"Teaching a way of communication that works for everyone"
Our Mission
“We believe that every human being thrives when their needs are seen, heard, and valued". So we teach
A practical and transformative approach to emotional awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. By helping people understand their needs and the needs of others, we lay the foundation for stronger relationships, healthier schools, and resilient communities.”
Why This Matters
-
Many children and adults struggle with expressing emotions constructively.
-
Schools face rising conflicts between students and staff.
-
Families experience breakdowns in communication, leading to disconnection.
-
Organisations supporting young people from the Lgbtq+ community, neurodiverse individuals, autism and young people suffering mental health often seek effective ways to improve communication and emotional regulation.
-
Stress and emotional overwhelm affect mental well-being in both children and adults.
Connecting with Needs changes this by:
✅ Helping individuals recognize their needs before frustration turns into conflict.
✅ Teaching practical tools to communicate with clarity and empathy.
✅ Creating safe spaces where connection and understanding flourish.
✅ Integrating mindfulness techniques—backed by 6000+ hours of meditation experience—to help individuals develop emotional awareness and resilience.
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND GROWTH CIC
Craig Plowman
Founder, Director + Lead Facilitator
Hi, I’m Craig, and I’ve spent the past 6+ years mentoring young people—helping them feel seen, heard, and empowered. I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work which taught me trauma informed practices and I’m a qualified Forest School Leader, Carpenter and Personal trainer. I have also successfully held Mens circles for groups of men over the years helping them navigate and be open with their feelings. I utilise each of these skills in the way I work with young people and adults alike. What really shapes my approach is my deep commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate connection, and mindfulness. Training in Non violent communication for 8 years and with over 6,000 hours of meditation practice, I bring a grounded presence and emotional depth into everything I do. Whether I’m working with a young person or adult one-to-one, with the family unit, facilitating a group session, or supporting a whole organisation, my focus is always on creating spaces where empathy, clarity, and connection can thrive. Through Connecting with Needs, I support individuals, families, and teams to build stronger, more compassionate relationships.
Angela Plowman
Director
Hi, I’m Angela, Director of Connecting with Needs. I’m passionate about supporting emotional well-being—especially in families—by helping parents and children build deep, authentic relationships that grow from empathy and trust.
My experience spans years of working in home education and community settings, where I’ve guided families through the challenges of conflict, shame, and self-judgment using compassionate connection. I also bring a strong grounding in project and financial management, having helped lead community initiatives such as emotional well-being summer camps.
Whether I’m working directly with families or behind the scenes ensuring projects run smoothly, I care deeply about creating safe spaces for people to be themselves, feel supported, and grow together.
Liz Kelly
Director
Hi im Liz, I’m passionate about supporting neurodivergent communities and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and included. I helped set up BTGT! with a team of neurodiverse young people to raise awareness of Autism and related conditions. We ran training sessions for families, teachers, and the wider community to build understanding and connection.
Over time, my work has grown to include activities that help children develop social and emotional skills through Minecraft, Gayme, photography, and creative arts.
I focus on mental health, education, physical wellbeing and talk therapy, and I joined Growth CIC because their commitment to social change, inclusion, and empowerment deeply aligns with my own values.
Neil Adams
Director
Hi I'm Neil, a father of two young men and have a passion for surfing, making stuff from wood and a good hike in the natural environment. In 2024 I became a volunteer mentor with Journey Man UK, a unique mentoring charity dedicated to supporting boys aged 13 to 17 in discovering their potential as they navigate the choppy waters of adolescence. My profession has been engineering and project management, working for the electricity grid and keeping the lights on for many years. I'm really proud to support Growth CIC and excited to see the difference it can make in the lives of the young people and their families.