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We Are Family is a peer to peer support community by adopters, for adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption.

We were founded in 2013 by adopters who had experienced first-hand the lack of peer support available. Becoming a family through adoption can bring its own unique set of challenges, as your child joins your family with an identity and a history of their own. Sharing problems, insights, frustrations and laughs with other people who have similar experiences can be invaluable.

I felt very alone dealing with the challenges of adopting children that experienced so much trauma, meeting experienced adopters gave me more confidence and helped me feel I was not a rubbish parent. The support provided by other adopters was inspiring.

Adopted children have in most cases, experienced abuse or neglect or have their own unique set of challenges. It can be hard for them to fit into toddler groups, nurseries or school as their feelings and experiences overwhelm them. Working through these challenges can be isolating for any parent.

Our community offers support from a place of lived experience. We currently have seven geographically based groups within Greater London, as well as specific groups for prospective and single adopters, and we offer webinars and talks online. We provide information and resources via our online Member Hub and, best of all, membership is free!

We’re open to all adopters, and prospective adopters from Stage 1 (exploring, considering adoption, Stage 1 of assessment process), irrespective of family set-up, race, religion, and sexual orientation. The charity is growing, so we can support more adoptive families throughout the UK.

If you’re here because you’re looking for support and
community, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Find out more about joining here

What we offer our members:

Connection and relationship

  • Local groups in London and the surrounding area (these include: East London, Hackney & Islington, Havering, Richmond, West London and Southwark). These groups offer a range of:
    • Family meet-ups
    • Support Groups
    • Playgroups
    • Socials
  • Prospective Adopters Support Group
  • Single Adopters Support Group
  • Thematic Groups e.g. Parents of Teens

Information and inspiration

  • WAF Talks Webinars
  • Adoption Shared podcast
  • Our Member Hub, with on-demand webinars, news & resources
  • Blog

Amplifying voices

Using our voice to call for improved support for adoptive parents/families

Structured support

Signposting

“It is my strong belief that the support we give should be on offer to all adopters. There should be a network of families ready to welcome them with open arms as they take decisive steps towards caring for some of the youngest and most vulnerable in our society. Because all new parents need support. We all need to belong. To a family – to a community. Our provision is a necessary one.”

We Are Family Co-Founder