We Are Family
We Are Family is a peer to peer support community by adopters, for adopters. For ten years they have supported families throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, parents’ groups, events, resources and talks offering mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption.
Support for adoptive families
We Are Family believe that by coming together, sharing experience and understanding, adopters can help each other to thrive. Founded and led by adoptive parents, We Are Family reflects and responds to its members, helping them navigate the challenges and joys that adoption brings.
We Are Family partner with Adopt London to provide WAF Talks, the successful webinar programme for adoptive parents. Specialist webinars run for We Are Family members throughout the year and can be watched back at any time after the event through the Member Hub.
Membership is free and open to families from Stage One of the UK adoption process and anyone who has had a child placed or adopted (check to see which level of membership you are eligible for). To join WAF Talks live or watch any of the talks on demand, as well as to access support groups and resources please join here. If you are already a member and want to register for a talk log in here.
Webinars for October
Free Event – Breaking Barriers: LGBTQ+ Perspectives on Adoption
Date: 17 October 2024, 7.30pm to 9pm
Are you an LGBTQ+ individual or couple considering adoption or fostering? Curious about the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ adoptive parents? Eager to understand the adoption process? This is the event for you! To sign up to this free event, visit eventbrite. You do not need to be a WAF member to attend.
Event Highlights:
- Inspiring Stories: Hear first-hand experiences from a diverse panel of LGBTQ+ adoptive parents.
- Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from a leading expert in social services who will provide an overview of the adoption and fostering process.
- Interactive Q&A: Have your questions answered by the panel during an open Q&A session.
Why Attend?
- Real-Life Perspectives: Learn about the joys and challenges of LGBTQ+ parenting directly from those who have lived it.
- Expert Guidance: Get informed advice on navigating the social services system to light your way.
- Community Support: Connect with like-minded individuals and build a supportive network.
Who Should Attend?
- LGBTQ+ individuals and couples interested in adoption or fostering
- Current adoptive and foster parents seeking community and support
- Social service professionals and allies advocating for LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering
To sign up to this free event, visit eventbrite. You do not need to be a WAF member to attend.
Seven Things Adoptive Parents Need To Know To Help Their Kids & Teens Blossom
Thursday 24 October 2024, 8pm
Speakers: Simon Benn and Jude Hung
‘Put your own oxygen mask on first.’ – The phrase we hear on planes has become a cliché because it’s totally true.
In this WAF Talks webinar Simon and Jude will share their experiences as adopted people and offer parents ways they can support their child and help them blossom.
When registering, please do so with the email address that you also use for your Zoom account to ensure access to the webinar. Please note this may not be the same as the email address you have used for your WAF membership account.
Adoption Shared podcasts
Adoption Shared is a unique podcast produced by We Are Family in partnership with Adopt London.
In each episode, our host, Eddie Elliott, meets adopters and professionals who share their insights and experiences of the adoption journey from various perspectives, which inform, support and amplify the adopter’s voice and community. With over 10,000 downloads across the first three seasons, we are proud that these valuable conversations are impacting our members and the wider community.
Season 4 of the Adoption Shared podcasts focus on children with additional needs.
Episode 1
Host Eddie talks with Andrew in this episode, who candidly shares his family’s experience of adopting a child with additional needs. You can gain insights into the realities and hurdles families face navigating this unique journey. Listen to the Preparing for adopting a child with additional needs episode by clicking the link or by searching ‘Adoption Shared’ on your regular podcast platform.
Episode 2
In this episode, Eddie meets Esther who speaks about building resilient families and her journey with adoption. Esther also shares her work with the SEND Survival Guide and Emotional Freedom Tapping technique.
Episode 3
Stephen is a dedicated father and experienced educator, and he speaks with host Eddie to discuss the challenges and triumphs of advocating for children with special educational needs (SEN). From the intricacies of securing an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) to the conversations between mainstream versus special schooling, Stephen shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences as he navigates the education system.
Episode 4
Host Eddie Elliott is joined by Jessie, who shares her journey of adopting siblings with additional needs. Throughout the conversation, Jessie offers invaluable insights into the adoption process, preparation, and emotional aspects. With candid discussion of challenges faced, Jessie emphasises the crucial role of supportive professionals in navigating the adoption journey effectively.
Episode 5
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Lucy, a children’s nurse and researcher, to explore her journey of adopting twice with her wife. Lucy shares her valuable insights into the challenges and the existing inequities of healthcare access. Throughout the conversation, Lucy underscores the importance of post-adoption support, advocating for her children’s needs, and the significance of being heard within a broader support network. Additionally, Lucy sheds light on her doctoral study, which examines the experiences of lesbian parents accessing healthcare for their adopted children in England. You can also explore Lucy’s research further through her book, Courtney Goes to the Hospital: A Story of Two Mums and Their Children, available online.
Episode 6
Lisa joins Eddie to discuss her journey of adopting a child with a cleft lip and palate. Lisa talks about navigating the adoption process, advocating for support for her child, and the importance of building a safe, encouraging and supportive network.
Previous season
You’ll also find links to Season 3 of Adoption Shared. Hosted by Eddie Elliott, these episodes focus on Black Voices – sharing the joys and challenges of adoption in the Black community. Click to listen to Adoption Shared.
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