Big Adoption Day 2026 – VAA events across the UK

Links to VAA events

• Adopters for Adoption (England) – online event details here
• Adoption Focus (Midlands – full details of areas they cover here) – online event details here
• Adoption Matters (North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Stoke, Staffordshire, Shropshire) – online event details here
• ARC Adoption NE (North East from Northumberland across to Cumbria and down to North Yorkshire) – face-to-face event details here
• Barnardo’s (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) – in-store event in at Barnardo’s Glasgow (Barnardos, 250 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 9EJ) on Thursday 22nd January, 11am-1pm
• Caritas Care (North West, including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cumbria) – drop-in event details here, online event details here
• CCS Adoption (Bristol and South West) – in-person event details here
• Coram (London and surrounding areas) – in-person event details here (Meet our Adopters: a safe space to meet adopters and hear about their journey, ask questions and connect). Details are also available about Coram’s partnership with GLL, offering 500 free three-month memberships to Better leisure centres for adoptive families across the country, and Coram x National Theatre: Ballet Shoes partnership.
• Diagrama Adoption (London, Surrey, East and West Sussex and Kent) – Coffee and cake drop-in here, online event details here
• Family Futures (London) – online event details here
• Kibble Adoption (Scotland) – online event details here, open day details here.
• PACT (Southern and central England) – event details here (drop ins at Reading, London, Brighton and Milton Keynes offices and an online event)
• Scottish Adoption and Fostering (Scotland) – online event details here
• St David’s Adoption Service (Wales) – online event details here. The team will also be at John Lewis Cardiff from 10am–4pm, chatting all things VAA adoption in Wales.
• St Andrew’s Children’s Society (Scotland – within a 60 mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin) – online event details here, online event for single prospective parents here.
• St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society (Scotland) – in-person open event details here
• Yorkshire Adoption Agency (Yorkshire and surrounding areas) – in-person event at Sheffield Ecclesall Road Library on Saturday 24th January at 10am, and online event details here

Visit CVAA’s agency finder to find your local VAA.

Find out more about what a VAA is here.

Full information about VAA events (ordered alphabetically by VAA name)

Adopters for Adoption (England)

7.15pm, Wednesday 28^th January 2026, online information event– please note this event is not on Big Adoption Day itself

Information events are a great way to learn more about the adoption process and how you’d be supported, both before and after the adoption order. This online event will begin with a live presentation from a team manager, covering all of the need-to-know topics of adoption. Where possible, approved adopters from Adopters for Adoption will share their adoption story, and the event will conclude with a Q&A session. Book onto the event here.

Adoption Focus (Midlands – full details of areas they cover here)

6pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – Free online adoption 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 begin with a live presentation from a member of the team, covering all aspects of adoption and the Adoption Focus service. Following this you’ll be given the opportunity to arrange a private phone call or video chat with one of their experienced adoption social workers in which you can have your questions answered and talk about next steps.

Whether you want a general overview of how things work or have specific questions you’d like to talk through, the team are happy to hear from you.

Please call on 0121 779 0891 or email [email protected] to book a place at this event. You’ll be sent an information pack and all the details you need. If you’re not able to make it to one of these events, please get in touch and the team will arrange an alternative way of giving you the information you need.

Visit here to book.

Adoption Matters (North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Stoke, Staffordshire, Shropshire)

7pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – Online information event

Attending an Adoption Matters online adoption information event is a convenient way to find out more about adoption and this children’s charity.

Join online from the comfort of your home, ideally with a camera-enabled device, and allow the team, which will be led by experienced enquiry team members and a social worker, to share a presentation, walk you through the adoption process, and explain the ongoing support they offer. There will be no pressure to proceed with your enquiry following attendance – the team will walk alongside you at your pace, with honest guidance and helpful information.

Events typically last 60–90 minutes, depending on participation, and they are open to anybody who is interested in adoption that lives in the geographical coverage area, which includes: The North West, The North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Stoke, Staffordshire, Shropshire.

If you live just outside of these areas, the team may still be able to assist you, so please do contact the team to discuss.

Visit here to book.

ARC Adoption NE (North East from Northumberland, across to Cumbria and down to North Yorkshire)

6-8pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – 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 2026 to find out more about adoption and the children in need of loving, permanent families.

Event Details: Wednesday 21^st January 2026, 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 a Dad who will share his experience of adopting twice 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 2026.

If you can’t make this information event, click here to see upcoming dates.

Barnardo’s (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)

11am-1pm, Thursday 22nd January 2026 – in-store event at Barnardos, 250 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 9EJ

Pop into the Barnardo’s store on Great Western Road, Glasgow, to have an informal chat about fostering and adoption. More information here.

Caritas Care (North West, including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cumbria)

12-2pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – Drop-in event at 218 Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES.

If you’re considering adoption, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about growing your family with the experienced, dedicated support of VAAs. Caritas Care is a not-for-profit, independent adoption agency known for our personalised approach to supporting families from all backgrounds. Its team has extensive experience placing children of all ages, including sibling groups and children with disabilities, in loving homes.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Real Stories:Meet adoptive parents who will share personal stories and insights into the adoption journey.
• Meet The Team: Their friendly social workers will be on hand to answer any questions about the process and lifelong support they provide.
• Relaxed Atmosphere:Enjoy coffee, cake, and conversation in a warm, no-pressure environment.

Everyone interested in adoption – now or in the future – is welcome to attend. Caritas Care is especially proud to work with families from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and global majority communities.

Please book your place HERE to help plan for numbers and refreshments.

6.30-7.30pm, Wednesday 21^st January – Online information event

If you’re considering adoption, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about growing your family with the experienced, dedicated support of VAAs.

What to Expect: Events are led by a dedicated Adoption Social Worker who will walk you through the adoption process step-by-step. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and to also hear the stories from adoptive parents who will share their journey with you.

Why Attend?

• Get answers to your questions and ease any uncertainties
• Connect with people and understand the process on a personal level.
• Gain the knowledge and support so you can make an informed decision.
• Join us and take the first step on your adoption journey.

Book your place HERE

CCS Adoption (Bristol and South West)

6.30-8.30pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – in-person event at The Steam Crane Pub, 4 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1HT

As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, CCS Adoption offers a personalised service to adopters from all backgrounds. It has extensive experience placing children who often wait the longest in care, such as older children, sibling groups, and children from the global majority or with disabilities. Its commitment doesn’t end at placement: it provides lifelong, flexible adoption support tailored to the needs of adoptive families.

CCS is hosting a free in-person Big Adoption Day event for anyone considering adoption at The Steam Crane Pub. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the team, learn about the adoption process, and hear inspiring stories from families who have adopted through CCS Adoption. Book yourself a place now by filling out the form here.

Coram Adoption (London and surrounding areas)

5.30-7.30pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – Meet the Adopters Evening (in-person) at Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ

Meet our Adopters: a safe space to meet adopters and hear about their journey, ask questions and connect.

From first steps to panel and family finding. Come and join Coram with any questions you may have and to meet others who have been going through the adoption assessment. Coram looks forward to seeing you! Book here.

Diagrama Adoption (South London, Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex)

11am-2pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – Coffee & Cake Meet with Diagrama (Drop-ins Very Welcome!) at Airport House, 265 Purley Way, Croydon CR0 0XZ.

A friendly, no-pressure drop-in for anyone who is considering their adoption journey. Meet the team, ask your questions, grab a coffee.

Click here to reserve a spot.

6pm-7.30pm, Wednesday 14^th January 2026, free online information session – please note this event is not on Big Adoption Day itself

Join this free online information event hosted by experienced social workers and adoption professionals from Diagrama Adoption, a not-for-profit voluntary adoption agency.

This friendly, no-pressure session gives you the chance to understand the adoption process, hear real adoption stories and explore whether adoption could be the right path for you.

What You’ll Learn

• The adoption journey – What’s involved, how long it takes, and what to expect
• Who can adopt – Eligibility, common myths, and what truly matters
• Matching with a child – How the team finds the right child or children for your family
• Support for adopters – The ongoing, personalised support it offers before, during and after placement
• Real stories – Hear from the team and families who have adopted with Diagrama

Whether you’re just beginning to think about adoption or feel ready to take the next step, this event will give you clear, reliable guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Click here to reserve a spot.

Family Futures CIC (London)

6.30-8pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026 – online information evening

iAdopt is a unique, interactive, and therapeutically informed London-based Voluntary Adoption Agency (VAA). Since 2008, iAdopt has been dedicated to assessing, approving, and placing children with adoptive families across the UK.

This Big Adoption Day attendees will have the opportunity to explore the journey of adoption and learn about iAdopt’s bespoke assessment process which equips prospective parents with an understanding of the impact of trauma and provides 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 the iAdopt tailored approach empowers families to thrive. Book your place here or contact at [email protected]

PACT (Parents And Children Together), (Southern and central England)

6.30-8.30pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – online information event

Parents And Children Together (PACT) believes that every child deserves the warmth and stability of a loving home. As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been consistently rated outstanding by Ofsted since 2014, a testament to its commitment to finding permanent families for children waiting in care.

Join PACT for a virtual adoption information event, where you’ll discover the joys of parenting through adoption and the comprehensive support on offer to families for life. Hear firsthand from adopters about their experiences, engage with senior social workers, and get all your questions answered.

To request to book onto this event, please fill out PACT’s adoption enquiry form here or call the team on 0300 456 4800.

Meet the PACT team – Wednesday 21^st January 2026 (in-person drop ins)

This Big Adoption Day, come along and meet the teams in London / Reading / Brighton / Milton Keynes. Ask any questions you may have and find out more about adopting through PACT. To request to book your half an hour slot on this event, please fill out the adoption enquiry form here or call the team on 0300 456 4800. Full address given upon booking. PACT would love to see you there!

Reading – 10am-4.30pm (RG1 4QS)

Brighton – 10am-3pm (BN1 1HW)

London (Vauxhall) – 10am-3.30pm (SE11 5RR)

Milton Keynes – 10am-3.30pm (MK16 9EY)

Kibble Adoption (Scotland)

10am-4pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026 – open day at Kibble Community-Based Services, 1 Station Road, Paisley PA1 2SB

7pm-8pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026 – online information session

Scottish Adoption and Fostering (Scotland)

12.30pm to 1.30pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026 – online information session over lunchtime

Join members of the team and some adoptive parents this Big Adoption Day to get a better understanding of what adoption might mean for you and your family. This is an opportunity to hear from others, ask questions and to learn more about the in-house Therapy Centre and life-long support that can be provided for your family if you adopt through Scottish Adoption and Fostering.

Who can adopt? Adopters come from all walks of life. Single, married, LGBTQ+, all religions and ethnicities, with or without children — if you can provide a safe, loving home, you can be considered. We focus on your ability to care for and nurture a child, not your marital status, wealth, or background.

Reserve a spot here. If you have any questions about the session, feel free to get in touch with Tina at [email protected]. The team runs multiple events throughout the year, so if this one doesn’t suit you, please reach out to find a more suitable time.

St David’s Adoption Service (Wales)

10am-4pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026 – drop-in at John Lewis Cardiff, The Hayes, CF10 1EG

St David’s Adoption Service will be at John Lewis Cardiff from 10am–4pm for Big Adoption Day, chatting all things VAA adoption in Wales. Come along to meet the team, ask questions, and find out more about the adoption process and how St David’s supports families across Wales.

10am-12pm, Tuesday 20^th January 2026 – Introduction to Adoption Workshop, a two-hour online session. Please note this event is not on Big Adoption Day itself.

St David’s invites all prospective adoptive families to attend its Introduction to Adoption Workshop—a two-hour online session designed to provide essential information about adoption. This workshop helps you explore whether adoption is the right path for you and your family.

The session covers the following key topics:

• Who we are: An overview of St David’s Adoption Service and the difference between a Voluntary Adoption Agency (VAA) and a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).
• What we look for in adoptive parents: Insight into the qualities and attributes we seek in prospective adopters.
• The adoption process: A step-by-step guide to what you can expect on your adoption journey.
• The children we support: Understanding the needs and experiences of children with a plan for adoption.
• Real experiences: Hearing directly from an adoptive parent about their journey and their experience with St David’s.
• Therapeutic parenting: An introduction to this approach and its importance in adoption.
• Next steps: Guidance on how to proceed if you’re ready to take the next step.

Workshops are held monthly and are usually facilitated by Stage One Manager, Dan, alongside an experienced social worker. The team strives to create a welcoming and informal atmosphere where participants feel comfortable asking questions.

To book visit here.

St Andrew’s Children’s Society (Scotland – within a 60 mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin)

6-7pm, Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – Online information event

St Andrew’s Children’s Society is very pleased to be holding an Online Adoption Information Event as part of Big Adoption Day 2026. 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 welcomes 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 [email protected] and they will get back to you.

Find out more here.

7-8pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026 – Online information event for single prospective adopters

This event will take place virtually over Teams, and you can sign up on Eventbrite here.

The team will tell you about the adoption process and one of their many single adopters will be joining to tell you about their experiences of adopting as a solo adopter. They will be happy to answer your questions.

Find out more here.

St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society (Scotland)

Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – in-person open event at 26 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PY

If you would like to find out more about adoption, the team at St Margaret’s will be available throughout the day on January 21^st to meet in person at their office in Charing Cross, Glasgow.

If you cannot make it into the office, the team can arrange a call to answer any questions. Please call or email the office: [email protected]; 0141 332 8371.

Find out more here.

Yorkshire Adoption Agency (Yorkshire and surrounding areas)

10am, Saturday 24th January 2026 – In-person event at Sheffield Ecclesall Road Library

Tuesday 27th January 2026 – 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.

Find out more here.