Adopt Coast to Coast

Meet Allison – adopting a child with additional needs

web dev — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:13:37 +0000

About the family

In this case study we meet Allison who adopted her eldest son Thomas on her own, before going on to marry and have another son. Here Allison shares her experiences of adopting Thomas who has diagnosed learning difficulties and was born with a cleft pallet. She also talks about how she felt knowing he would need ongoing medical and educational support and what that means for the family now.

Allison gives some brilliant advice on what she would say to others considering adopting children like Thomas with additional needs, who sadly do wait longer to be matched with their forever family. She also talks about the ongoing support the family have received through Adopt Coast to Coast, the Adoption Support Fund and Thomas’ school.

We loved filming with this gorgeous and fun family and we are honoured to be able to share their story and Thomas’ fabulous anniversary teddy collection!

Find out more

View more of our real-life video case studies on the our children, our families page.

Start your adoption story by completing our enquiry form today.

One family’s story – adopting children with additional needs

web dev — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:54:31 +0000

About the family

In this video we meet a wonderful couple and two of their three adopted children. The couple first adopted biological brother and sister in 2011 and in this video talk about why as an ‘older couple’ they felt it was right for them to adopt a brother and sister together to grow their family.

The couple also talk about why they would encourage people to open their minds to adopting children with additional needs based on their experiences with their youngest daughter who has cerebral palsy and scoliosis, and their eldest daughter who has learning difficulties.

“There’s no stopping her.” Kevin

Find out more

View more of our real-life video case studies on the our children, our families page.

Not everyone goes into adoption certain that they want to adopt more than one child – if you’d like to find out more about adopting brothers and sisters, why not read our article all about the benefits of adopting siblings?

Natalie, Oliver and their twin boys

web dev — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:37:32 +0000

About the family

In this video we meet adopters Natalie and Oliver and their twin boys! Alongside the boys, the couple tell us all about their experiences of adopting the boys, why they are advocates for sibling adoption and they share their tips for anyone thinking about adopting brothers and sisters.

“To sum it up – we’ve never been busier, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.” Natalie

Find out more

Read Natalie and Oliver’s full story in our article here.

View more of our real-life video case studies on the our children, our families page.

Jennifer and Stephen’s video – adopting two girls

web dev — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:55:44 +0000

About the family

In this video we meet adopters Jennifer and Stephen as well as their two adorable daughters who share their story of adoption. Here the couple talk about how they feel their girls have benefitted from staying together and what advice they would offer anyone considering adopting more than one child. Watch their story and see what the girls have to say about their sister in this lovely video.

“There’s double the fun and double the joy.” Jennifer

Find out more

Read more about Jennifer and Steven’s story here.

Find out more about the benefits of adopting brothers and sisters in this article.

View more of our real-life video case studies on the our children, our families page.

Start your adoption story by completing our enquiry form today.

Our adopter’s family fun day

web dev — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:42:16 +0000

Every year we invite families from across Cumbria, Durham and Sunderland to an Adopt Coast to Coast family fun day.

It’s a brilliant way for adopters to meet and support each other, children to meet others and for our team to catch up the families we work with. We host such events as part of our ongoing commitment to post-adoption support and creating opportunities for families to meet both each other and our team.

For our second ever event we held our beach-themed event in Sunderland.

What our guests said:

“Thank you for everything it was a fabulous day…and an amazing opportunity for these children to mix.” Tracy

“Thank you to you and your team. Due to present circumstances we don’t often get the chance of a family day out. We all had a great time, the girls love anything involving crafts and art. Can’t wait to see the photos and great to have a catch up. So glad to see so many families involved, we managed to have a chat with a couple of them. I would say a definite successful day out all thanks to you lot.” Phil

“It was very entertaining and the food was nice.” James and Jacob

“It was a very nice party and happy ” Georgia

Watch our official video here:

And find out more about the day here:

Why should people adopt siblings?

web dev — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 15:56:26 +0000

About the video

In this special video we meet four adopters of brother and sisters who tell us all about why they think people should consider adopting siblings. Look out for some special guest appearances some of their gorgeous kids too!

Read more about our ‘Better off together’ campaign with ARC Adoption North East in our news section.

View more of our real-life video case studies on the our children, our families page.

Ryan and Gillian’s story – adopting sisters

web dev — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:30:15 +0000

About the family

In this video we meet adopters Ryan and Gillian who share their story of adopting two biological sisters. Here the couple remember coming to the decision that sibling adoption was right for them and meeting the girls for the first time. The couple also explore some of the benefits they see in adopting siblings. Watch their story and see what advice they have to offer in this lovely video.

“It was the most profound experience of my life, the first day that I met them – and then it’s just an emotional rollercoaster after that.” Ryan

Find out more

If you’re considering adopting more than one child why not find out more about the benefits of adopting siblings in our article here.

View more of our real-life video case studies on the our children, our families page.

Claire’s story – from one child to two

web dev — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 08:00:21 +0000

About the family

In this video we meet adopter Claire who shares her story of adopting a brother and sister. Claire originally wanted to adopt one child but through the adoption process began to see the benefits of adopting siblings. Hear her story and see what advice she has to offer in our ‘Better off together’ campaign video created alongside our partners ARC Adoption North East.

“The day they came home is a day I’ll never forget.” Claire.

Find out more

There are many benefits of adopting groups of brothers and sisters – if you’d like to read more why not head over to our article about the benefits of sibling adoption here.

View more of our real-life video case studies on the our children, our families page.

Andy and Steve – adopting siblings

web dev — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 08:21:12 +0000

About the family

In this special video, we meet adopters Andy and Steve who always knew they wanted to start a family and felt that adoption was the best way for them to do this. Here they share their experiences of adopting two brothers and give insight into their own experiences of the adoption process, building a relationship with their social worker, and how their two boys have changed their lives.

Steve and Andy also reveal what advice they would offer anyone who is considering adopting siblings.

“We have our family now – this is what we pictured our family to be.” Andy

Find out more

Watch more adopter video case studies on the our children, our families pages.

Start your adoption story today by completing our enquiry form.

Jo and Alex’s story – adopting with birth children

web dev — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:37:20 +0000

About the family

In this special case study video, we meet adopters Jo and Alex who with three biological children already decided to complete their family through adoption. Here they talk about their motivation to adopt and involving their biological children in their decision making. The couple also talk about meeting and building a relationship with their social worker.

“I realised that they weren’t looking for a perfect family – they were looking for a home.” Jo

Find out more

If you think you could provide a safe and loving home for one child or more complete our enquiry form here or email us at adoptcoasttocoast@durham.gov.uk

Watch more adopter stories on the our children, our families pages of our website.