This winter, Adopt Coast to Coast is calling on residents in Sunderland, Durham and the surrounding area to find out more about adoption as a way to start or grow their families.

Adopt Coast to Coast is a Regional Adoption Agency which brings together the adoption services of Together for Children – which delivers children’s services on behalf of Sunderland City Council – Durham County Council and Cumbria County Council.

The partnership is encouraging anyone interested in adoption to sign up for individual and group events this winter.  Having just launched earlier this year, Adopt Coast to Coast is also raising awareness of its services in the north east by sponsoring the annual Sunderland Christmas Ice Rink in Keel Square.

Adopt Coast to Coast is currently looking for forever homes for over 30 children across the north east and north west of England – including groups of brothers and sisters, older children and babies.

Raising awareness of adoption in the North East this winter
Robbie, Steven and baby Josh

The RAA has launched weekly one-to-one bookable appointments with the Together for Children team for those looking to find out more about adoption in Sunderland and the wider area.  Whilst appointments with the Durham County Council team are by request.  The appointments are open to everyone and they can be held virtually or face-to-face, with an experienced adoption social worker who will be there to listen, answer any questions and explain the adoption process.

Bookable one-to-one appointments with Together for Children are available every Tuesday and they can be booked via the Adopt Coast to Coast website. Upcoming bookable appointments are available as follows:

  • Tuesday 7th December
  • Tuesday 14th December
  • Tuesday 21st December

If unable to make these dates email adoptcoasttocoast@durham.gov.uk to arrange a one-to-one appointment at a time that suits.   To book an appointment with the Durham County Council team email adoptcoasttocoast@durham.gov.uk

Adopt Coast to Coast will also be hosting on online group information event in December, where experienced adoption staff will explain the adoption process, talk about the children in need of forever homes and welcome a guest speaker who will talk about their own experiences of adoption.

  • Wednesday 8th December at 7pm

Email adoptcoasttocoast@durham.gov.uk to book a place at the information event.

Raising awareness of adoption in the North East this winter
Adopt Coast to Coast family walking in the woods

Paula Gibbons, Head of Service for Adopt Coast to Coast said: “We know starting to research adoption can be daunting and some people want to keep their enquiry private, so we are delighted to be able to offer bookable one-to-one adoption appointments to those in and around Sunderland with our Together for Children team and to offer flexible appointments with our Durham County Council team too.  To make sure we fit around prospective adopters’ busy schedules guests can now choose to have their appointments virtually or face-to-face and at a time to suit them.

“It’s been an unusual couple of years for us all, with lots of uncertainly and unknowns, but it’s also been a time for reflection and a new understanding of the importance of family and friends.  The approaching new year is a brilliant time for people to think about what they want for the year ahead and our winter adoption events are the perfect way for those who have been considering adoption to take that first step.”

Speaking about a recent information event, guest Sophie said: “There was plenty of information, but not too much at the information event. The guest speaker was amazing and reassuring!  The guest speaker said when he started the process he began to think “my child could be born already” and that really hit home with me, that my child could be alive right now. My husband and I decided that night, that we were going to apply.”

Adopt Coast to Coast partners offer full training and support throughout the application process to both prospective adopters and their families, and ongoing support once a new family is formed.

For further information on Adopt Coast to Coast please visit adoptcoasttocoast.org.uk or call 03000 268 268.


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