Advertise on podcast: Adopter Stories by Adoption Now

Nurture is at the heart of Theraplay, creating opportunities for children to experience care, comfort and connection in a way that builds trust and emotional security. In adoption, where children may not always have had consistent nurturing experiences, these moments can be especially powerful in helping them feel valued, soothed and safe within their relationships. This episode is the fourth in a five part series and is a little different from our usual format, as the conversation is led by two social workers, who bring their professional insight and experience of using Theraplay in their work with children and families. Together, they explore how nurture shows up in practice, why it matters so deeply, and how small, playful interactions can help strengthen bonds between children and their caregivers. If you are considering adoption as a way of growing your family, we would love to hear from you. Head over to our website adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out a raft of information about adoption and the adoption process, you will be able to download our information pack along with booking onto one of our information events. Our Information Events are the perfect place to start your adoption journey and we are delighted to say that on the 30th April 2026 we are returning to live ‘in person’ information events. We are going to be at The Hub in Westhoughton from 6pm – 7:30pm and you will be able to meet members of our team to discuss the start of your adoption journey. To book your place visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk/events - we hope to see you there!

Engagement is a key part of Theraplay, encouraging shared attention, joy and connection between children and their caregivers. Through playful, attuned interactions, engagement helps children feel seen and valued, supporting the development of trust and positive relationships. In adoption, these moments of connection can be especially important in helping children build confidence and a sense of belonging. This episode is the third in a five part series and is a little different from our usual format, as the conversation is led by two social workers, who bring their professional insight and experience of using Theraplay in their work with children and families. Together, they explore how engagement works in practice, why it plays such an important role in building connection, and how simple, playful moments can make a meaningful difference. If you are considering adoption as a way of growing your family, we would love to hear from you. Head over to our website adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out a raft of information about adoption and the adoption process, you will be able to download our information pack along with booking onto one of our information events. Our Information Events are the perfect place to start your adoption journey and we are delighted to say that on the 30th April 2026 we are returning to live ‘in person’ information events. We are going to be at The Hub in Westhoughton from 6pm – 7:30pm and you will be able to meet members of our team to discuss the start of your adoption journey. To book your place visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk/events - we hope to see you there!

Structure is an important part of Theraplay, providing children with clear boundaries, predictability and a sense of safety. In adoption, where children may have experienced uncertainty or change, having consistent and supportive structure can help them to feel more secure and confident in their relationships. This episode is the second in a five part series and is a little different from our usual format, as the conversation is led by two social workers, who bring their professional insight and experience of using Theraplay in their work with children and families. Together, they explore how structure works in practice, why it’s such an important part of connection, and how simple, playful interactions can help children feel safe and held. If you are considering adoption as a way of growing your family, we would love to hear from you. Head over to our website adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out a raft of information about adoption and the adoption process, you will be able to download our information pack along with booking onto one of our information events. Our Information Events are the perfect place to start your adoption journey and we are delighted to say that on the 30th April 2026 we are returning to live ‘in person’ information events. We are going to be at The Hub in Westhoughton from 6pm – 7:30pm and you will be able to meet members of our team to discuss the start of your adoption journey. To book your place visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk/events - we hope to see you there!

This is the first episode in a five-part series all about Theraplay; a relationship-based approach that focuses on building strong, healthy connections between children and their caregivers. Rooted in play, warmth and structure, Theraplay helps children feel safe, supported and understood, particularly those who may have experienced early trauma or disruptions in attachment. This episode is a little different from our usual format, in that the conversation is led by two social workers, who bring their professional insight and experience of using Theraplay in their work with children and families. Together, they explore how it works in practice, why connection is at the heart of the approach, and how small, playful moments can make a big difference in a child’s life. If you are considering adoption as a way of growing your family, we would love to hear from you. Head over to our website adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out a raft of information about adoption and the adoption process, you will be able to download our information pack along with booking onto one of our information events. Our Information Events are the perfect place to start your adoption journey and we are delighted to say that on the 30th April 2026 we are returning to live ‘in person’ information events. We are going to be at The Hub in Westhoughton from 6pm – 7:30pm and you will be able to meet members of our team to discuss the start of your adoption journey. To book your place visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk/events - we hope to see you there!

Growing Families Together, the new Adoption North West campaign is shining a spotlight on Early Permanence, sometimes known as Foster to Adopt or Fostering for Adoption. Whether you're considering adoption, interested in learning more about Early Permanence, or simply want to understand how children can benefit from early stable family placements, this episode offers valuable insight into an often misunderstood route to adoption. Find out more: 🔗 Adoption North West: www.adoptionnorthwest.org.uk 🔗 Adoption Now: www.adoptionnow.org.uk

In this episode of Adopter Stories by Adoption Now, we explore what it really means to ask for help and why it can sometimes feel so difficult to take that first step. We’re joined by Clare, one of our adopters, who shares her personal journey of reaching out for adoption support at a time when her family truly needed it. Through an honest and heartfelt conversation, Clare reflects on the challenges she faced, the resilience she discovered and the positive impact that the right support can have at the right moment. If finding out about the fantastic support we offer has got you thinking about adopting, why not call our Welcome Team to find out more and to start your adoption journey by calling 01204 336096. You can also visit our website adoptionnow.org.uk where you will find a whole raft of information about adoption and the adoption process, and also where you can download our information pack to.

In this special episode for Neurodiversity Week I sat down to chat with Alison, a family support worker here at Adoption Now, who shares her experience of supporting children in preparing for adoption and working alongside families. Alison talks about the importance of seeing the child, not the behaviour, recognising the strengths that neurodivergent children bring and why understanding, patience and community support can make all the difference. If you are considering adoption as a way of growing your family, we would love to hear from you. Head over to our website www.adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out a raft of information about adoption and the adoption process, you will be able to download our information pack along with booking onto one of our information events. Our Information Events are the perfect place to start your adoption journey and we are delighted to say that on the 30th April 2026 we are returning to live ‘in person’ information events. We are going to be at The Hub in Westhoughton from 6pm – 7:30pm and you will be able to meet members of our team to discuss the start of your adoption journey. To book your place visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk/events - we hope to see you there! Neurodiversity Week Official Website - Neurodiversity Celebration Week

The period after an adoption placement can be intense, particularly when one partner returns to work and daily life changes very quickly. Balancing work, care and relationships during that time can bring practical pressures as well as emotional ones that aren’t always visible or unintentionally aren’t always considered before entering the adoption process. In this episode I sat down to chat with Simon. Who, along with his partner Hannah, have adopted 4 children. We talk about how daily life changes when you adopt your child and Simon reflects on what helped and what they found challenging as a new family. Whether you’re an adopter, a partner or a professional supporting adoptive families, Simon offers real insight into the emotional realities of early placement and returning to work. It’s an open conversation about managing work, family life and relationships in the early stages and beyond. If you are considering adopting you can find out more information about starting the adoption process by visiting our website which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk .There you will be able to download our information pack and fill our contact form to start your adoption story. You can also call our Information Line on 01204 336096. Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday you will be able to speak to a member of our welcome team who will be only too happy to answer any questions you have and help you start your adoption story.

From quick, everyday tasks to life-changing decisions, more and more people are turning to Online and AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT and even TikTok to research topics that really matter to them. Curious to see what people are most commonly asking and searching for, we decided to explore those questions that come up time and time again about adoption and the adoption process. For this episode I sat down with Catrin, a social worker here at Adoption Now and the main presenter at our Online Information Events, to get clear, honest answers to the topics people want to know most about. Adoption research can bring up a lot of questions—and sometimes even more emotions than answers. If something from today’s episode stayed with you, or if you’re feeling unsure about how to use AI or online tools in your own search, we invite you to reach out to us. You can find out more information about starting the adoption process by visiting our website which is adoptionnow.org.uk. There you will be able to download our information pack and fill our contact form to start your adoption story. You can also call our Information Line on 01204 336096. Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday you will be able to speak to a member of our welcome team who will be only too happy to answer any questions you have and help you start your adoption story.

If you’re a regular listener to the podcast our guest will be a familiar voice—a guest from Dad Pod Dan joined us last Christmas, and his story resonated with so many of you. In the second of our Xmas Specials, we’re catching up on what’s changed over the past year, how their family has grown and settled, and of course, what Christmas looks like for them now. We’ll be chatting about new traditions, old favourites, and the little moments that have made this year particularly meaningful. If you’ve enjoyed this conversation, or if it’s sparked something for you, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch with us on our social media channels, visiting our website adoptionnow.org.uk or calling our Information line on 01204 336096 for more information. And if you’re someone who’s been thinking about adoption—or you’re simply curious about what the next step might look like—please do reach out and talk to us. We’re always here to answer questions, offer guidance and help you explore whether adoption could be right for you. As always, Thank you so much for listening. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and we’ll see you in the next episode of adopter stories by adoption now.

As Christmas approaches, we’re exploring the traditions that make this time of year feel special—especially for families brought together through adoption. In the first of our Xmas Special episodes we hear from Natasha & Matt, some wonderful adopters whose journey took an unexpected turn. After listening to a previous episode in this series, they felt inspired to adopt siblings rather than just one child—something that’s shaped their family life in the most meaningful way. We’ll be talking about their first Christmases together, the traditions they’ve created, the ones they’ve kept, and the joy—and occasional chaos—of celebrating the holidays as a family. If you’ve enjoyed this conversation, or if it’s sparked something for you, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch with us on our social media channels, visiting our website adoptionnow.org.uk or calling our Information line on 01204 336096 for more information. And if you’re someone who’s been thinking about adoption—or you’re simply curious about what the next step might look like—please do reach out and talk to us. We’re always here to answer questions, offer guidance and help you explore whether adoption could be right for you. As always, Thank you so much for listening. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and we’ll see you in the next episode of adopter stories by adoption now.

In this episode, we’re honoured to share the powerful and deeply personal story of Kay, a birth parent. It’s a perspective we don’t often hear, but one that is vital in helping us all understand the wider picture of adoption — emotionally, practically and personally. Joining Kay in this episode is Kayleigh, our guest interviewer and Adoption Now Social Worker, who brings warmth, empathy and experience to this thoughtful and honest conversation. Together, they explore the circumstances surrounding Kay’s decision, the emotions that followed, and how she reflects on her journey today — including thoughts on contact, identity and the lasting impact of that decision. Content note: This episode includes open discussion around grief, loss and the realities of placing a child for adoption. Please take care while listening. Whether you're an adopter, prospective adopter, professional, or someone seeking a wider understanding of adoption — this is a story that will stay with you. If this episode has moved you or prompted questions, we’d love to hear from you. You can connect with us on social media or visit our website at www.adoptionnow.org.uk for more resources and information. And if you’re considering adoption or just beginning to explore what it could mean for you, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call our Information Line on 01204 336096 — we’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

We know that adoption is a lifelong journey, and while every story is unique, there’s huge power in connecting with someone who’s walked a similar path. That’s where our mentors come in, so in this episode we’re shining a light on a fantastic part of our support offer that many adopters have found invaluable: our Adopter Mentor Service -—experienced adopters who are trained to offer one-to-one peer support to others. For this episode, I’m joined by members of our amazing social work team who help run the service. They’ll be sharing how it works, what kind of support is offered, and how it’s making a real difference for adoptive families. Whether you're early in your journey or years down the line, this service could be the lifeline you didn’t know you needed. You can find out more information about starting the adoption process by visiting our website which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk. There you will be able to download our information pack and fill our contact form to start your adoption story. You can also call our Information Line on 01204 336096. Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday you will be able to speak to a member of our welcome team who will be only too happy to answer any questions you have and help you start your adoption story.

Adoption is one of the most rewarding journeys a person or family can take — but across the UK, and especially in our local authority areas, fewer people are coming forward to adopt. Why? We believe that it is often, it’s down to outdated beliefs, myths, or people ruling themselves out before they’ve even made an enquiry. Our latest campaign, “You’re more ready than you think!”, aims to challenge those assumptions and show that adopters come from all walks of life — whether you're single, renting, LGBTQ+, or living with a health condition. What matters most is your ability to offer love, stability and care. In this episode, we speak to two adopters, Linzi and Dan, who share how they realised they were ready — and what helped them take that first step. If you’re an adopter, when did you feel ready? When did you know adoption was the right path for you? We’d love to hear your story — drop us a comment or send us a message on social media. Your experience could be just the encouragement someone else needs to take that first step. And if this episode has given you the nudge to explore adoption further, visit our website www.adoptionnow.org.uk where you ill be able to download our Information Pack, or give our Information Line a call on 01204 336096 — our friendly team is always here to help.

In this episode of Adopter Stories by adoption now, we sit down to chat with Matthew, who shares the heartfelt journey he and his husband took to become parents through adoption. After facing some personal challenges they found the path to adoption and ultimately, to their children. Matthew opens up about the emotional highs and lows of the process, the strength they found in each other, and how they navigated letting go of expectations to embrace something even more meaningful. He also offers thoughtful advice for anyone considering adoption, reminding us that while the journey may not always be easy, how it’s so much worth it. With fewer people coming forward, now, more the ever, we need adopters, and once approved adopters are less likely to have to wait to be matched. You can find out more information about starting the adoption process by visiting our website which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk . There you will be able to download our information pack and fill our contact form to start your adoption story. You can also call our Information Line on 01204 336096. Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday you will be able to speak to a member of our welcome team who will be only too happy to answer any questions you have and help you start your adoption story.