Parenting neurodivergent children can be wonderful. It can also be isolating and exhausting – filled with doubts, fears and unanswered questions. Many parents and carers long for a supportive community, yet the demands of family life can make it difficult to participate in church in the way they would like.

From toddlers to adult children, additional needs can sometimes leave families feeling on the outside. Home life may feel tense or unpredictable. It can be painful watching other children reach milestones easily, while your own faces challenges that are hard to explain to others. At times, there is a deep longing sense to pause and breathe. At other times, there is a profound joy that is difficult to put into words or share.

BREATHE was created out of this shared experience. The leaders, who had not previously met, came together through their parallel journeys of parenting neurodivergent children. They recognise that their hearts can feel heavy, that prayers do not always seem to be answered in the way they had hoped for, and that they, like their children, do not always feel that they quite fit in. Together, they have created a space to encounter God in a new and gentle way.

BREATHE is a 30-minute online oasis held via Zoom. It offers a simple structure of silence, music, liturgy and spoken reflections, shared alongside others who understand these experiences. During the call, participants remain muted (with cameras on or off as optional), and are guided through a calm and thoughtful time designed to offer gentle encouragement, draw attention to the love of God, and most importantly, provide space to breathe.

Those who have joined previously, describe BREATHE as “a sanctuary, a safe space shared with others who truly understand.“

The vision for BREATHE grew from one leader’s experience of raising autistic children, who are now young men in their twenties. Being part of church life during their early years was challenging, and without a strong foundation of faith, it might have felt impossible to remain. Many families in similar situations have found church life too painful or difficult to continue.

Over time, and through many unexpected turns, including a call to ordained ministry, the desire to create something supportive for others on this journey continued to grow. The development of online gatherings during Covid made this possible. After praying for a team to share the vision, the BREATHE NW Community was formed.

BREATHE takes place on the last Sunday of each month at 8:30 – 9:00pm. Parents and carers are warmly invited to come exactly as they are, and simply breathe.

To join the call on the final Sunday of each month, please email Rev Rachel Bray and the team on breathecommunitynw@gmail.com