Family Matters

In this episode of Family Matters, James talks with Daf, the writer and creator of BBC’s Lost Boys & Fairies. Together they explore adoption and representation on screen, the inspiration behind Lost Boys & Fairies, and how stories like Doctor Who can help adoptees make sense of identity, belonging and loss. They also discuss the importance of authentic storytelling, community, and continued support for adopted people beyond childhood. Mentions & recommendations: Russell T Davies; This Is Us (Disney+); Lion (film); Trying (Apple TV+); and lots of love for Welsh and queer representation on mainstream platforms. Content note: discussion of grief and bereavement, trauma, abandonment, raised voices, and mental health. Guests: Daf — playwright/screenwriter/composer/performer; creator of Lost Boys & Fairies. James — adoptee and screenwriter. Host: Sarah (Adoption UK) Links: Lost Boys & Fairies https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001wzp2/lost-boys-and-fairies Adoption UK Connected https://www.adoptionuk.org/cyps-cymru Stay in touch: Subscribe, rate and review to help more families find the podcast. For support, community and training, visit Adoption UK https://www.adoptionuk.org/ Hashtags: #AdoptionUK #FamilyMattersPodcast #AdoptionRepresentation #LostBoysAndFairies #DafJames #AdopteeVoices #DoctorWho #WelshTV #ConnectedWales

In this powerful episode, Sarah speaks to Euan Preston and Gillian Elam from the Potato Group (Parents of Traumatised Adopted Teens Organisation) about their groundbreaking report Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order . They explore the lived experiences of hundreds of adoptive families parenting teens and young adults impacted by trauma — including alarming rates of violence, mental health crisis, and service failures. Despite it all, what shines through is deep parental love, community strength, and a call for meaningful, trauma-informed change. Read the report: thepotatogroup.org.uk/research

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 referrals.path@adoptionuk.org.uk 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/

In December a group of young adoptees travelled to Westminster to meet the Children's Minister Janet Daby. In this episode they share the messages they delivered and the changes they want to see. If you are an adoptee aged 16 or over or an adoptive parent, please take part in our Adoption Barometer Survey https://www.adoptionuk.org/the-adoption-barometer

Christmas can be a magical time, but it often comes with its share of stress, especially for adoptive families navigating unique challenges. In this special episode of the "Family Matters" podcast, we dive deep into practical tips and heartfelt advice to help you enjoy a serene and joyful Christmas Day. We also understand that the holiday season can be particularly challenging. If you find yourself struggling, remember that Adoption UK is here to support you. You can call our information and support line at 0300 666 0006 for practical suggestions, information, and encouragement from our advisers. They're ready to help adoptees, adopters, kinship carers, and their support networks with any issues you might face. https://www.adoptionuk.org/get-help-now

In the second half of her conversation with Dr. Michael Lambert, Nerys explores the ways in which historic forced adoption practices resonate within today’s adoption landscape. Together, they ask important questions: What might a UK-wide apology mean for the adoption triangle—adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families? Join this thought-provoking discussion as Dr. Lambert and Nerys examine the lasting legacies of these practices and their implications for the future of adoption in the UK.

In this episode, host Nerys, an adult adoptee, sits down with Dr. Michael Lambert of Lancaster University to delve into the hidden history of forced adoption practices in the UK. Dr. Lambert shares insights from his research on the state’s role in these practices, as well as his involvement in the 2023 Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into the Right to Family Life, which led to formal apologies from both the Welsh and Scottish governments. Together, they unpack the complex layers of state intervention in adoption and discuss how these policies have left a lasting impact on families and individuals. This is the first part of a compelling two-part conversation.

Is trauma-informed education just a load of made up rubbish? Is all behaviour communication or are we making excuses for poor behaviour? In this episode, recorded as part of our break the barriers to education campaign, our education advisors debate the hot topics. To find out more about our Breaking the Barriers campaign, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/listing/category/breaking-the-barriers

Our panel of experience talk through what matching is and how it works, the role of family finding social workers, foster to adopt and how to hold your nerve. For more information, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/

The next step in the adoption process is going to the assessment panel. Our own panel of experts by experience shares what that involves, how it feels and what to expect. For more information, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/

It's the third episode in our series for National Adoption Week and we're heading into the assessment process. We talk about having a social worker and what their role is, what they will be looking into and how intrusive it is. Our panel offer their advice and share their experiences of being assessed. For more information, visit our website https://www.adoptionuk.org/