City Council urges people to #SupportAdoption

Plymouth City Council is encouraging people to get behind this year’s National Adoption Week (NAW) 17 to 23 October to #SupportAdoption.

NAW is all about raising awareness of the need for families for some of our most vulnerable children.

It also aims to encompass all aspects of adoption, to demystify and clarify the adoption process, reflect the challenges of adoptive parenting, share individual stories, showcase and signpost to best practice and invite anyone whose life or heart is touched by it to #SupportAdoption.

The City Council is part of Adopt South West - a partnership of adoption agencies across the region - including Barnardo’s, Devon County Council, Families for Children, Somerset County Council and Torbay Council - working together to help find forever families for vulnerable children.

Councillor Terri Beer Cabinet Member for Children and Young people said: “Adoption really is life changing. Not just for the children but also their adopted families. By working together as part of Adopt South West we are able to match those children who are waiting with prospective families right across the South West. I’m hoping as many people as possible help to raise awareness of adoption by sharing their stories with #SupportAdoption.”

To raise awareness of the need for more adoptive families Plymouth's iconic Smeaton’s Tower will shine as a beacon throughout National Adoption Week.

The tower will be lit purple from sunset in the colours of the Adopt South West partnership.

Danielle Tweedie from Adopt South West said: “We think this is a great way of raising awareness for National Adoption Week. It’s an iconic landmark that can play a small part in helping spread the message that there are children in care right now who are waiting to be adopted.”

If you have ever considered adoption and want to find out more visit www.adoptsouthwest.org.uk or freephone 0800 0832227.