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  <h2>In this episode of <em>The Charity Changemakers Podcast</em>, Adam Stacey chats with Rhonda Nicklin, Chief Executive of Swings and Smiles</h2>

  <p>Swings and Smiles is a charity supporting disabled children and their families through inclusive play and respite care.</p>

  <p>Rhonda shares how her background in nursing and her lived experience as a parent led her into the charity sector. From service user to CEO, she unpacks the power of play therapy, the challenges of running a small charity in a post-COVID world, and how confidence, collaboration and community sit at the heart of her leadership.</p>

  <p>Visit the charity: <a href="https://www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk</a></p>

  <h3>Key takeaways</h3>
  <ul>
    <li>Rhonda’s leadership journey was shaped by her personal connection to the cause.</li>
    <li>Swings and Smiles uses play therapy to support the emotional and social needs of disabled children.</li>
    <li>Demand for services has grown significantly since the pandemic.</li>
    <li>Trust, empathy, and consistency are key to building relationships with families.</li>
    <li>Rhonda draws on her nursing background to inform her leadership style.</li>
    <li>She believes in learning from mistakes and leading with authenticity.</li>
    <li>Collaboration with other charities and professionals strengthens their impact.</li>
    <li>Rhonda encourages professionals to consider portfolio careers and embrace change.</li>
  </ul>

  <h3>Episode chapters</h3>
  <ul>
    <li>00:00 – Welcome and intro to Rhonda Nicklin</li>
    <li>06:18 – From nursing to the charity sector</li>
    <li>14:17 – How lived experience shapes leadership</li>
    <li>20:25 – Growth, demand and the reality of charity work</li>
    <li>26:18 – Rhonda’s leadership style and reflections</li>
    <li>32:43 – The importance of community partnerships</li>
    <li>35:42 – How to support or get involved</li>
    <li>38:11 – Final thoughts and inspiration</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>Listen now</strong> on <a href="https://www.spotify.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple Podcasts</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a>.</p>

  <p>If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to follow, like and review – it helps others find us and backs our mission to champion changemakers across the charity sector.</p>

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