In this episode of Family Matters, host Sarah speaks with Simon Benn - adoptee, trainer, and host of the Thriving Adoptees podcast. They explore identity, healing, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. Simon shares personal insights from his own adoption experience, introduces his new book project for adoptive parents, and invites listeners to contribute their wisdom.

Want to take part? Submit your insight (50–250 words) by 31 August 2025: https://forms.gle/93u641bZf2DzXDGs6

Learn more about Simon and his podcast by visiting his website thrivingadoptees.com

In this episode of Family Matters we speak with Dr Julie Elliott, Clinical Director of Adoption UK’s Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH), about what therapy really means for adoptive families, kinship carers, long-term foster carers, and adopted adults.

Julie shares insights from her decades of experience, busts common therapy myths, and explains why effective support isn’t about fixing people – it’s about understanding. They discuss PATH’s unique approach, which blends clinical expertise with lived experience, and how early support can make a real difference.

You'll also learn how to access PATH’s services and what to expect from the referral process.

📧 Contact PATH for a free 20-minute consultation:

Via our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/psychology-and-therapy-hub

or email [email protected]

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore therapeutic support for adopted adults.

In this episode, Sarah talks to Penny and Philippa, two adoptive parents and Adoption UK staff, about what it means to parent from a distance. They share honest, moving stories about keeping relationships alive when a child can no longer live at home, the impact of trauma, and the practical and emotional strategies they’ve used to stay connected through it all.

Call our information and support line: 0300 666 0006

Visit our information and support line page for open hours and more information.

Adopted, adopter, and social worker Fiona Wells joins us to share her powerful personal journey and why she founded PATCH - Passionate Adopters Targeting Change with Hope.

We discuss rising crisis levels among adoptive families, the failures of current support systems, and Fiona’s call for trauma-informed, compassionate change. She introduces the Impact Pathway - a new tool for understanding and planning for children’s recovery from trauma.

🔗 Learn more at adoptionuk.org and ourpatch.org.uk

In this episode, Charlotte speaks to Paul Roberts about growing up adopted, his late diagnoses of dyslexia and ADHD, and the inspiration behind his workbook for children going through the adoption process. Paul reflects on the importance of being able to tell your own story, the challenges of accessing birth records, and why adult adoptees need more support.

Paul Roberts BA (Hons) PGCE QTS | LinkedIn

Finding My Rainbow Family - Pauls own adoption story

Purchasing Finding My Rainbow Family - an activity book for children going through the

adoption process.

Rainbow Books Collective - Facebook

Rainbow Books Collective - LinkedIn

Rainbow Books Collective - X (Formally Twitter)

In this episode, Emma talks to Sarah Fry and Helen Willis from the Belay Foundation about disability benefits – what they are, who’s eligible, and why so many families miss out.

They also share practical advice on filling in the forms, how to evidence what daily life really looks like, and what support is available to help you through the process.

You can find out more about the Belay Foundation and access their free resources at belayfoundation.org.uk

At the age of 8 Mahesha was sent from her home in Sri Lanka to France, where she was adopted by an aunt. In this moving interview, she describes being uprooted from everything she knew and the lifelong consequences.

In our latest podcast episode we take a dip in the sea at Penarth with adoptive parent Penny.

She explains why she had to get serious about self care and what it is about cold water swimming that calms her nervous system and allows her to be a better parent.

Mac was adopted at the age of 8 by Richard and Swee. Richard recalls first meeting Mac, their family life together and how has come to terms with great loss. You can buy his memoir Finding Mac, a journey of adoption, love and loss on Amazon.

Finding Mac: A journey of adoption, love and loss: Amazon.co.uk: Sutcliffe, Rev Richard: 9781800422919: Books

In this episode, we dive into the experiences of two adult adoptees as they discuss the complexities of honesty in adoption, unexpected birth family contact, and the impact of reunion. This episode highlights the realities adoptees face and the importance of centering their voices in these conversations.

https://www.adoptionuk.org/