Adoption West

Education for Adopted Children
2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:30 (Europe/London)
Join Shelina, an Education Advocate from The Hope Virtual School, who will be giving a brief introduction to education for adopted children, including what to look for when choosing a school and how schools can provide support for your child, with a focus on transitions.
Head over to Eventbrite to book your space
N.B. Only one ‘ticket’ is needed per household –open to all, not just those in the Bristol area

Information Session
2026-04-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-06 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-16 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-25 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-07-08 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-27 17:00 - 18:30 and 3 more dates | Virtual Session
If you’re beginning to explore whether adoption could be the right path for your family, we warmly invite you to join one of our Information Sessions. These sessions are a friendly and supportive way to learn more about our agency, understand each stage of the adoption process, and hear first-hand experiences from families who have already adopted.
Our adoption social workers will be there to guide you, answer your questions, and share their expertise about the assessment process and how we support you throughout your journey.
Only one ticket is needed per household. If you are hoping to adopt as a couple (married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting), please ensure that both of you attend the session so you can take this first step together.
At the end of the session, we’ll walk you through how to complete an Initial Enquiry should you feel ready to move forward.
We’d be delighted to meet you. Please follow this link to book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/adoption-west-27620899279

Amazing Wallabies - Stay and Play
2026-05-07 10:00 - 23:30, 2026-06-04 10:00 - 23:30 | Stonehouse
Social group for children and babies (and their parents/carers).
We follow a simple format for the session: introductions to begin with, and then lots of playing (and some chatting for the grown-ups). Possibly a song or a story at the end 😊. And, there are refreshments available. We sometimes attempt a simple craft activity.
Our first few sessions have been well-received with lots of positive feedback. Our main focus is offering a relaxed environment for adoptive parents and EP Carers to meet and socialise with people who have children of similar ages.
If you would like to join us, please contact rebecca.myers@adoptionwest.co.uk, with your child’s name and age.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Life Story Workshop
2026-05-13 10:00 - 14:00 | In-person, Bristol
Suzanne McGladdery will run this session.
Every child has a story, and for adopted children, understanding and sharing that story can be a big part of their healing and growth.
This relaxed, hands-on workshop is designed especially for adoptive parents who want to:

Understand what Life Story Work is all about
Explore creative ways to help children make sense of their experiences and adoption
Learn how stories can help children process feelings, build confidence, and strengthen family bonds
Take away practical ideas to use at home in everyday life

We’ll look at how Life Story Work can help children move from confusing feelings to a clearer sense of who they are, and how it supports their emotional wellbeing and recovery from past trauma.
There will be plenty of time to share ideas, reflect, and think about how these approaches can fit into your family’s journey.
This workshop is open to all adoptive parents. The workshop will be held in person in Yate (details to be sent closer to the time). Parents only to attend (no children, sorry!)
Click here to visit the Eventbrite listing for this event.

SEND, an introduction for parents of adopted children
2026-05-20 10:00 - 11:30
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – An Introduction for parents of adopted children
Join this ONLINE workshop for an introduction to being aware of SEND issues and how to find the right support for your child, alongside an overview of what provision schools should be giving students with SEND.
This session is run by a member of the Virtual School and supported by a member of the Support Team at Adoption West.
Link for tickets – takes you to Eventbrite

Information Session
2026-05-23 09:30 - 11:00 | Virtual Session
If you’re beginning to explore whether adoption could be the right path for your family, we warmly invite you to join one of our Information Sessions. These sessions are a friendly and supportive way to learn more about our agency, understand each stage of the adoption process, and hear first-hand experiences from families who have already adopted.
Our adoption social workers will be there to guide you, answer your questions, and share their expertise about the assessment process and how we support you throughout your journey.
Only one ticket is needed per household. If you are hoping to adopt as a couple (married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting), please ensure that both of you attend the session so you can take this first step together.
At the end of the session, we’ll walk you through how to complete an Initial Enquiry should you feel ready to move forward.
We’d be delighted to meet you. Please follow this link to book your place: Adoption West Events | Eventbrite

Atlas Activity Morning
2026-05-27 10:00 - 14:00
Are you aged 8–16? Come and join us for an action-packed morning full of energy, creativity, and fun!

High-energy sports
Games
Cool craft activities
Time to hang out and make new friends

You’ll be supported by the friendly Adoption West team and awesome coaches from Atlas Camp.
This event is just for young people who have been adopted, so it’s a brilliant chance to meet others who share similar experiences, build confidence, and feel part of something special.
Adoption West is subsidising the cost, meaning spaces are just £10 per child.
Spaces are limited! Email Becky to secure your spot: rebecca.myers@adoptionwest.co.uk

Life Story Workshop- Part II
2026-06-03 10:00 - 13:00 | In-person, Bristol
This follow-up session is intended for those who have already attended the first session with Suzanne.
Life Story Part II: Your Child’s Story
We’ll look closely at your child’s individual story – past, present, and future.
Together we will:

Work on shaping or updating a narrative for your child
Explore the use of life story books, later life letters, and any existing information
Try out some tools and techniques to support life story conversations with your child.

There will be plenty of time to share, reflect, and consider how these approaches can fit naturally into your family’s journey.
There will be plenty of time to share ideas, reflect, and think about how these approaches can fit into your family’s journey.
This workshop is open to all adoptive parents. The workshop will be held in person in Yate (details to be sent closer to the time). Parents only to attend (no children, sorry!)
Click here to visit the Eventbrite listing for this event.

Amazing Wallabies - Stay and Play
2026-09-10 10:00 - 23:30, 2026-10-08 10:00 - 23:30, 2026-11-05 10:00 - 23:30, 2026-12-03 10:00 - 23:30 | Stonehouse
Little Ones Play & Connect Group

A friendly, relaxed social group for babies, toddlers, young children, and their parents and carers.
Come along and enjoy a welcoming space where children can play, explore, and make new friends, while grown-ups have the chance to chat and connect with others who understand their journey.
What to expect
✨ A warm welcome and introductions✨ Plenty of free play for little ones✨ Time for parents and carers to socialise✨ Refreshments available✨ Occasional simple craft activities✨ A song or story to finish the session
The group is designed to provide a relaxed and supportive environment where adoptive parents and Early Permanence (EP) carers can meet others with children of similar ages.
Families with children currently placed under Early Permanence arrangements are warmly welcome.
Interested in joining us?
Please contact rebecca.myers@adoptionwest.co.uk and include your child’s name and age.
We’d love to welcome you and your little one to the group, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 💛
