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Transition to Adulthood

This is a support group for adopted young adults in London. A space to connect, share and socialise.

Transition to Adulthood
Transition to Adulthood

You don't have to figure everything out alone.

Reaching 18 and becoming an adult is a significant milestone. It might feel exciting and full of possibilities, or perhaps confusing or overwhelming, but oftentimes it is a time when young adults will experience a multitude of conflicting feelings, all at once.

For adopted young people, the journey into adulthood can bring additional questions about identity, relationships, family, independence and the future. Many adopted young adults tell us they have never had the opportunity to meet others who truly understand their experiences.

Transition to Adulthood is a supportive group for adopted young adults aged 18-24 who are living in London. The group offers a space to connect with other adopted people, share experiences, build confidence and access support as you navigate life as an adult.

Whether you’re exploring your identity, simply wanting to meet people with shared or similar experiences, exploring your next steps, navigating education i.e. university, looking for work or maintaining employment, moving into independent living etc, you’re very welcome here.

Why join?

Many young adults who attend tell us that the group is one of the first places where they have met other adopted people their age. It’s a space where:

  • You don’t have to explain what adoption feels like
  • Your experiences can be understood
  • You can talk openly without fear of judgement
  • You can meet other adopted young adults and build friendships and feel part of a community
  • You can explore the topics that matter to you
  • You can feel part of a community

Participants have said:

“It helps me feel less alone and understood by others who share similar feelings.”

“This is the first time I’ve ever been amongst people with similar experiences.”

“I can be open without fear of judgment.”

“It’s comforting. Everyone understands.”

“It’s good to feel part of a group.”

The group meets monthly from 7pm to 9pm. Sessions take place at a venue near London Bridge. Full venue details will be shared once you have signed up.

Upcoming dates

  • Thursday 17 September 2026
  • Thursday 15 October 2026
  • Thursday 19 November 2026

You can join if you are

  • Adopted
  • Aged 18-24
  • Living in London

Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re looking for friendship, support, understanding or simply a place where you can be yourself, the Transition to Adulthood group is here for you.

To sign up simply complete this online form and we will be in touch with full details.

What can the group help with?

Every person’s adoption journey is different, which means every discussion is different too. The group provides opportunities to:

  • Connect with other adopted young adults
  • Talk about adoption and its impact on adult life
  • Build confidence and self-understanding
  • Explore identity, relationships and belonging
  • Learn about rights, services and support available to you
  • Develop confidence in making both big and small life decisions
  • Access information, guidance and signposting when needed

The group is shaped by its members, so discussions focus on the topics that are most important to those attending.

Adopt London would also like you to help us create the services young adults need once they reach 18. So your lived experience and the support services you most need will shape a service for young people when they reach 18.

What to expect

Our sessions are relaxed, informal and welcoming. When you attend, you can expect:

  • A dedicated space for adopted young adults aged 18-24 to meet and talk privately
  • Small group sessions that encourage meaningful conversations
  • Light refreshments and snacks are provided
  • Occasional guest speakers
  • Supportive facilitation by a social worker who is an adopted adult, and a psychotherapist who is also an adoptive parent

You can join in discussions as much or as little as feels comfortable for you, without fear of judgement or pressure. It’s fine to come and just listen to what others have to say.  There is no requirement or expectation to regularly attend the group around your other commitments.

A community beyond the sessions

Many attendees have wanted to stay connected between meetings, so there is also an optional WhatsApp group, created and managed by group members, offering another way to build friendships and stay in touch with other adopted young adults outside of the monthly meet up sessions.

For adoptive parents

The transition into adulthood can be an important and sometimes complex stage in an adopted young person’s life. Many adopted young adults benefit from opportunities to meet peers with shared experiences, where they can develop independence, explore identity and build supportive relationships of outside their immediate family.

If you are an adoptive parent of a young person aged 18-24, we encourage you to share information about this group with them. While attendance is entirely their choice, knowing that a supportive community exists can be an important first step. Sign up for the Transition to Adulthood group.

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