Big Adoption Day 2025 – VAA events across the UK
On Wednesday 15th January 2025, Voluntary Adoption Agencies (VAAs) across the UK will be opening their doors simultaneously to mark Big Adoption Day 2025. Across the UK, events (in-person and virtual) will be held with an opportunity for potential adoptive parents to find out more about the positives of growing their families through adoption. To find out more about events in your area, please see the full list of VAA events happening below.

Links to VAA events
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- Adoption Focus (Midlands – see here for specifics) – event details here
- Adoption Matters (North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Stoke, Staffordshire, Shropshire and North Wales) – event details here
- ARC Adoption NE (North East from Northumberland, across to Cumbria and down to North Yorkshire) – event details here
- Caritas Care (North West, including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cumbria) – drop-in event details here, online event details here
- CCS Adoption (South West England) – event details here
- Coram (London and surrounding areas) – event details here
- Diagrama Adoption (London, Surrey, East and West Sussex and Kent) – Q&A event details here, online event details here
- Family Futures (London) – event details here
- Kibble Adoption (Scotland) – event details here
- PACT (Southern and central England) – event details here
- St David’s Adoption Service (Wales) – event details here
- St Andrews Children’s Society (Scotland – within a 60 mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin) – event details here
- Yorkshire Adoption Agency – (Yorkshire and surrounding areas) event details here
Information about VAA events (ordered alphabetically)
Adoption Focus (Midlands – see here for specifics)
6pm, Wednesday 15th January – Online information event
Adoption Focus’s online information events are a great way to learn more about adopting, the adoption process and how Adoption Focus can support you.
They’re ideal if:
- you’re in the early stages of researching adoption
- you want a general overview of how the adoption process works
- you’ve been looking into adoption for a while and feel ready to start the process with Adoption Focus, an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rated agency
- you’re contacting local agencies to decide which one to proceed with
- you want to find out more about the children who are waiting to be adopted
- you have specific questions you’d like to talk through privately with an expert
- you’re interested in an early permanence route into adoption.
They’re free to attend and you’ll get all the information you need with no obligation to continue.
To book onto one of their upcoming online or face to face events, please call 0121 779 0891, email info@adoption-focus.org.uk or use the form here: https://www.adoption-focus.org.uk/Event/online-events. You’ll be sent all the details before the event.
If you can’t see an event that fits in with you, Adoption Focus can arrange a one-to-one online session for you. Please get in touch.
Adoption Matters (North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Stoke, Staffordshire, Shropshire and North Wales)
7-8.30pm, Wednesday 15th January – Online information event
Attending an Adoption Matters online adoption information event is a convenient way to find out more about this outstanding Ofsted rated agency and the support that it offers to children and families. All that you need to attend is internet access and ideally a device with a camera. Click HERE for more information and to register.
The events are hosted by experienced members of the enquiry team alongside a social worker. During the event they will share a presentation with you, chat through the adoption process and the ongoing support that they offer. They will also give you a chance to ask questions.
Their events last around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how many questions are asked. Joining instructions will be sent to you 2-3 days before the event.
The events are open to anyone who is interested in adoption that lives in their geographical coverage area which is: the whole of the North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Stoke, Staffordshire, Shropshire and North Wales. If you live just outside of these areas, they may still be able to assist you, so please do contact the team to discuss.
ARC Adoption NE (North East from Northumberland, across to Cumbria and down to North Yorkshire)
6-8pm, Wednesday 15th January 2025 – Face to Face Adoption Information Event at ARC Adoption NE office in Sunderland
Join ARC Adoption NE at its office in Sunderland for its first face to face information event of 2025 to find out more about adoption and the children in need of loving, permanent families. Event Details: Wednesday 15th January 2025, 18.00 to 20.00 (please note that this is not a drop in session – the event runs for approx. 2 hrs). Book a place here.
At this event, which is being hosted in conjunction with Big Adoption Day, you will have the opportunity to meet some of ARC Adoption’s friendly team who will tell you more about the adoption process and the extensive support they provide to their children and families. They will also be joined by parents of a little boy who will share their experience of adopting with the group, and help answer any questions you may have.
The team is really looking forward to meeting you and helping you discover whether adoption is the right path for you and your family – now or in the future. It could be the start of an exciting 2025.
If you can’t make this information event, why not join ARC at a virtual weekday-evening event instead. Click here to see upcoming dates.
Caritas Care (North West, including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cumbria)
1-3pm, Wednesday 15th January – Drop-in event at 218 Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES.
Caritas Care’s Big Adoption Day event is the perfect opportunity to explore how you can grow your family with the support of their experienced and friendly team. Drop in anytime between 1pm and 3pm – and if possible, book your place HERE so the team can plan for numbers and refreshments.
What to expect:
- Real stories: Hear first-hand from adoptive parents about their journeys.
- Meet the team: Chat with social workers and learn about the adoption process and lifelong support.
- Relaxed atmosphere: Enjoy coffee, cake, and a friendly environment where you can ask questions at your own pace.
Whether you’re just curious or ready to begin, everyone is welcome! Caritas Care proudly supports families from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and global majority communities.
6.30-7.30pm, Wednesday 15th January 2025 – Online information event
Alternatively join Caritas Care at its online information event in the evening. This is a unique chance to explore the adoption process with guidance from their experienced adoption team and meet some of their adopters.
What to expect:
- Expert guidance: An Adoption Social Worker will lead you through the adoption process step-by-step.
- Real stories: Hear first-hand from adoptive parents about their experiences.
Why attend?
- Get answers to your questions and ease any uncertainties.
- Connect with professionals and gain a clear understanding of the adoption process.
- Gather the knowledge and support needed to make an informed decision.
- Take the first step on your adoption journey – Book your place HERE.
CCS Adoption (South West England)
6-7.30pm, Wednesday 15th January 2025, The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Bristol, BS4 1DQ
CCS Adoption is a supportive and independent agency based in the South West, finding permanent, loving families for children who need them since 1904 and is particularly proud of its ‘Outstanding‘ Adoption Services (awarded in February 2024).
CCS is hosting its Big Adoption Day in-person event in its office space in Bristol, and free places can be booked using the form on the CCS website.
Coram (London and surrounding areas)
To mark Big Adoption Day 2025, Coram will be collaborating with the National Theatre which coincides with their new production of Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfeild’s beloved story about three adopted sisters and their found family. The National Theatre and Coram will invite families and supports to the matinee and evening performances of Ballet Shoes, to experience the magic and power of storytelling through theatre.
Guests will be invited to attend a special panel discussion hosted by writer and broadcaster James O’Brien, who has spoken about his own experience of being adopted. Alongside the panel discussion guests will be offered bespoke family tours of the National Theatre, giving a glimpse behind the scenes of Ballet Shoes to discover the backstage magic and highly skilled team that bring the show to life.
During the run of Ballet Shoes, the National Theatre will also work with Coram to offer discounted tickets to members of the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) across the country.
Save the date and keep an eye on this page for further details on how to get your tickets in December!
5.30-7.30pm, Wednesday 22nd January 2025 – Adoption information session at Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
To celebrate Big Adoption Day, Coram Ambitious for Adoption is hosting a free information session about adoption at the Coram Campus in London. Please note this event is a week after Big Adoption Day, on Wednesday 22nd January and not 15th January. If you live within the M25 area, come along to their free in-person Adoption Information Evening which will give you the opportunity to find out more about adoption and ask any questions you might have. These events are a great chance to learn general information about adoption and how to adopt through Coram.
Social workers will talk you through the types of children in need of permanent and loving families, the assessment process and the preparation process for new adopters, how children join their new families, and the kinds of post-adoption support that Coram has to offer. You will also have a chance to hear directly from adopters.
There will then be time to ask any questions you may have. It’s the ideal opportunity to find out more, whether you’re only just beginning to consider adoption or if you’re further down the line in the process.
Diagrama Adoption (London, Surrey, East and West Sussex and Kent)
12pm-1.30pm, Wednesday 15th January, extra special free Lunchtime Q&A Session with adoptive parents
Diagrama Adoption will be celebrating Big Adoption Day with an extra special free Lunchtime Q&A Session with adoptive parents there to share their experiences with you. They will share their personal experiences of the journey and give an insight into their own experiences of adoption. You’ll be able to ask anything that is on your mind.
Our adopters will also answer questions about adopting a child with complex needs, an older child or siblings, as well as foster care arrangements for a child that can lead to adoption (usually called an Early Permanency placement).
Click here to book: https://tinyurl.com/4c22fbmw
6pm, Wednesday 15th January, online information session
Diagrama is also holding its usual online information session at 6pm on Big Adoption Day, so to get more of your questions answered by their expert team we recommend you join that session too! This free online session will provide an overview on the adoption process and talk you through everything you need to know. Click here to book: https://tinyurl.com/mr35znj2
Family Futures (London)
6.30-8pm, Wednesday 15th January – online information evening
Join Family Futures this Big Adoption Day and explore the journey of adoption at their online information evening. Family Futures focuses on preparing adopters to parent children who wait the longest. Through a bespoke assessment process, they equip prospective parents with an understanding of the impact of trauma and provide therapeutic tools to support their child’s development.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with their social work team, hear from experienced adopters, and learn how Family Futures’ tailored approach empowers families to thrive. Book your place here.
Kibble Adoption (Scotland)
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Information Session 1 (In-person) 10am – 12 noon
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Information Session 2 (In-person) 2pm – 4pm
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Information Session 3 (Online) 7pm – 8pm
Wednesday 15th January at Kibble Adoption, Abbeyfield House, 1 Station Road, Paisley, PA1 2SB
Join Kibble Adoption which is hosting in-person events packed full of important information for Big Adoption Day 2025. If you are just curious or ready to begin your journey, this session is for you. See here for more information.
This session will provide you with:
- Insight into the adoption process
- Guidance on the steps to take
- Opportunities to ask questions
- Stories from adoptive families and experts.
You will also hear from Kibble’s experienced adoption team and Adoption Ambassadors.
To book please email kasrecruitment@kibble.org.
PACT (Southern and central England)
6.30-8.30pm, Wednesday 15th January – online information event
“I really thought it was helpful, the right balance of realistic expectations, information on the process and experience.”
PACT provides outstanding-rated adoption services across southern and central England. It creates families by recruiting, assessing and approving people who want to become parents through adoption and matches them with children looking for their permanent, loving home. PACT provides specialist adoption support to all its families for life. PACT’s information events provide a warm and welcoming environment to find out more about the adoption process, ask any questions you may have and see if PACT is the right agency for you.
To book on, visit www.pactcharity.org/big-adoption-day or call our team on 0300 456 4800.
Big Adoption Day meet the PACT team – Wednesday 15th January
Reading – 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading RG1 4QS – 10am-3pm
Brighton – Projects The Lanes, Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton BN1 1HW – 10am-3pm
London (Vauxhall) – The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, London SE11 5RR – 12pm-4pm
Milton Keynes – Harben House, Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell MK16 9EY – 10am-3pm
Come and meet PACT’s adoption teams, ask any questions you may have about adoption and find out if PACT is the right adoption agency for you!
To book a slot, visit www.pactcharity.org/big-adoption-day or call PACT’s team on 0300 456 4800.
St David’s Adoption Service (Wales)
10am-2pm, Wednesday, 15 January 2025 – Drop in event at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
Join St. David’s Adoption Service for Big Adoption Day 2025, which is an opportunity to learn how you could make a life-changing difference to the children in Wales who are waiting for an adoptive family. Whether you’re exploring adoption for the first time or taking the next step in your journey, St David’s can guide you. This is a drop-in event so there is no need to book – more information is available here.
What to expect:
- Meet the experts: Speak with the dedicated team at St David’s to learn about the adoption process and how VAAs like St. David’s provide unparalleled support.
- Real-life stories: Hear inspiring experiences from adoptive families and discover how adoption changes lives—for children and parents alike.
- Find out more: Learn how adoption through a VAA offers a bespoke, supportive service and why 96% of VAAs are rated highly by national inspectorates.
St Andrews Children’s Society (Scotland – within a 60 mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin)
6-7.30pm, 15th January 2025 – Online information event
St Andrew’s Children’s Society is very pleased to be holding a Virtual Adoption Information Event on Wednesday, 15 January from 6pm to 7.30pm as part of Big Adoption Day 2025. The event will take place virtually over Teams, and you can sign up on Eventbrite here.
At the event you’ll hear about the adoption process and from a St Andrew’s adopter, who will speak about their experiences of adopting and answer any questions you have. St Andrew’s Children’s Society helps people to adopt who live within a 60 mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin. They welcome adoption enquiries from people who follow a faith, those who don’t, single people, couples and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
If you would like to find out more about adopting, but can’t make it the event, please call 0131 454 3370 or email info@standrews-children.org.uk and they will get back to you.
Yorkshire Adoption Agency (Yorkshire and surrounding areas)
7pm, Tuesday 7th January – ChatAdopt session
Please note this event is not on Big Adoption Day itself. ChatAdopt is open to anyone looking into UK adoption, no matter where you are in your journey. Whether you are wondering about adoption being right for you, all the way through to being registered to start Stage 1 of the process.
The session will give you a brief insight into the UK adoption journey and the process. It will give you the chance to learn more about Yorkshire Adoption Agency and what it provides to its families. The groups are kept small to give you plenty of time to ask any questions, and they try to have an adopter present to share their experiences adopting with the agency.
Yorkshire Adoption Agency is also collaborating with several Yorkshire based organisations as part of its Big Adoption Day celebrations to celebrate how magical the very first family day out is for our adopters and how important bonding as a family is.