Adopter Stories by Adoption Now
SamfunnIf you are thinking about adoption it can help to hear from real people who were once right where you are. Adopter Stories by Adoption Now brings you real life stories from real life adopters. You will hear that no two adoption journeys are the same and not every adoption is the same. We will talk about the challenges that people face during the adoption process and we'll also be talking about the highs too!
Siste episoder av Adopter Stories by Adoption Now podcast
- The Power of Adoption Mentoring (00:19:04)
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.
- Extra time with Adoption Now! Episode 14 (00:05:13)
In this episode we will be finding out about our latest campaign You’re More Ready Than You Think, we’ll find out the latest, breaking news with regards to our Information Events and as usual I will be highlighting a previous episode that you may have missed and that we think could be good for you to listen to if you are currently considering about adopting.Mentioned links:You're More Ready Than You ThinkPodcast: https://www.adoptionnow.org.uk/youre-more-ready-than-you-think-podcastBlog: https://www.adoptionnow.org.uk/you-are-more-ready-than-you-thinkInformation Event Booking!https://www.adoptionnow.org.uk/eventsMust Hear Episode:https://www.adoptionnow.org.uk/i-became-a-parent-whenf 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
- You're More Ready Than You Think! (00:13:13)
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.
- Extra time with Adoption Now! Episode 13 (00:13:41)
In this episode we find out about the recent North West Adoption Day, Bolton’s Best Nominations, the new milestone this podcast has hit, the latest news on our roadshows and we round up with and short interview with Sophie, a member of our recruitment team here at adoption now and a recommended episode from the adopter stories by adoption now vault!Most recent episode with Matthew - https://www.adoptionnow.org.uk/from-hope-to-homeRecommended Episode - https://www.adoptionnow.org.uk/you-are-not-aloneIf you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can always visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story.
- ...From Hope to Home (00:34:01)
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.
- Extra time with Adoption Now! Episode 12 (00:05:40)
In this episode we catch up with how our Bobbert campaign is going as it enters the final month of the campaign, and as the Bobbert campaign is ending we find out about the latest campaign from Adoption North West (www.adoptionnorthwest.co.uk) that kicked off this month. We also find out where our roadshows have been in March and I’ll be highlighting a previous episode that you may have missed and that we think could be good for you to listen to if you are currently considering about adopting.If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption journey you can always visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start!
- Extra time with Adoption Now! Episode 11 (00:04:45)
In this second episode of the year we catch up with how our Bobbert's Adventures campaign is going, we find out where our roadshows will be in March and I’ll be highlighting a previous episode that you may have missed and that we think could be good for you to listen to if you are currently considering about adopting.If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption journey you can always visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start!
- Extra time with Adoption Now! Episode 10 (00:06:07)
In this first episode of the year we are kicking things off with 2 campaigns that are running contiguously but both have the same aim in encouraging prospective adopters to come forward. 1st up we have ‘Bobbert’s Adventures’ and secondly ‘This is a sign’. Then, new for 2025 I’ll be highlighting a previous episode that you may have missed and that we think could be good for you to listen to if you are currently thinking about adopting. And finally, we are back out on the road this year so I’ll be letting you know where we’ve been already and where is next! If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can visit our website, which is adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story.
- Planning to adopt? (00:19:04)
In this episode, the first of 2025, we thought it would be the perfect time to hit the ground running and help direct you to some of the best places that you can go to to get the best research information before starting your adoption journey. So for this episode I spoke to Recruitment Team managers Debbie and Jules about exactly where to start your research when you’re initially thinking about adopting, I then chat with podcast regular Welcome Team manager Dan about contacting our agency and what we have available to help your research, and then finally I talk to Catrin, who is the main social worker here at adoption now who presents our ever important online information events. If you have any questions around starting your adoption journey with adoption now, you are more than welcome to call our Information Line on 01204 336096 or you can also contact us through our website at adoptionnow.org.uk. So without further ado, let’s get your research started…
- Extra Time with Adoption Now! Episode 9 (00:27:38)
In this final episode of the year we hear about our most recent event here at Adoption Now – Winter Wonderland. We’ll also be taking a look back across our latest series of Christmas special episodes of the podcast, finding out about our latest blog post, how our most recent roadshows along with a message from our head of service, Katrina, and finally Welcome Team Manager, Dan, will be back along with Amy, an advanced practice manager on our Care Planning team here at adoption now where they will be rounding off our getting ready to adopt segment – which, for the final time looks at Introductions. Links: Adopters Stories for Christmas - www.adoptionnow.org.uk/podcasts Festive Blog - https://www.adoptionnow.org.uk/top-parenting-tips-for-during-the-fesive-period If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can always visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption journey!
- Adopter Stories for Christmas - Episode 4! (00:18:12)
In the weeks leading up to Christmas we are excited to bring you very some special, brand new festive episodes of our Adopter Stories podcast. We asked some of our families about their Christmas memories as adoptive parents and what they are most looking forward to this Christmas.In this fourth and final episode we had the privilege of sitting down to chat with Adele & Steve.If you are considering adoption and would like to enquire with Adoption Now, or ask any questions that you may have then please head over to our website which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk . Or, alternatively you can ring our information line on 01204 336096. Our Information line is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
- Adopter Stories for Christmas - Episode 3! (00:10:25)
In the weeks leading up to Christmas we are excited to bring you very some special, brand new festive episodes of our Adopter Stories podcast. We asked some of our families about their Christmas memories as adoptive parents and what they are most looking forward to this Christmas. In this third episode we had the privilege of sitting down to chat with Neil. If you are considering adoption and would like to enquire with Adoption Now, or ask any questions that you may have then please head over to our website which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk . Or, alternatively you can ring our information line on 01204 336096. Our Information line is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
- Adopter Stories for Christmas - Episode 2! (00:08:29)
In the weeks leading up to Christmas we are excited to bring you very some special, brand new festive episodes of our Adopter Stories podcast. We asked some of our families about their Christmas memories as adoptive parents and what they are most looking forward to this Christmas. In this second episode we had the privilege of sitting down to chat with Lyndsey. If you are considering adoption and would like to enquire with Adoption Now, or ask any questions that you may have then please head over to our website which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk . Or, alternatively you can ring our information line on 01204 336096. Our Information line is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
- Adopter Stories for Christmas - Episode 1! (00:15:39)
In the weeks leading up to Christmas we are excited to bring you very some special, brand new festive episodes of our Adopter Stories podcast. We asked some of our families about their Christmas memories as adoptive parents and what they are most looking forward to this Christmas. In this first episode we had the privilege of sitting down to chat with Dan. If you are considering adoption and would like to enquire with Adoption Now, or ask any questions that you may have then please head over to our website which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk . Or, alternatively you can ring our information line on 01204 336096. Our Information line is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
- Extra Time with Adoption Now! Episode 8 (00:24:59)
With National Adoption Week taking place 21st – 27th October we will be rounding up our activity across this important week and beyond. We’ll also be finding out about our brand new, pre-recorded information events, the latest national adopter journey practice standards from Adoption England and finally Welcome Team Manager, Dan, will be back along with Luisa, a car planning manager here at adoption now and they will be continuing our getting ready to adopt segment – which this time looks at the matching process once you have been approved as an adopter. Adoption Now Pre-Recorded Information Event To book your place visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk/events Adoption England National Practice Standards for the Adopter Journey https://adoptionengland.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/CMT24-008%20Adopter%20Journey%20WEB.pdf If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can always visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story.
- Dad Pod 2! (00:52:49)
Back in March of 2023 we released an episode of this podcast simply entitled Dad Pod. The name came from one of the adoptive dads who took part in the round table discussion, in which we handed over the mic to 4 adoptive dads who talked openly about their experiences of adopting and going through the adoption process. The aim of Dad Pod was to be less a recruitment tool and more of a support tool for adoptive dads; allowing them to be able to talk and open up about their experiences amongst like minded people. Since release Dad Pod has become one of our most ‘listened to’ episodes, being heard, not just in our local authority areas but up and down the country, even being cited in a Prospective Adopters Report by an adoption agency in the south of England, in which they talked about how useful the adopters found this episode as part of their own adoption journey. The content of the discussions and being able to talk freely meant that the guests and listeners alike felt they got so much from the episode. So, more than a year on we felt it was high time we brought together more adoptive dads for the sequel, Dad Pod 2! For this episode we have Connor, Aaron, Gio and Gary. Four adoptive dads who show us that while no adoption is the same, there are times when everyone has the same feelings, has the same thoughts and to know that you aren’t alone in this journey. During the conversation the dads touch on mental health, their identities, the impact that adoption can have on your relationship, the importance of peer mentors and more. Welcome to Dad Pod 2!
- Extra Time with Adoption Now! - Episode 7 - National Adoption Week 2024! (00:18:05)
With National Adoption Week taking place 21st – 27th October we will be finding out what his national week of celebration - www.youcanadopt.co.uk . We’ll also be finding out about our brand new, revamped website, the latest on our Roadshows and finally Welcome Team Manager, Dan, will be back with the next feature in our getting ready to adopt segment – which this time is all getting ready for panel! If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can always visit our website, www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story!
- ...Proud 2 B Parents! (00:24:03)
At Adoption Now we love to partner with groups that we feel enhance the adopter journey. Providing extra value and support for adopters that goes above and beyond the already amazing support that we are able to offer. One of our partner groups are Proud 2 B Parents, an inclusive organisation run by and for LGBT+ parents / carers to be who run a variety of services, events and training. We are proud sponsors of Proud 2 B parents and the work they do locally in our local authority areas, and beyond, to support LBGT+ families, 19% of our matched adopters identified as LGBT+ last year, and we are always eager to ensure that the families we work with have access to support services, groups, and advice they need as they progress as a family. I sat down to chat with Matt Taylor-Roberts, who is the Founder and Managing Director of Proud 2 B Parents. We talk about how Proud 2 B Parents came about, the work they do and what advice they would give to LGBT+ people who are thinking about adopting. If hearing from Matt has given you the push you need to further explore adoption with us then please visit our website www.adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out all about the adoption process and download our free information pack. You will also be able to book onto one of upcoming online information events and complete our contact form to start your adoption story. Proud 2 B Parents website: www.proud2bparents.co.uk
- There is a community in your corner....you are not alone! (00:27:22)
Our pioneering ‘Mentor Scheme’ was one of the first in the country and ensures that someone is always there, should you need it, to help guide you through one of the biggest, life-changing commitments you can make. In this second of a two part series of interviews for our You Are Not Alone campaign, I sat down to chat with Natalie and Helen, two of our amazing mentors to talk about their own support network, family and what adoption means to them. If you have been inspired to start your adoption story then please visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out more about the adoption process itself, download our information pack, book on to one of our upcoming online information events and fill out our contact form to start your adoption story!
- Extra time with Adoption Now! - Episode 6 (00:15:14)
In this episode we will be finding out about our brand new campaign You Are Not Alone, our latest Roadshow in which we attended Family Pride in Manchester with our friends at Proud2BeParents, how Adoption Now were on local BBC radio and finally Welcome Team Manager, Dan, will be back with the next feature in our getting ready to adopt segment – which this time is all about Stage 2! If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can always visit our website, which is adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story.
- It takes a village to raise a child....you are not alone. (00:17:06)
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and when it comes to adoption this saying takes on even more significance. Following on from the recent You Can Adopt national campaign, we are launching our own, brand-new campaign You are Not Alone, that aims to highlight that Adoption Now is not just an adoption agency, we are a community working to find safe, loving, and secure homes for hundreds of children across the North-West and supporting each other in the process. In this first of a two part series of interviews for our You are not alone campaign, I sat down to chat with Clare and Abubakar, two of our amazing mentors to talk about community, family and what it means to them to be a mentor. If you are inspired to start your adoption story then please visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk where you will be able to find out more about the adoption process itself, download our information pack, book on to one of our upcoming Online Information Events and fill out our contact form.
- Extra time with Adoption Now! - Episode 5 (00:12:37)
In this episode of Extra Time we will be finding about the brand new, national campaign The Journey from You Can Adopt, the exciting plans we have in place for Dad Pod – Episode 2!, our latest Roadshow and finally, Dan, our Welcome Team Manager will be back with the next feature in our getting ready to adopt segment – which this time is all about Stage 1! To listen to the latest You Can Adopt podcast visit https://soundcloud.com/user-614622571/the-adoption To learn more about the latest You Can Adopt campaign 'The Journey' at www.youcanadopt.co.uk If you want to get involved and let us know about your own adoption journey. You can record a video or audio snippet and we will post it to our socials and/or use it in this podcast! If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story be sure to visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story!
- Extra time with Adoption Now! - Episode 4 (00:12:45)
In this episode we reflect on our Hope for a Brighter Future Campaign which is coming to an end this month. June saw us hold our annual service day, in which the whole service came together to review the last year. We’ll be hearing from our head of service about the day itself. And then we finish the episode with part three of our brand new, monthly feature – getting you ready to adopt. In this series of interviews with our Welcome Team Manager Dan; we will be running through each step of the process so you will know what to expect as part of your adoption story and in this episode Dan talks us about the Registration of Interest. If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story.
- ...what is adoption preparation training? (00:14:02)
One of the biggest pieces of training that takes place in Stage 1 is Preparation Training. A 3 day, in person course in which we aim of to prepare our adopters for what’s to come during their adoption journey, so they know what to expect and also build on their knowledge of what adoption is. So to give you a little jump start on what’s to come if and when you start your adoption story, I sat down to chat with Kayleigh, one of our experienced social workers here at adoption now, who delivers this training. Amongst other things, we find a bit more about what prep training is and what it is that you will get out of the training. If hearing about prep training has got you excited to find out more about how you start your adoption story, why not come along to one of our upcoming Online Information Events? Taking place online, our Online Information Events are the perfect place to start YOUR adoption story. There you can find out all about the process itself, where preparation training fits into the process and also ask any questions you have; our social worker presenter and adopter guest speaker will be only too happy to answer your questions. To book, simply head over to www.adoptionnow.org.uk/events Alternatively you can also call our Information Line to start your adoption story – open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday simply call - 01204 336096 and a member of our team will be only too happy to help you start!
- Extra time with Adoption Now! - Episode 3 (00:08:53)
In episode 3 of Extra Time we recap on our current Hope for a Brighter Future Campaign, we’ll find out about the pressing need we have for adopters to come forward. Our adoption now roadshows across our local authority areas carries on with Bolton and Blackburn. And then we finish the episode with part two of our brand new, monthly feature – getting you ready to adopt. In this series of interviews with our Welcome Team Manager Dan; we will be running through each step of the process so you will know what to expect as part of your adoption story and in this episode Dan talks to us about Initial Visits. If you are thinking about adoption or would like to start your adoption story you can visit our website, which is www.adoptionnow.org.uk or you can call our Information Line on 01204 336096 where a member of our team will be only too happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you to start your adoption story.