Member Meet-ups: Chat, support, share frustrations and find a friendly face

We will be holding at least two UK wide member meet-ups per week - all free as part of your membership to AUK, which can be joined simply by clicking on the links below. 
If you have any problems please get in touch via: [email protected]

Please note that the name you register with for each event below will appear on screen next to your video image, so if you don't want your full name shown please register using a pseudonym. 

Links to register for an event/webinar can only be viewed if logged in as a member. When logged in you will be able to click on the button below of the event/webinar to register.

Login now to view booking links

Expert voices - A series of webinars from specialists in the adoption sector

We have lined up a number of fantastic speakers who will be hosting truly inspiring and supportive free webinars for our members to enjoy. Below are the details of the webinars coming up in the next few weeks and further details will be sent to you in due course. 

To register for a place on any of these webinars simply click the links and if you have any problems then please contact the membership team. 

Wednesday 16th September at 8pm

Ali McCormick: FASD Dogs UK

Click here to register - this webinar is open to all

Listen to Ali McCormick as she talks about her experiences of FASD and how her work with her FASD Dogs supports families across the country. A fascinating account of how dogs can become not only a friend, but also a support to children and young people with FASD.

Friday 18th September at 11am

Al Coates: The impact of adoption on adopters – Supporting resilience

Click here to register

The reality of adoption is that it’s fraught with challenges and pitfalls that fray the edges of many parents. In this webinar we’ll look at why and how we can guard against, burnout, fatigue and blocked care.

Mr Al Coates MBE is a parent to six adopted children and an experienced social worker in addition to being a social work practice educator and trainer. Al is a member of the Department for Education's Adopter Reference Group and has undertaken to help support families, recognising these children and young people can present with a wide range of behaviours. In addition to managing his own foster care caseload, working with foster carers and residential settings for children, he runs a popular blogging site at alcoates.co.uk, for which he was awarded First4Adoptions blogger of the year in 2015 and 2016. He also produces the Adoption and Fostering Podcast. In recognition to his commitment and work he was awarded his MBE in the New Years Honours list, January 2018.

Friday 18th September at 8pm

FASD month meet-up for all prospective adopters, ask anything.  UK wide.

Click here to register - this meet-up is open to all

This meet up is open to all prospective adopters, those going through the preparation training as well as adopters who are approved and waiting for a match.  This is an opportunity to network, build your online support system, ask questions and chat.  An opportunity to learn about FASD from those with lived experience and who lead FASD support organisations across the UK.

Tuesday 22nd September at 11am

Shelley Roberts: Embarking on adoption after IVF/infertility - the emotional shift

Click here to register - this webinar is open to all.

Shelley is an AUK member and regularly takes part in the Prospective Adopter meet ups. She has been compelled to share her story whilst she is still in the assessment process and before she becomes an adoptive mum. This session will be an opportunity for prospective adopters to share their own journeys through infertility to adoption, to gain support and to make space for often difficult and painful thoughts and feelings.

Thursday 24th September at 11am

Adoption UK meet-up for all prospective adopters - UK-Wide.
This meet-up is open to all prospective adopters, those going through the preparation training and adopters who are approved and waiting for a match.  An opportunity to network, build your online support system, ask questions and chat.

Monday 5th October at 8pm

Welcome meet up for all members new to Adoption UK

Click here to register

This is a UK-wide meet up for new Adoption UK members to have a chat and unload/support each other. We will be holding these regularly, hosted by members of Adoption UK staff.

We look forward to welcoming you to the event and sharing in your successes, challenges and more.