News from the Nations

England

Family activities
We have been connecting with children and young people through family fun days and activities. Before lockdown we were running WOW events for families. We have been to Alton Towers water park, the Panto (Oh no you didn’t, oh yes, we did!), on walks, go-karting, a day of Bear Grylls and lots, lots more. Since March last year many of our activities for the family have gone online. We have held loads of sessions for members including in the school holidays and at the weekend. These have included magic show, gymnastics, art and music sessions, bingo and a disco.

Family Camp
We have run family camps for 5 years. It has been a great opportunity for adults, children and young people to get together whilst enjoying the outdoor life.

Influencing
Young people in England spoke with the Children’s Minister, Vicky Ford and told her what they wanted to see changed about adoption.

For more information about activities in England please email [email protected] 

Northern Ireland

Banter Project
We are delighted to have launched our 'Banter project', following on from our regular 'adopted teens' meet-ups & the 'Summer Film Camp' week. We are providing the opportunity for social meet-ups on virtual platforms and engaging in face to face activities to connect with other adopted young people (14-25yrs), between now & November. We hope that everyone involved will tell us what they'd like to see happening & what we can do next.

Steering group
We really want young people to steer our work and services so we're asking for participation throughout the year & beyond this project to help guide our services. This might be a dedicated meeting or may just be part of our regular meet-ups.

Would you like to get involved with our Banter Project? Our next meeting is Wed 24^th March 6.30-8pm

Email EJ now to find out more: [email protected]

Scotland

Over the last couple of years young people here have been involved in influencing how they are helped. They attended The ‘Voices of Adopted Young People Conference’. Adopted young people were excited to speak directly to First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and added their voices to the First Ministers 1000 Voices Campaign.

Families have been doing some fantastic activities such as riding on the Santa Train, hunting Easter eggs, trips to parks, hiking trips, a day out at Blair Drummond Safari Park AND residential weekends.

Since March last year have held online holiday clubs with gymnastics, magic shows, drama and music. Who could forget Magic Gareth and Farooq setting himself on fire! Our older adopted young people have also been able to meet for several quizzes they have created themselves and during lockdown easing taken part in outdoors activities and horse shenanigans as they work towards qualifications with the British Horse Society.

Over Easter we are holding a pizza making workshop. Want to come along? Book here

If you want to know more about further events, get in touch with Simon at: [email protected]

Wales

Connected - Youth Activity Groups
Youth workers have been running groups each week for children and young people. They tell workers what activities they want to do and how we can help them. We have been climbing, made slime & bath bombs, and loads more but since March last year we have moved to online sessions. We have run circus skills, quizzes, animal encounters, graffiti workshops, coding and lots more activities that young people have asked for. Over the next few months we are planning more activities and would love to hear what you would like us to do so far. We have already been asked for digital music, anime self portraits, understanding elections for 16+ (first time voters) & creative writing.

CONNECT Voices & Our Ambassadors
Our older young people told us they wanted to advise people who make decisions about adoption & more. So, our aged 18+ young people have started their very own Adoption Youth Council. This is where young people help us change how we work so we can get better at meeting adopted young people’s needs. We are also starting a Voices 14 + this month. 

Would you like to come to Connected? Or be part of our Adoption Youth Councils? Find out more here or email [email protected] 

Advocacy – where an adult supports you speak up for yourself

Connected – A Youth Service in Wales supporting
adopted young people that has young people at
the heart of its work

(Youth) Council - a group where adopted young
people are listened to and help to shape their own
support

Website -where young people can create content
about issues affecting them to share with others
like them

Buddy – where young people are supported by an
older young person who has had similar
experiences to them

Family activities – events that involve your whole
family

Banter - Northern Ireland's project to support and
listen to adopted young people age 14-25 years

School support - One-to-one support for children
and young people around their specific needs

Specialist (service) - support from someone with
expertise in your area of need

(Youth) activities - events that get young people
together