About US

At Journawell, we believe no one should have to navigate life's challenges alone.

The name Journawell combines two important ideas: journeys and wellness. It reflects our belief that life is made up of many different journeys, and that supporting your wellbeing and your family's wellness along the way is just as important as reaching the destination. Whatever stage of life you're in, we're here to help you navigate it with confidence, knowledge and support.

Whether you're facing infertility, raising a child with additional needs, managing your own ADHD or ASD diagnosis, balancing a demanding career, building resilience through difficult times, navigating finances, planning family holidays, understanding the EHCP process, or simply trying to get dinner on the table after a long day at work, life can feel overwhelming. We know because we've lived it.

Journawell was created to be the resource, support and community we wished we'd had when we needed it most.

Our story began with a deeply personal IVF journey to Turkey. At 37, I faced infertility challenges and had undergone tubal removal surgery during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. The NHS waiting list was incredibly long and, with non-urgent surgeries delayed indefinitely, I had already lost more than a year waiting for the next step. Time wasn't on my side and I knew my body couldn't wait any longer.

Determined to take control, we planned a trip that combined the IVF treatment we needed with an opportunity to create lasting memories. Although only a week abroad was required for the procedure, we extended our stay into a three-week adventure. Having previously lived in Istanbul and fallen in love with everything Turkey had to offer, I felt confident in our decision.

What I wasn't prepared for was how overwhelming the process would be.

Planning fertility treatment abroad was stressful and emotionally draining. I had endless questions and very few places to find honest answers. At the same time, I was trying to keep family life running smoothly, entertain my two stepchildren, manage my own wellbeing and hold everything together. Some days I simply didn't have the energy to figure it all out.

After an incredible IVF experience and the success of our very first cycle, our dream came true. On New Year's Day, we welcomed our beautiful son, Forrest, into the world.

That experience changed everything and we were so in love.

What started as a search for answers became a passion for helping others find theirs.

As Forrest grew, we began to notice developmental differences. At 18 months old, I requested access to the NHS pathway and pursued both neurological and paediatric assessments through the Right to Choose scheme. We were referred to a clinic in Chelmsford and, within six months, Forrest received a diagnosis of non-verbal Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Global Developmental Delay (GDD).

Deep down, I already knew what the outcome would be, but receiving the diagnosis was still heartbreaking. Whatever anyone says, watching your child struggle to communicate, express themselves and navigate a world that isn't built for them is incredibly difficult. Autism brings many strengths and unique perspectives, but it is also recognised as a disability and comes with challenges that affect both the child and the wider family.

As one chapter ended, another began.

We found ourselves entering the world of Special Educational Needs (SEN), searching for answers, support and guidance on what to do next. Suddenly, we were learning about EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans), specialist nurseries, school placements, therapies, DLA, funding, local authority processes and how to advocate effectively for our child.

Balancing a full-time career while being a full-time parent and a full-time advocate is not easy. There were moments of frustration, exhaustion and anger as we navigated systems that often felt confusing and difficult to access. Through persistence, determination and countless hours of research, meetings, paperwork and appeals, I successfully secured Forrest's EHCP and helped establish a pathway into specialist nursery provision, followed by specialist primary and secondary education planning.

Now, we are preparing for another chapter. Like many SEN families, we're figuring out how to balance work commitments with school holidays, understand SEN transport arrangements, adapt to new educational environments, manage family finances, plan accessible holidays and navigate the practical realities that come with raising a child with additional needs.

These experiences showed us that support is needed far beyond fertility treatment. Life doesn't stop after a diagnosis, a career change, a health challenge or a major life event. In many ways, that's when the real journey begins.

Today, Journawell is a platform dedicated to sharing real-life experiences, practical advice, expert insights and honest conversations about the topics that shape our lives. From IVF, fertility and reproductive health to parenting, autism, ADHD, EHCPs, SEN advocacy, careers, resilience, family life, finances, travel, wellbeing and everything in between, we explore the challenges many of us face but often struggle to talk about openly.

Through our articles, resources, interviews and podcast, we aim to provide guidance, reassurance and a sense of community that can make life's toughest moments feel a little less lonely.

We don't claim to have all the answers, but we do believe that sharing knowledge, experiences and stories can help people feel informed, empowered and understood.

At Journawell, we're building a place where real life is welcomed, honest conversations are encouraged and no journey has to be faced alone.