Anuradha Parekh

How did you become involved with adoption and Adoption UK?

I am passionate about bringing families together through adoption and came across AUK early on in my own journey. My first meeting with some Trustees at Adoption UK was a great conversation and exchange of ideas, and it further instilled in me the desire to join the team and contribute to AUK’s exciting mission.

 

Any specific skills or areas of expertise relevant to the work of Adoption UK?

I have spent over a decade working in the financial services, with a special focus on charities and trusts.  I hope to be able to use the skills that I have developed over this time to help develop and maintain a firm financial foundation for Adoption UK as it continues its exciting work and expands to provide new ways to support all those involved in adoption.

I also have a Masters in Mental Health Studies which has given me an academic grounding in some of the key areas of concern for adoptive families, including the impact of trauma and the benefits of therapeutic parenting.

 

How do you want to see Adoption UK develop over the next five years?

The experience of adoption can feel isolating, but the community that Adoption UK has created is supportive and valuable. I see this community developing in both numbers and diversity over the next few years.

Adopters and adoptees from minority ethnic backgrounds are subject to specific challenges both before and during the adoption process. Through their advocacy work, Adoption UK can help break adoption myths and barriers specific to these communities and provide tailored support.

Education in relation to the concept, process and impact of adoption is crucial. Schools play a key role and Adoption UK can work with them to ensure that the unique circumstances that adopted young people face are addressed sensitively.

Together with the passionate team, I look forward to supporting Adoption UK through this next phase of its journey.