Big changes, new beginnings, and a space where you can truly be yourself.
The new Rise with Katie ‘Nest’ is up! And honestly, what a journey it’s been to get here. 🤗
This summer has been a particularly intense one. Between moving to Prestwich, working on our new home and putting so much time, energy and love into creating a new space for Rise with Katie, it’s been a lot to navigate. There have been exciting moments, exhausting days, plenty of uncertainty and a whole lot of hard work. But we’re finally getting there, and I’m so excited to share a little of what we’ve been working towards.
A new home, a new chapter
Moving to Prestwich marks a big new chapter for me, both personally and for Rise with Katie. Change can bring so many different feelings, and while I’m incredibly excited about what lies ahead, getting here hasn’t always been easy. There’s been a lot to think about, organise, build and adjust to along the way!
One of the biggest parts of this new chapter has been creating the new Rise with Katie Nest. This has been a long time in the making, with so much planning, preparation and dreaming about what this space could become.
And now, it’s finally up!
We still have a little way to go before it’s ready to welcome you all. The flooring is down, everything is watertight, we just need to connect the power and get the furniture in, and then comes the really exciting part: making it cosy, welcoming and ready for all the wonderful people who will come through its doors.
I can already picture it, and I honestly can't wait.
Why the Nest matters so much
For me, Rise with Katie has always been about creating spaces where neurodivergent people can feel understood, accepted and free to be themselves.
So, when thinking about our new space in Prestwich, I didn't just want somewhere to sit and work. I wanted somewhere that felt different. Somewhere that gave us room to move, explore, regulate, connect and discover what works for each individual.
We know that movement can be an important part of regulation for many neurodivergent people. Sitting still, staying quiet and concentrating in a traditional setting doesn't work for everyone, and it certainly shouldn't be the expectation for every learning or support environment.
Sometimes we need to move. Sometimes we need to fidget, pace, stretch or change position. Sometimes we need sensory input, and sometimes we need a quieter moment away from it all. And sometimes we need to do all of those things within the same session!
That's why the Nest is being designed with flexibility at its heart. We'll have space to move around, explore different sensory experiences and find the right balance of stimulation and calm. We're also creating a covered outdoor area, giving us even more opportunities to move, spend time outside and use the environment in ways that feel helpful.
Most importantly, this will be a space where you don't have to mask who you are to fit in.
You don't need to pretend you're comfortable when you're not, force yourself to sit still when your body needs movement or hide the things that make you different. We can explore what helps you feel safe, settled and ready to engage, without judgement or pressure.
That is what I want our Nest to represent: a place where we can be ourselves, just as we are.
What will happen at the Nest?
The new space will allow me to develop the practical, individualised support I offer through Rise with Katie, with opportunities for both one-to-one sessions and small groups.
Through one-to-one tutoring and mentoring, I support children and young people to build confidence, recognise their strengths and find ways of learning and developing that work for them. Having a flexible environment means we can adapt sessions to individual needs, rather than expecting everyone to work in the same way.
My coaching and family support focus on helping neurodivergent individuals and their families better understand themselves, navigate challenges and discover practical strategies for everyday life. Whether we're exploring emotional regulation, confidence, communication or the demands of daily routines, having a comfortable, welcoming space can help create the right conditions for those conversations and discoveries.
I'm also passionate about opportunities to connect with others. Our group sessions and workshops will give us scope to explore shared interests, practise skills, build connections and learn together in an environment that recognises and respects neurodivergent needs.
Alongside this, I continue to offer educational advocacy, workshops and training for schools and professionals, helping to build understanding of neurodiversity and encourage more inclusive approaches. Although this work also takes place beyond the Nest, the values behind it remain the same: understanding the individual, looking beyond behaviour and creating environments where people can thrive.
As the space develops, I'm looking forward to seeing how we can make the most of it and shape it around the people who use it.
A huge thank you to my family
I couldn't share this update without talking about my amazing mum and dad.
They have put so much into making this happen, quite literally giving their blood, sweat and tears to the build and supporting us through what has been a long, challenging road this year.
There have been so many practical jobs, difficult days and moments when the whole thing has felt a little overwhelming. Through all of it, they've continued to show up, put in the work and help me keep going.
Big changes and uncertainty can be difficult to navigate, and having that support around me has meant more than I can put into words.
So, while I'm celebrating the new Nest, I'm celebrating them, too. Thank you for everything you've done to make this possible. We did it! And so much of that is down to you. ❤️
Come and be part of our new chapter
We're not quite at the finishing line yet, but we're getting closer every day.
I'm so excited to share the finished space with you and to begin this next chapter of Rise with Katie here in Prestwich, in the heart of North Manchester.
If you're a neurodivergent young person or adult looking for support, a parent wanting to understand your child better, or a family searching for a more neurodiversity-affirming approach, I'd love for you to find out more about what Rise with Katie offers.
I also welcome conversations with schools and professionals who want to develop their understanding of neurodiversity and create more inclusive environments.
You can explore my tutoring, mentoring, coaching, family support, educational advocacy, workshops and training to find out how we might work together.
And if you know someone who might benefit from the support I offer, please help spread the word. Sharing this new chapter with your friends, family, schools and local community would mean so much as we establish ourselves here in Prestwich.
This new Nest has taken a lot of hard work, love and support to bring to life. Now I'm looking forward to filling it with connection, creativity, movement, learning, laughter and, above all, people who feel they can truly be themselves.
Here's to new beginnings, finding our feet and creating a little more space to rise.
I can't wait to welcome you to our new Nest very soon! 🤗
Katie x
