to school, many are carrying more than just books in their backpacks. They carry experiences, stories, and sometimes, heavy burdens that shape their paths. In this episode of EPEC Live!, Dunhoja opens up about her unique journey in education through the #fostercare system. From understanding the unexpected realities of being in foster care and navigating grief, isolation, and mental health struggles, to finding the power of community and coaching. She reveals what it means to navigate life while carrying the weight of survival and self-discovery. Dunhoja reflects on the profound life lessons learned from those who come and go. Pivotal coach Dazzy shares her passion for foster youth advocacy, and Delrisha discusses the assumptions and biases faced by Black girls in education—where "strength" is often misunderstood and misjudged. This conversation is a reminder: for foster youth, dreaming is a privilege often overshadowed by survival. Join us to explore what it means to support, uplift, and truly see these young people for who they are beyond their circumstances. 🌱 Watch the full episode to learn how we can all play a role in helping youth lighten their load and reclaim their right to dream this school year. https://lnkd.in/gM6DNmYu

Join us for our webinar with Robyn Gobbel - Boundaries with Connection. It's next week! Tuesday 12th. 3 hours of learning + handouts We know that connection is the foundation of all supports. Sometimes, supporting children with histories of trauma and vulnerable nervous systems can feel like it needs to be boundary-free. But this support often calls for more structure and boundaries. It’s just that we frequently aren’t using the word ‘boundaries’ correctly! This session will bring clarity to what boundaries are and aren’t and how to set boundaries that set our kids up for success.

Great article and resources on SEL implementation and resources.

Day 65 Meet The Team Behind The World Inside My Brain Fanfa, the inspiration behind the story—without him, there would be no story to tell. I feel incredibly blessed that God entrusted me with co-parenting such an amazing soul. 🌟 Learning how to guide him, with our biggest goal being to keep this vibrant boy alive (if you know, you know), has been both a challenge and a gift. The Mom and Author—That’s me. 😊 As both a mother and an author, I bring a deeply personal perspective to this book. My experiences, along with the lessons learned from raising my son, have shaped every page. This project is more than just a work of love—it’s an effort to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and celebrate individuality. 🧠💖 The Concept Artist—This book has been beautifully illustrated with the help of my older son and the talented Thabo Sejesho, a collaboration that reflects the strong family bond anchoring this project. 🎨👨👩👦 "The World Inside My Brain" is a heartfelt book aimed at educating children and their families about embracing their unique qualities. Through captivating storytelling and stunning illustrations, we aim to teach important lessons about acceptance and resilience. 🌈💪 We hope this book fosters a sense of community and inspires hope in children and their families as they embrace their unique strengths. I believe its focus on neurodiversity and inclusion will resonate with families and educators across the country. Key Benefits of the Book: 🔎 Raise Awareness: Increase public understanding of children with unique learning and behavioral traits. 💬 Promote Acceptance: Encourage support for children who may not fit into traditional molds. 📚 Provide Resources: Offer practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers. 🎉 Celebrate Individuality: Showcase the unique strengths and talents of neurodiverse children. 🤝 Foster Community: Create a supportive community where families can share experiences. 🌟 Inspire Hope: Encourage children and their families to embrace their unique qualities with confidence. Do follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates!

Which Schools are Leading the Way in Teaching Emotional Intelligence? We are quick to criticize schools that are not prioritizing our kids' mental health. Not all schools are missing the mark regarding mental health and emotional intelligence. Some are stepping up in big ways, creating programs and cultures where students feel supported, understood, and equipped to handle life’s challenges. But here’s the question: Who are these changemakers? Which schools, programs, and leaders are truly making a difference? This is a call to action. We need to identify the schools that are embedding emotional intelligence into their culture, going beyond surface-level efforts like awareness days. These are the places where students learn how to understand their emotions, connect with others, and build resilience. Kids today can spot the difference between meaningful programs and fluff. If you know a school, program, or leader that’s raising the bar, tag them. Let’s spotlight the changemakers so others can learn, be inspired, and follow their example. We must ensure that every student has the tools to thrive. Do you know of a school making a difference in teaching emotional and mental health? What are they doing differently? How can we share best practices with other schools? Share it below. Let’s celebrate and amplify their impact. Tag the leaders, schools, or programs you know make a real difference! A rising tide raises all boats, and we have a lot of boats to raise.

Meet YouthConnect: A Beacon for Boston's youth. Since 1996, YouthConnect, a program by Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, has placed licensed clinical social workers in Boston police stations to comprehensively address the underlying problems and social-emotional issues contributing to juvenile crime. Our dedicated social workers meet youth where they are—at home, school, or in the community. We offer essential resources like counseling, educational support, and family services. 📚 By addressing root causes, YouthConnect aids individual youth and creates safer, healthier communities. In FY23, YouthConnect clients reported: 📌 76% improvement in support systems 📌 65% improvement in mental health 📌 50% improvement in safety 📌 40% improvement in education 📌 40% improvement in basic needs This program showcases our commitment to providing opportunities and support for every young person. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, we believe in readiness and resilience. YouthConnect proves this mission.

This week, I once again got to see and work with Dame Rachel De Souza, our Children’s Commissioner, as she once again reminded us of the major barriers facing children in the 21st century. Spiraling mental health needs, strained public services, child poverty, and the devastating reality of exploitation—all persistent shadows on our children’s futures. In education, we face daily battles. Often, we are asked to do so much with so little. The road we walk in education is a tough road and sometimes, it’s easy to feel worn down. It’s easy to become numb to these challenges. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or even cynical. But then, on Monday, something happened that brought it all back into focus. A child walked into school wearing the shoes you see in this picture—torn, barely holding together and not fit for any child. I offered him a new pair, and he gladly took them. But then, with those little hands, he asked if he could take the old ones home. He said he and his dad wanted to try to “fix them again.” These shoes are not okay, but they are his reality. And our reality as educators is this: we can make a difference. Every child we educate, care for and inspire is a chance to change the life path of someone who deserves better. When we provide safe spaces, foster resilience and offer opportunities for growth, we don’t just teach—we transform. Our world is a powerful, hopeful one, and it can shape lives against all odds. Education is the light that breaks cycles and creates possibility. So, if you’re in education, thank you for your relentless dedication. What you do matters—every single day. Thank you for standing by our children, and for believing that better is possible. Let’s keep going.