Birmingham · Benson Community Hub
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a child is simply a place where they feel understood.
LumaNest is a Birmingham respite and communication service for children with speech, language and communication needs — built with families, for families.
About LumaNest
Built on what families told us they were missing.
Founded by Layla Guddam, Speech and Language Therapy Consultant, LumaNest exists because too many Birmingham families raising children with additional needs are stretched thin — waiting on services, translating their child's needs to the world, and rarely getting a real break themselves.
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Respite, not just childcare
Time for parents to rest, work, or simply breathe, knowing their child is somewhere calm and understood.
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Communication at the centre
Every session is shaped around how each child actually communicates — not around a generic timetable.
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Led by families, not just for them
Everything we build starts from what parents tell us — see the listening project below.
Layla Guddam
Founder & Speech and Language Therapy Consultant
13+ years' experience supporting children and families. Read Layla's story ↓
Meet the Director
Get to know me.
Layla Guddam
Speech and Language Therapy Consultant
Get to Know Me
I'm Layla, a Speech and Language Therapist with over 13 years' experience supporting children and families with speech, language and communication needs.
LumaNest has grown from my passion for making communication support more accessible, inclusive and family-centred. Through my work, I have seen first-hand how difficult it can be for families to access the right support, particularly in communities experiencing social and economic deprivation.
For some families, language barriers and services that do not reflect their cultural or linguistic needs can make support harder to access. Parents may struggle to find information in a way that feels accessible and relevant to their family, while children may not always have their full communication needs understood.
I created LumaNest to help bridge that gap.
My vision is to create a welcoming space where children can develop their communication through play and meaningful interaction, while parents and carers have access to respite, practical support and someone who understands their journey.
Services
Communication, play and time for you.
Our weekend club brings together communication-focused play and respite for children aged 3–10. Contact us for current availability and to discuss whether our group can meet your child's needs.
Communication-Focused Respite
Safe, nurturing respite sessions for children aged 3–10 with speech, language and communication needs. Children enjoy engaging, play-based activities while parents and carers have valuable time to rest, work or focus on other responsibilities.
Speech, Language & Communication Support
Sessions designed to naturally develop children's communication through play, interaction and everyday activities — supporting understanding language, expressing ideas, listening and attention, social communication and confidence.
Play-Based Learning
Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. Activities are carefully planned to encourage communication, interaction, problem-solving, turn-taking and independence in an enjoyable environment.
Speech & Language Therapy Expertise
LumaNest is guided by qualified Speech and Language Therapy expertise. Our approach helps staff understand and respond to individual communication needs, ensuring activities are meaningful, inclusive and appropriately adapted.
Parent & Carer Support
We recognise that supporting a child with communication needs can feel overwhelming. We provide parents and carers with practical advice, strategies and ideas they can use at home to support their child's communication development.
Inclusive & Accessible Support
We aim to create an environment where every child feels understood, valued and included. Activities can be adapted to individual communication styles, abilities and needs, including alternative or additional ways of communicating.
Community & Partnership Support
We work with families, schools, community organisations and professionals to improve access to communication support and create stronger networks around children and their families.
At LumaNest, we bring together communication, play and respite to support children while giving families the space and support they deserve.
Your child's safety comes first. All LumaNest staff and volunteers are DBS-checked and safeguarding trained, and our safeguarding policy is available on request.
Parent listening project
Tell us what your family needs.
A short survey where you can tell us, in your own words, what would actually make life easier for your family. It only takes a few minutes — five quick questions about things like how easy it is to get a break when you need one, what gets in the way, and what would help your child feel more confident communicating. We're not building LumaNest based on guesswork — every answer helps us shape our sessions and support around what real families are telling us they need.
Your experience matters
Tell us what support would make a difference to your family. Please avoid including your child’s full name or detailed medical information in this public enquiry survey.
Open the parent surveyOpens Google Forms in a new tab. Use the Submit button there to finish.
FAQ
Have a question?
We've put together detailed answers on everything from registering and cost, to communication support, accessibility, and what a session actually looks like.
What Families Say
Reviews from families who've used LumaNest.
Real experiences from parents and carers who've accessed our sessions — and space for yours.
Share your experience
If your family has attended LumaNest, we would love to hear from you. Please avoid identifying your child or sharing private health information.
Write a reviewOpens Google Forms in a new tab. Use the Submit button there to finish.
Get involved
Let's talk.
Whether you're a parent, a potential partner, or a funder — we'd like to hear from you.
Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8JP
Birmingham, B18 5TD
Enquire or request a registration form
Tell us how we can help. You can request a registration form in our enquiry form, or email us directly. Please save detailed information about your child for the registration conversation.
Open the enquiry formOpens Google Forms in a new tab. Use the Submit button there to finish.