Rainbow Hands Respite and Childcare was created through both personal and professional experience.

My son, Aiden Gru, has autism, ADHD, PDA, and learning difficulties, and my brother has profound learning and physical disabilities. Growing alongside them has shaped my understanding, resilience, and commitment to creating environments where every individual feels safe, valued, and included.

These experiences have also shaped my role as an advocate. I have spent years supporting my son, my brother, and other families, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights understood and respected. For me, advocacy is not just about accessing services — it is about recognising each child as an individual, with their own strengths, needs, and potential, and helping families feel confident navigating the systems around them.

Alongside this, I have supported children and young people across SEN schools, EOTAS programmes, and community based provision, adapting support to meet each child’s unique needs. My work is underpinned by Level 3 training in Autism, Paediatric First Aid, Behaviour Management, safeguarding Level 3 (DSL), and a range of SEND and advocacy focused training including SEND law.

Rainbow Hands has grown into more than childcare. It is a safe, nurturing and flexible service offering both direct support and advocacy. It is a place where children are understood and celebrated, parents can take a breath, and families feel supported by someone who not only understands their journey, but stands alongside them.