In this episode,  Lisa is joined by one of our adopters to talk about their positive, personal experience around birth family contact.

Their discussion covers the benefits and challenges of contact, preconceptions, worries and what their children's experiences were like.

Adoption Focus adopters with queries or concerns about contact can speak to our adoption support team anytime. If you have any questions about this episode or would be interested in joining us on a future podcast yourself, please email us at [email protected].

In this episode, Leigh is joined by adoptee, poet, writer, African drummer, and public speaker Michelle “Mother” Hubbard. Michelle shares her experience of transracial adoption, exploring her heritage, finding her birth family and forming her own identity. 

Michelle is performing her show “Did I mention I’m adopted?” at the Nottingham Playhouse on Friday 25th October, please go along if you can.  
https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/did-i-mention-im-adopted/

For this episode we are joined by Janette who was adopted as a young child. She talks about what adoption means to her, how it has impacted her life positively and what it was like growing up knowing she was adopted.

If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email us at [email protected]. 

 If you have any requests for podcast topics you’d like us to cover, we'd love to get those too.

In this episode Leigh talks to Natalie about the adoption process, early permanence and contact between siblings.

"They were amazing brothers straight away. You see them together and think well, that's just how it was meant to be."

"Being open to that help, support and advice and note being embarrassed to ask for it, to us is massive."

"It is amazing, it is hard work, but it is amazing, we feel really privileged to be adopters. To be able to be part of their life."

If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email us at [email protected]. 

 If you have any requests for podcast topics you’d like us to cover, we'd love to get those too.

We were so lucky to be joined by Jodie who adopted a brother and sister with her partner through Adoption Focus.

Jodie talks about the highs and lows of their journey through the adoption process and how proud she is of the bond her children now have.

If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email us at [email protected]. 

If you have any requests for podcast topics you’d like us to cover, we'd love to get those too.

In this episode, Lisa speaks to Nathan who adopted his children with Adoption Focus 10 years ago. Nathan reflects candidly on his journey as a single adopter, covering areas including expectations versus reality, challenges faced, achievements, triggers, enjoying family life, and his pride in his children as they grow up into teenagers.

If you've adopted with Adoption Focus and would like to speak about your experiences, please email us at [email protected]. 

If you have any requests for podcast topics you’d like us to cover, we'd love to get those too.

We were so lucky for Adoption Focus’ Laura to be joined by Judd and Matt one of our Adoption Focus same sex couples for a fantastic podcast episode about their adoption journey, the adoption support they are receiving and parenting with PACE.

If you would like to find out how to access our fantastic adoption support or if you’d like any more information on different topics please get in touch: [email protected]. 

In this episode Leigh talks to Sophie, an adoptee and one of our panel member's. She talks to us about panel and her personal experiences of adoption including the importance of life story work and supporting our families with contact. 

In the first episode, Leigh is joined by Adoption Focus CEO Anna Sharkey. Anna gives a fascinating insight into her background and her personal and professional experiences of adoption, talks about the history and current situation with the voluntary adoption sector, and offers advice for adopters and those considering starting the process.