“Me + My Normal” – A Journey of Understanding, Connection and Embracing Uniqueness

As Northorpe Hall launches its new Me + My Normal report, Rosa Forrest, Parent Support and Neurodevelopmental Lead, shares the story behind the project — how it was created with parents and young people, what it’s achieved so far, and why embracing our own version of “normal” matters more than ever.

Rosa Forrest (pictured centre), with Dipika Kaushal (Chief Executive Officer - Left) and Grainne McMahon (Research and Evaluation Consultant - Right)

When I look back at Me + My Normal, I can honestly say it’s been a long time coming.

This project wasn’t something spur of the moment – it was an idea that had been quietly growing for years. When we finally got the funding to bring it to life, I wanted it to be something co-produced with the people it was for – the young people and their parents – not something that was simply handed down to them.

For too long, so many projects have been about “fixing” children, helping them fit into a world that doesn’t always understand them. I wanted Me + My Normal to do the opposite – to help young people embrace who they are, connect with others, and understand their own version of “normal.”

Parents, Trust and Connection

When we started, one of the biggest surprises was the parents’ hesitation. You might expect parents to jump at a chance to join something like this, but many were wary.

They’d seen tokenistic programmes before and wondered if this was going to be another one.

I completely understood that. But slowly, through honest conversations and gentle introductions – often over coffee or walks, sometimes even at Northorpe Hall – trust began to build.

One of the key things that made the programme work was allowing parents to stay. Young people told us very clearly: they didn’t want to come without their parents. That sense of comfort and safety mattered. And as we went along, the parents started supporting each other too – having those crucial conversations that make such a difference.

It wasn’t always easy. It was exhausting at times – delivering so many groups, working at the pace of the young people, and making sure each session was accessible and welcoming. But it was worth it. Seeing young people connect, smile, and begin to feel comfortable in who they are – that’s the magic of it.

What “Normal” Really Means

Parents often tell me that schools just haven’t caught up yet. Too often, they say, the education system still expects every child to fit the same mould. Many of our young people are masking, trying desperately to fit in, until they simply can’t anymore.

That’s when we see school refusal, burnout, or crisis. And the truth is, these children aren’t being “difficult” – they’re trying to feel safe in a world that doesn’t always make space for them.

A lot of parents feel isolated too. For some, joining Me + My Normal was the first time they’d even met another parent raising a neurodiverse child. That shared understanding – that simple moment of “Oh, it’s not just me” – is so powerful.

Sometimes, all a parent really needs is for someone to listen.

Ultimately, what Me + My Normal is all about is acceptance. Acceptance of ourselves, of each other, and of the fact that “normal” looks different for everyone. As I often say, what’s normal for one person isn’t normal for another – and that’s what makes life such a beautiful kaleidoscope of people.

So yes, it’s been hard work, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. And if we can keep expanding Me + My Normal across Yorkshire and beyond, then hopefully, more families can find that same sense of connection, understanding, and pride in who they are.

Want to know more? You can read the summary and full version of our Me + My Normal report on the Northorpe Hall website here.