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Welcome to the Forest Parish

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​A Place of Hearth, Home, and Holy Ground ​ Dear friends in Christ, ​Welcome to this clearing in the woods. Just as the forest offers shelter to all and the hearth provides warmth to the weary, I hope this space serves as a sanctuary for your spirit. ​There are many voices in the world, but here is the rhythm of my own heart and ministry—a way of life rooted in the ancient soil of the Gospel and the quiet light of the home fire. ​The Three Great Trees: A Foundation of Faith ​In my journey, three truths stand like ancient oaks, providing shelter and strength: ​ The Living Word: Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh. Apart from Him, the true God cannot be fully known. In Jesus, we see the face of a God who is Love, and whose Gospel is the path of Peace. ​ The Gift of Grace: Salvation is found by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Like the rain that falls on the forest floor, grace is a gift—unearned, refreshing, and life-giving. ​ T...
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"Tutting" to Pioneering: Reclaiming the Sacred Table

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It is time for family. It is time to trade the exhaustion of "making do" for the radical act of self-advocacy. ​For a neurodivergent family carrying the weight of autism and NF1, the traditional pew has often felt more like a sensory gauntlet than a refuge. I’ve realized that seeking Additional Support Needs (ASN) isn't about force-fitting our "square peg" family into a round-hole sanctuary. It is a theological act of pioneering. ​ A New Liturgy ​As a father and carer, I am reclaiming a fundamental truth: the table of fellowship is just as sacred in a quiet living room or an adapted setting as it is in a stone church. We aren't looking for a place to just "sit"—we are inviting the church into a "Thin Place" where our neurobiology is recognized as a reflection of the Creator, not a distraction. ​ Advocacy in Action ​Building this sanctuary also requires a louder voice. Alongside our church search, I am currently fighting for the scho...
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Every Step Builds a Brighter Future

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We aren’t just walking; we’re moving toward a more inclusive world. Scan the QR code below to contribute directly to our goal. Your support provides vital resources and advocacy for the autism community! My  Walk for Autism
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Why I’m Hooked on "Patience": A Personal Take on the New Mystery Hit

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​If you’re looking for a fresh detective fix, look no further than Patience on Channel 4. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Yorkshire—mixing moody countryside with stunning towns and cathedrals—it has a distinct Morse or Endeavour vibe, paired with a truly impactful soundtrack. ​The show follows Patience Evans, an archivist who becomes an invaluable police asset. What makes it stand out is that Patience is autistic, played by the brilliant Ella Maisy Sutherland (who also starred in A Kind of Spark ). Knowing the actress is autistic in real life makes the performance feel grounded and intentional. ​My Life vs. Patience’s Life ​As an autistic viewer, I find the representation really interesting: ​ The "Savant" Gap: Patience has an incredible memory. I definitely don’t relate to that—my memory isn't exactly a steel trap! ​ The Shared Reality: I really connect with her social awkwardness and her hatred of loud, overwhelming spaces. ​ Safe Circles: Her "f...
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The Hidden Carry: Looking Back to Move Forward

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​It is so easy to get lost in the immediate terrain—the steep hills we’re currently climbing or the fog of a difficult week—that we forget to look back at the horizon. But there is profound power in the simple act of stopping to notice the distance already covered. What a distance that might be!  ​When we strip away the noise and focus on the truth of the journey, we are often met with a beautiful, humbling realisation that we need to:  Take a moment and look at how far God has brought us. ​The Evidence of Grace ​In the New Testament, the apostle Paul captures this sentiment perfectly in 1 Corinthians 15:10 : ​ "By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." ​Turn around and look at the trail behind you. You are a survivor of seasons that felt like they would break you. So am I. If the Lord has been watching over you your current standing isn't an accident. In fact there are no accidents. His sustained divine support is eve...
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The Method to the Rhythm — Why I’m Doing the Gateway

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​If you’ve seen my recent posts about the Mencap Gateway Award, you might be wondering: What is the purpose behind all of this? Why turn my quiet, daily rhythms into a six-month "official" project? ​The truth is, life as an autistic person can often feel like you’re drifting in a sea of other people’s expectations. The "Sanctuary" I talk about isn't just a place—it's a practice. I’m doing the Gateway Award because it gives that practice a backbone. It’s about intentionality over accident. ​ The Purpose Behind the Plan ​ 1. Building My "Sanctuary" The award gives me a reason to stick to the rhythms that actually make me feel good. Without this commitment, it would be easy to skip my Finch goals or the Northumbria Office prayer when I’m tired. This turns my self-care into "official progress," helping me stay grounded when life feels overwhelming. ​ 2. Proven Independence (The Folder Effect) By working directly with Mencap and manag...
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Gateway Bronze: Week 1 – Setting the Foundation

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​ 1. Lifestyle (Health and Wellbeing) ​ The Rhythm: This week I’ve used the Finch app and the Northumbria Office to keep a consistent daily sanctuary. It’s helped me stay grounded as I start this six-month journey. ​ Evidence:   ​ 2. Personal Challenge (Self-Awareness) ​ The Connection: I attended the Dad & Me group at Midlothian Sure Start . It was good to be in that space and start building that weekly habit of connection. ​ Evidence:   This week involved normal play and some messy play. Gabriel came as "Dads helper" this week which was cute!  ​ 3. Fitness & Volunteering (Nature & Service) ​ The Progress: I completed my nature walk this week and spent time getting set up for  Walk for Autism ( my fundraising page is now live ).  ​ Evidence: Other: I also started to explore resources from Health in Mind. And follow the advice to keep a journal. ...
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​♾️ Every Step a Story: Why I’m Walking for My Family & No.6​ 👟

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​I’m walking solo this year, but I’m carrying my family of six with me every mile. If you know us, you know our house is a whirlwind of resilience, neurodiversity, and strength. ​ I’m walking for my family: ​ My wife Sarah: The strongest person I know, navigating ADHD, Dyspraxia, NF1, Spina Bifida, and a host of other health challenges every single day. ​ Solomon (1) & Gabriel (4): Both born with NF1. Gabriel is currently being monitored for a tumor behind his eye—it’s stable for now, but the future may involve chemotherapy. ​ Lilianna (6): Our daughter, who was diagnosed as autistic with developmental delays in December. ​ Ezra (9): Currently on the waiting list to get his own answers regarding autism and ADHD. ​I’m also walking for myself. As an autistic adult with social anxiety, I know how much a supportive community matters. That’s why I’m proud to be walking alongside friends from No.6 One Stop Shop (Autism Initiatives) . They are a lifeline for people like me—a p...
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