VLM Therapy

08/09/2026

NEW PODCAST NOW OUT 🎙️

Episode 40 - Advocacy

This month we’re talking about advocacy - what it means, how our sense of safety shapes our ability to speak up, and the ripple effect that comes from using our voice.

This episode looks at that through the lens of back to school: advocating for yourself and your child, finding the bravery to do it, and the often-messy question of how a child’s history actually reaches a new school or teacher.

🎧 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-adoption-and-fostering-podcast/id1164600703?i=1000788406720

Let us know your thoughts, views and opinions!

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

Find your tribe…the people you can be fully, unapologetically you with.

No masks.
No performing.
No editing yourself to be more palatable.

Real connection happens when you feel safe enough to show up as you actually are, quirks, feelings, and all.

06/09/2026

On Friday I attended what I imagine will be the first of many incredible events by the North East SEN-collective

Claire and Jane created an amazing night striving to bring more support, visibility, understanding, and partnership working within the SEN community and it was clear from the room how much that’s needed.

Since meeting Claire a few years ago, I’ve been in awe of everything she does. So when she invited me to join the panel, I was genuinely honoured.

It was lovely to see some familiar faces there, and to meet some new ones too. That sense of connection is exactly what evenings like this are about, even though it can sometimes feel a bit like awkward networking and connecting (or is that just me? 😂)

What I hope came across (if I wasn’t too waffly!) was the need to support parents and carers on both a practical and an emotional level. As I said on the night, you’re the regulation your child borrows. If you’re running on empty, that’s harder to offer, through no fault of your own.

Thank you to Claire & Wren, Jane | SEN Parent Blogger and everyone who came along for such a meaningful evening.

Looking forward to seeing where the North East SEN Collective goes next 🙌

04/09/2026

Make sure Jake and his Shame Armour is in your classroom this academic year 📚

Shame is one of the hardest feelings for kids to name and one of the most important for us to talk about early.

Jake and His Shame Armour tells the story of Jake, who wears a heavy, invisible suit of armour, not because he’s flawed, but because he’s had moments that made him feel shame and wants to protect himself. It’s a gentle, accessible way to help children recognise their own “armour” and start taking it off, piece by piece.

Perfect for teachers, parents, and therapists who want a real conversation-starter, not a lecture.

👉 Grab your copy and bring it into your own classroom or home this year.
🔗 https://amzn.eu/d/0cACZiCa

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

KCSIE 2026 has been published, with the new statutory guidance coming into force on 1 September 2026.

From all staff reading Part One in full to updates on mobile phones, online harm, safeguarding records and volunteer checks, there is plenty for schools and education professionals to be aware of.

Our latest guide highlights 10 key changes, including:
• Part One reading expectations for all staff
• Mobile phone-free guidance
• Online harm, deepfakes and sextortion
• Misogyny and escalation risks
• Mental health warning signs
• Gender-questioning children
• Volunteer checks
• Family Help and joined-up support
• Stronger safeguarding records

It also flags wider updates around Operation Encompass, filtering and monitoring, cyber security and child protection files.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5gxzz

31/08/2026

Half of parenting is learning how to regulate yourself.

Kids don’t need perfect parents, they need parents who can stay calm in the chaos, repair after the hard moments, and model what it looks like to feel big feelings without being ruled by them or projecting them onto others.

Your nervous system sets the tone for your home.

When you’re regulated, your kids learn by watching you.