National adoption week: Tameside families urged to see beyond the myths

As part of National Adoption Week, Adoption Now and Tameside Council joined a national campaign to dispel common myths around adoption and encourage more people to consider opening their hearts and homes to a child.

A new survey by You Can Adopt has revealed that nearly nine in ten adoptive parents were initially worried they needed a “perfect home” to pass the adoption process. But the reality is far more modest: over two fifths (41%) of adoptive parents surveyed live in a home with two bedrooms or fewer, two thirds (65%) don’t have a garden, and a quarter live in rented accommodation.

Locally, Adoption Now, the regional adoption agency for Tameside, is focusing on what really matters to children waiting for adoption and it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.

A heart-warming new video shared by the agency shows children talking about what makes a house feel like a “welcome home.” Their answers weren’t about space or luxury, but about the simple moments that build love and connection, movie nights with popcorn, playing football in the living room, being nagged to tidy their rooms, and chippy tea nights.

These reflections serve as a reminder that it’s not about the size of your home, but the happy memories you can make within it.

However, adoption agencies across the country are raising concerns that the cost-of-living crisis has led to a decline in the number of people coming forward to adopt. Recent data shows a 12% drop in prospective adopter registrations compared to last year, resulting in more children facing delays of over 18 months before being matched with a family.

In Tameside alone, more than 100 children are currently waiting to be adopted.

Councillor Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, welcomed the campaign’s focus on reassurance and inclusion.

“It’s fantastic to see such an important campaign launched to challenge misconceptions and inspire more people to consider adoption,” she said.

“It’s really heart-warming to hear from children what makes a good home for them – it’s the little comforting things and time doing things together rather than having a big house with all the gadgets. I hope this will help reassure people considering adoption that they can offer what children need.

“If adoption is on your mind, even if you just have questions, please reach out. Taking that first step can truly change lives.”

If you’ve ever wondered about giving a child a place to call home, you can find out more about adoption in Tameside by visiting www.adoptionnow.org.uk or calling 01204 336096.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/XHrexf1J0Rc