Meet other adopted young people
We know that it's important for adopted children and young people to get together. Whether it's to talk about their adoption experiences and how things can be improved, or just to have fun and socialise.
The Adoptables
The Adoptables are a group of young people aged 11 to 16, from Bexley, Kent and Medway. They regularly meet to talk about their experiences of adoption and share ideas about how things can be improved, forming positive relationships and developing their self-confidence along the way. Email vsk_adoptionparticipation@kent.gov.uk to find out more about this group.
Over the last year, the group have discussed the following subjects
- Relational practices to support school belonging: how school can ensure young people feel a sense of belonging in school
- Children’s Adoption Support Guide: young people helped with the design and content of the new document
- How professionals can be aspirational for young people: this included making a short video sharing the young people’s views.
Participation events
Alongside the more formal Adoptables meetings, The Participation Team also hold participation events throughout the year, where young people get the chance to meet with other adopted young people, and take part in a variety of activities. In the past these have included:
- animal encounters
- arts and crafts
- baking days
- horse riding
- outdoor pursuits
- pottery.
The Participation Team also run bigger annual events for adopted young people and their families, such as a summer picnic and a Christmas party. All our events are a chance for young people to meet those in a similar situation, as well as socialise and make friends.
Parent feedback
Here is some feedback from parents about the services we provide:
"Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the amazing day my daughter had. She enjoyed all the activities, but especially the terrarium! Thank you for all the effort you go to for our children. Look forward to seeing you again soon."
"Thank you for all the opportunities you give our children. It really does make such a difference, particularly in a world where being adopted can provide quite a lot of challenges. My daughter wouldn’t have been able to do half the things she’s dome over the years without you all, so thank you."
"Just to say a mega thumbs up from us, my daughter absolutely loves the science workshop."
Contact us
Email vsk_adoptionparticipation@kent.gov.uk if you would like more information about The Adoptables Group or our fun days.