Helen Ames
By Helen Ames

Senior Staff Writer

19 April 2023

| | 3 min read

New partnership set to encourage more LGBTQ+ adopters in the North East

Regional adoption agency Adopt North East has joined forces with charity New Family Social to recruit more LGBTQ+ adopters.

Couple with baby
Adopt North East

The exciting new partnership will see Adopt North East work with UK wide charity New Family Social which is led by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers who use their experience to help agencies to be as inclusive as possible.

In 2022, the LGBTQ+ community provided families for 1 in 5 adopted children in England.

Adopt North East has always recognised the potential of the community to provide loving forever families for children and is proud to have a long-standing commitment to welcoming members of the LGBTQ+ community over many years.

Adopt North East is committed to ensuring that it is professional, open and caring to adopters from the community and by working with New Family Social it hopes to enhance the confidence, understanding and support needed to help adopters throughout their journey.

Michael and Jordan started their adoption journey through the agency. Speaking of their experience, they said: “We researched a few options when we were thinking of adopting but felt Adopt North East was right for us.

“The initial conversations we had with the team filled us with confidence and gave us the reassurance we needed.”

Nik Flavell, Senior Manager for Adopt North East, said: “We’re really excited to be partnering with New Family Social. It’s a fantastic charity that works tirelessly to break down stigma and provides dedicated support for LGBTQ+ families to adopt. Whether you are single or a couple, we warmly welcome applications from those identifying as LGBTQ+.

“Children are currently waiting to be adopted and we know that members of the LGBTQ+ community can provide amazing, loving and life-long families for these children. If you’re considering starting your adoption journey, please do get in touch and start their forever today with us.”

It’s really easy to contact Adopt North East’s friendly staff. You can find out more on its dedicated website, speak to the team by calling 0191 643 5000 or attend one of it’s regular information events.

Information events are perfect for anyone looking to find out more, ask questions and hear stories from those who have chose to adopt through the agency in an informal environment. The next sessions are as follows:

  • Tuesday 6 June, 6.30pm to 8.30pm: Online event where you can join from the comfort of your own home.

  • Saturday 10 June, 10.30am to 12.30pm: Berwick Community Trust, William Elder Building, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, TD15 1JT

  • Wednesday 5 July, 6.30pm to 8.30pm: Adopt North East office, Longbenton, NE12 8QP