Adoption East Midlands newsletter December 2022

The lights, the music, the nativities, the big family gatherings. For many families, these parts of the holiday season bring joy and excitement. But if the sound of all that brings you a feeling of stress or anxiety, if you’re already dreading the impending meltdowns, we’re here to tell you you’re not alone.

We’ve pulled together the best tips, articles, and books from around the web to help you pace yourself through the holiday season and support your young ones through this time of big feelings and even bigger Christmas dinners.

Our group consultations and training workshops have been a big hit this year. Adoptive families across the region have enjoyed the opportunity to come together, meet virtually with other adopters going through similar situations, and discuss and learn about issues specific to their families’ needs.

Next year, we’ve got even more sessions, more opportunities to meet with specialist social workers and adoptive parents, and we’ll be broadening the range of topics to focus on. More dates and seminars will be added in the new year, but for now you can find out what events are planned and how to book your place by viewing our Universal Offer Booklet.

We’ve had glowing reviews for our young people’s events this year from parents and children alike who were glad to find a place where they felt “accepted and understood.”

They’re back by popular demand in the 2023 February half term. With creative sessions for 3–8-year-olds, and adventure challenges for 8–17-year-olds, there is sure to be an activity your young people can enjoy and a community to connect with.

Spaces are limited and demand is growing so be sure to book your place now to avoid disappointment! 

Our peer mentor project continues to progress with support from Adoption UK. Our co production groups on Education and Complex Trauma met twice in November to discuss how we can improve our policy and support for families. They looked at how people with lived experienced could support parents and adults as well as peer-to-peer support between children and young people. We’re excited to meet again in January to take these ideas even further.

We hope to introduce two more groups to focus on families with teenagers and older adults, and culture and identity. We are particularly looking for families of mixed ethnicity and black families to participate in these groups. If you're interested in getting involved, please email gabrielleberends.marsh@adoptioneastmidlands.nottscc.gov.uk