PACT and Home for Good. Together we can find a home for every child who needs one.
A home for every child that needs one. A bold vision to find a loving family for the hundreds of children in care. But this is the goal for Home for Good, a charity that we partner with to find adoptive families from faith communities.
**Content:** *by Grace Gomez* PACT and Home for Good. Together we can find a home for every child who needs one. A home for every child that needs one. A bold vision to find a loving family for the hundreds of children in care. But this is the goal for [Home for Good](https://homeforgood.org.uk/), a charity that we partner with to find [adoptive families from faith communities](/adoption/adoption-stories/families-of-faith/). It was an honour to be asked to support Billy-Jo, Home for Good’s regional lead at a speaking engagement at [Emmanuel Baptist Church](https://ebct.org.uk/), a Black majority church in Thamesmead, London. The Rev Angela Bacon was very warm and welcoming and shared with us that she had become a parent to her son through adoption. Billy-Jo shared her own lived experience of being a care experienced adult and spoke passionately as an advocate of the thousands of children in the care system. She shared facts on the numbers of children in the care system and the numbers of [Black children waiting](/adoption/children-waiting/black-or-mixed-ethnicity-adoption/). The children who wait the longest are children [aged three and over](/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-older-children/), [brothers and sisters](/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-siblings/) who need to stay together and children with [additional needs](/adoption/children-waiting/additional-needs/). Black children are disproportionality represented in the care system. While Black children make up 5% of the general UK population, they make up 7% of children in care. Black children are statistically less likely to be adopted and wait on average 18 months longer to find a permanent loving home. Billy-Jo went on to share that last year, only 2% of the children who were adopted were Black. The talk was well received by the congregation with lots of positive conversations afterwards. We were also thanked for the work that we do, making a difference in the lives of children. I am proud to be the Adopter Diversity Recruitment Officer for PACT. My role enables me to reach people who are Black with the message that ‘you can adopt.’ We can let people know that the Black community are warm and open to adoption, and I get to share the wonderful testimonies of our Black adopters who have become families though adoption. We are particularly looking for adopters of Black Caribbean, Black African, Black British and White and Black African/Caribbean ethnicities to enable children to be matched with adopters who they can identify with culturally, visually and emotionally. Black adopters Hope\*, 44, and her husband Nigel\*, 46, adopted sisters Summer\* and Rachel\* through PACT. Hope said, “I am Black and grew up in this country, but I went to a school where I was one of only four black children and I vividly remember feeling that there is no-one else here who looks like me, which is not nice especially when you’re 11 or 12 and you don’t want to be different from your friends. “My parents were really proud of who they are and where they came from, and they raised us in a way that made identity important so very quickly I learned to be proud of who I was. “I just think that in their lives my girls will have 101 extra things to deal with because they are adopted so if issues over identity can be minimised, then that can only be a positive thing. For me I am absolutely determined to do what I can to make my girls proud of who they are, and I know I can help them with that.” PACT is there for life to support people who choose to become parents through adoption. PACT offers its adoptive families a vast package of [training and support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) which is available from the point of starting the adoption process, through to when their child or children are placed and for as long as is needed. Through this, PACT plays a part in supporting Home for Good to practically equip individuals and families as they explore fostering, adoption and supported lodgings. To start your adoption journey today, [download a guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) or take our [interactive self-assessment quiz](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/). When you are ready to take the next step, come along to an [information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) to hear all about the adoption process and the support PACT offers. If you are interested in our work with churches and Black communities, you can learn more about the need for [families of diverse ethnicities here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/black-or-mixed-ethnicity-adoption/) or read about our work with [faith communities here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/families-of-faith/).  **Categories:** Blog --- ### [PACT’s adoption services rated outstanding for third time ](https://www.pactcharity.org/pacts-adoption-services-rated-outstanding-for-third-time/) **Published:** May 17, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Adoption and support services for adoptive families run by Parents And Children Together (PACT) have been rated outstanding by Ofsted for the third successive inspection. **Content:** Adoption and support services for adoptive families run by Parents And Children Together (PACT) have been rated outstanding by Ofsted for the third successive inspection. At an inspection in March 2023, PACT was found to be outstanding across all areas and provided “highly effective services”. The inspectors said that the actions of PACT, a voluntary adoption charity, “contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children, young people and adults.” “Relationship-building at the point of a person expressing an interest in adoption is a key strength of the agency. In doing so, the team can better support enquiries, help people to make the right decision and understand the adoption landscape.” The inspector spoke to PACT adopters about their experience of being assessed by PACT and matched with children and found “They were extremely complimentary and remarked on the significant impact PACT has made on their lives. “All adopters spoke positively of the support and training they have received from PACT. They remarked on the sensitivity and kind approach of the adoption social workers throughout their adoption journey.” The inspectors also praised PACT for the support it provides to families long after they have had children placed with them. The inspector said: “Adopters are supported and prepared by a team of qualified practitioners, people who have lived experience of fostering and adoption and some who bring further complementary skills and expertise to the role. “The quality of the individualised support provided by the agency is excellent. The agency provides high-quality and effective therapy. It offers creative and innovative therapeutic interventions to adopted children and their families.” The inspector also praised PACT for the work of its education specialist, its therapeutic support packages and its online support platform CATCH – the Children and Trauma Community Hub. “The work with education providers has supported some children who are struggling to remain at their school, when this might otherwise have proved impossible. “Bespoke packages of support informed by the agency’s therapeutic model and current research results in adopters being better informed, and children making significant progress in all aspects of their lives. “In particular, they (adopters) spoke about the online platform CATCH (Children and Trauma Community Hub) that provides an invaluable amount of research-based information, resources, education and training. “As a result of the continuing support they receive, children placed with adopters assessed and approved by PACT make impressive and sustained progress.” PACT’s Adoption Service Director Lorna Hunt said: “We are delighted with the result of the inspection which is a testament to the passion and hard work of the PACT team, both in the adoption service and the wider organisation. “Everyone plays their part and contributes to our mission to make a positive difference to the lives of the hundreds of children and families that we work with.” PACT Chief Executive Natausha van Vliet said: “I could not be prouder of our organisation and the amazing PACT team who go above and beyond every single day to deliver the very best service for children and families.” PACT has been building and strengthening families since 1911 and is one of the leading adoption charities in the UK. In 2022 PACT placed 79 children with permanent families across London and the south east. PACT has now been rated outstanding since 2014. The full report is published on the [Ofsted website](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/7/SC049093). **Categories:** News --- ### [New report into the value of adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/new-report-into-the-value-of-adoption/) **Published:** December 14, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** A new report into the value of adoption highlights enhanced outcomes for adopted children relative to those in alternative arrangements. **Content:** The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) has published new analysis from Sonnet Advisory & Impact, which it commissioned to explore the value created by adoption to those who are adopted, their families and the wider society. The analysis confirms that adoption bring substantial value to society through the permanence, stability and support it can offer children who cannot live with their birth families. According to the final report, which is available [here](https://cvaa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CVAA-The-value-of-adoption-report-final-Nov-22.pdf), the value adoption brings is created through two key channels: the improved outcomes adoption offers relative to staying in care or living in special guardianship placements, and the lower financial cost to local authorities of adoption compared to foster and residential homes. According to the available evidence, adopted children and young people have enhanced outcomes across health, education and future employment compared to other placements, decreasing reliance on publicly funded services and support in childhood and later life. Additionally most adoptive parents do not receive financial support from the state, in contrast to foster and residential carers, which adds to the value adoption can bring – when it is in the best interests of the child. The analysis revealed that at least £4.2 billion in value was generated across England, Wales and Scotland in 2021 when 3,359 children were adopted – including savings of £3.6 billion to local authorities, £541 million to the economy, and £34 million to the NHS. The modelling, which compared the outcomes of children who were adopted with those in other permanent placements found that the value created for adopted children, families and society is at least £1.3million for every child adopted. Adoption is only right for a small number of children who cannot remain with their birth families. Yet the scale of the benefits it brings to those children – and to society as a whole – appear to be declining year-on-year as the number of children being placed for adoption falls. Despite policies supportive of adoption introduced over the last decade, the number of children adopted peaked in England in 2015 at 5,360, and has since fallen to 2,950 in 2022. This trend has occurred despite increased numbers of children needing to live in safe homes apart from their families of origin, with numbers of children in care in England up 25% since 2010 – and at their highest levels since records began. Anthony, now aged 21, was adopted by his family through Coram at 20 months. He said the following about his adoption story: “In our family, there is no hierarchy between the birth kids and the adopted kids, we’re all one massive family. I remember feeling really loved and appreciated. I never really had an issue around adoption. I think I had a really easy adoption process, my narrative has been so fixed and clear. It’s really important to make sure that adopted children are not ashamed because there is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a really beautiful thing that my parents chose me. *“*Since being adopted, I’ve been so lucky to develop my music skills. My parents really supported me, taking me to concerts and practice sessions. My parents are amazing. Their goals are realised through helping other people, and I find that really inspiring. I’ve recently fundraised for Coram as I wanted to give back to an organisation that gave me the life I—and all other children in care—should’ve had: a life with a loving family that enabled me to fulfil my potential.” Andrew Webb, Chair of CVAA, added: “It’s a rare thing when research concludes that the best outcomes for children can be achieved at the lowest cost to the state. With the country in recession and set for extremely challenging financial times over the years ahead, it would be madness not to give serious consideration to these findings, and we urge governments in all UK nations to act on falling adoption numbers now. CVAA has always maintained that adoption is an intervention for the few, not the many – but the risk of adoption slowly vanishing as an option for children who cannot safely live at home is a grave concern. Evidence continues to show the life-changing and unrivalled benefits adoption holds for children, and with the sector working hard to improve the contact children have with their birth families, there is no justification for letting this trend continue unchallenged.” Wes Cuell, Chair of PACT which is a member of the CVAA, said: “This is an important piece of research for adoption and reinforces the difference adoption can make for children and society as a whole.” The full report is available [here](https://cvaa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CVAA-The-value-of-adoption-report-final-Nov-22.pdf). **Categories:** News --- ### [Hampshire business helps give adopted young people a voice](https://www.pactcharity.org/hampshire-business-helps-give-adopted-young-people-a-voice/) **Published:** January 4, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** A Farnborough-based financial advice business is sponsoring a support group for adopted young people... **Content:** A FARNBOROUGH-based financial advice business is sponsoring a support group for adopted young people to enable them to share their experiences with people who understand what they have been through. Origen Financial Services, one of the UK’s leading financial advisers, is providing funding for the Adoptee Voices group run by the charity Parents And Children Together (PACT). The group provides a safe, supportive space for adopted young people to socialise, share their views and connect with others who may share similar life experiences. An award-winning company helping customers across the UK make the best financial decisions, Origen cares deeply about creating brighter futures for their communities. They are proud to be involved in this two-year charitable initiative which will make a positive impact on the lives of young people and their families. PACT is an adoption charity and support provider which helps hundreds of families each year through outstanding adoption services and specialist therapeutic support. Based in Reading with services across south east England, PACT fundraises to provide enhanced adoption support services to all its families for life. Children who are adopted often need ongoing support throughout their lives due to difficult early life experiences and can have questions about identity and belonging. The Adoptee Voices group was created by PACT as a space for adoptees aged 10-18 to share their thoughts and feelings about being adopted and enable them to develop friendships, build confidence and feel less alone during their teenage years. The Adoptee Voices group has been running since early 2021. The young people decide where and when they want to meet and what they would like to do; recent activities have included kayaking and rock climbing. PACT’s trained social workers always take part in the sessions to provide the youngsters with any specialist support needed. A 13-year-old adopted young person who attended the group said: “Before I started Adoptee Voices I felt like I was the only one who was adopted but now I feel more connected to other people who were adopted and that it’s okay to be adopted.” Sarah Hacker, Community Fundraiser at PACT, said: “Adoptee Voices brings older adopted children together so they can make friends and support each other. Often an adoptee is the only adopted child in their class – so their friends and classmates won’t understand their experiences and feelings. The group enables them to get together with peers who share their experiences, which is incredibly important for them. The Adoptee Voices group is free for families, but costs nearly £25,000 a year to run, so without the support of individuals and organisations like Origen, we couldn’t provide these crucial groups for the young people who need them.” **Categories:** News --- ### [Alana House project wins top award](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-project-wins-top-award/) **Published:** December 6, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** A project to divert women away from the criminal justice system wins a top award from the Howard League for Penal Reform. **Content:** An Alana House project to divert vulnerable women away from the criminal justice system has received an award by leading penal reform charity, The Howard League. Enrich, a partnership project with Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Healthcare’s Liaison and Diversion service, won the award in the “women” category of the 2022 Howard League Community Awards. This is the third time Alana House has received this national honour. In 2017 the Enrich project was then a partnership between Alana House, Reading Police and Reading Borough Council and won the award for its work to specifically target and support women who were in frequent contact with the police as victims and perpetrators of low level crime. Learning from this project was used to establish the current partnership to divert women away from court and the criminal justice system. Alana House also won in 2014 for its work with women at risk of offending and helping them to make positive life choices. Enrich mirrors the aims of the government’s female offender strategy, providing social, health, economic and financial benefits. At its heart it looks to decriminalise women in custody who are often themselves victims of crime, abuse or trauma. Using a mix of referrals, targeted support and out of court disposal orders, women are assessed and given the opportunity to reduce their chances of going to prison or returning to custody by engaging with the project. Any woman arrested in Berkshire is offered an automatic referral to Enrich, with or without an identified vulnerability. The team’s gender sensitive, trauma-informed approach to screening addresses attitudes, thinking and behaviour, as well as health and social vulnerabilities. Assessments include asking gender specific health questions around menopause, pregnancy or recent birth. Every woman who has engaged with Enrich has seen improvements or sustained progress in all areas. Based on the nine pathways to reduce offending, as outlined in the 2006 Corston report, the biggest improvements were seen in in finances (debt and benefits), accommodation, physical health and a reduction in domestic violence/abuse. Kathryn Warner, Alana House PACT’s Head of Communities said: “I am thrilled that this crucial work diverting women away from the criminal justice system to trauma informed support provided by Alana House has been recognised with this award. “We hope this endorsement will strengthen our ability to secure funding to enable this vital work in Berkshire to continue.” Kishan Waas, Head of Health and Justice at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There is a huge disparity between men and women in the criminal justice system. Despite committing less serious offences than men, Women are treated more harshly and suffer worse outcomes. “When Enrich started in December 2020, we wanted to decriminalise women who found themselves in custody because of a health vulnerability or were themselves victims of trauma or abuse. As we’re based in custody and court, Liaison and Diversion was perfectly positioned to be the conduit between the police and Alana House, as well as an advocate for vulnerable women who need help not punishment. “While there has been excellent work in Berkshire, Enrich is not available across Thames Valley area. Investment in projects like Enrich is crucial to improve outcomes for women in contact with criminal justice system. “This award is testament to the hard work of all involved with Enrich, but the real winners are the women we have helped through the Enrich project.” Detective Superintendent Craig Kirby, head of criminal justice at Thames Valley Police (TVP) said: Custody cares for some of the most challenging and vulnerable people in society at the most critical of times. A significant proportion of those arrested have underlying vulnerabilities that are driving their criminality, including drug addiction, alcohol misuse, neuro-disability, mental illness and homelessness. We now also recognise the prevalence of exploitation as an underlying driver to criminality. “Recognising this, TVP have established the Custody 2025 programme of change. This aims to bring a problem solving, public health, partnership approach to police custody to reduce reoffending and better manage risk through the early identification of vulnerabilities, which are driving criminality, and the delivery of timely interventions aimed at addressing these. “Enrich is a critical element of this work as it has brought this approach to some of our most vulnerable female offenders, working tirelessly to reduce their risk of reoffending and supporting them to build a better life.” **Categories:** News --- ### [CATCH - a new name for The Adopter Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/catchnews/) **Published:** August 2, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** PACT's online support platform for parents and carers of children affected by early childhood trauma has been given a new name - CATCH **Content:** PACT’s online support platform for parents and carers of children affected by early childhood trauma has been given a new name. The Adopter Hub was developed by PACT in 2017 to support parents of adopted children. But in the five years since, the Hub has grown and evolved and now also supports foster carers, special guardians, virtual schools and education and social care professionals. After a period of consultation with users and partners, the wider platform is to be renamed CATCH – Children And Trauma Community Hub. PACT Chief Executive Natausha van Vliet said: “When The Adopter Hub was launched, we set out to provide online resources, webinars, webchat and forums to help provide information, learning and support for our adoptive families. “Since then, we have developed content to support foster carers and special guardians, social care practitioners and also teachers working with looked after, or previously looked after children, in schools. We now have thousands of pages of resources on our website and hundreds of webinars covering all sorts of topics from behaviour, mental health and therapeutic parenting techniques to sleeping, County Lines and cultural identity. “We now partner with 38 different adoption agencies, local authorities and schools who have seen the value of this support for their own parents, carers and staff. “We needed a new name for our platform to reflect the wide range of users who now use The Hub and I’m delighted we have our new name of CATCH. “Many parents and professionals tell us how helpful they find resources on The Hub to help improve their skills and knowledge when supporting or caring for children who have experienced early life trauma as a result of abuse, neglect or loss.” Existing Adopter Hub users have been reassured that they will retain their user accounts with the same login details and will still have access to the same resources as they do now. Adoptive parents will still see The Adopter Hub name on their homepage. Other users will see their own sections of the site and be signposted to relevant resources that might be of interest to them. Minor changes are being made to the Hub already but the main switchover to [www.catchconnect.org](http://www.catchconnect.org) will be on 9August. PACT has been building and strengthening families since 1911. PACT creates families through adoption services and provides lifelong adoption support, it empowers women who face multiple disadvantages to make positive changes to their lives through its Alana House Community Project and it supports children to heal from the trauma of domestic abuse through its Bounce Back 4 Kids programme. For more information or to request a demo of CATCH please contact the team at **Categories:** News --- ### [Blog: Radiate Windrush Festival 2021](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-radiate-windrush-festival-2021/) **Published:** June 15, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** It’s June 2021 and we are looking forward to PACT’s first publicity event for 18 months as we join the Radiate Windrush Festival at Crystal Palace, London. **Content:** *By Grace Gomez, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Recruitment Officer* It’s June 2021 and we are looking forward to PACT’s first publicity event for 18 months as we join the Radiate Windrush Festival at Crystal Palace, London. [Radiate Windrush Festival](https://www.radiatefestival.com/) is a grass-roots celebration of National Windrush Day. It’s a beautiful day, representing an explosion of colourful, creative and resilient migrating communities from the Caribbean. Created in 2018, the festival predominantly acknowledges the legacy of the Windrush era migration, honours its pioneers and celebrates the many generations of Caribbean British descendants with their Creole and African roots. As part of National Windrush Day, the entire festival sets out to highlight the richness of culture, the strength of community life, the value of family and the colourful impact of migration since the 1948 arrival of the Empire Windrush to Tilbury Docks. It is a fact that Black children wait longer in care for an adoptive family. PACT works hard to reduce the time Black children wait by finding and supporting adopters who can offer a loving and permanent home for these children. As the Adopter Diversity Recruitment Officer for PACT, I know that PACT is passionate about finding adopters from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. Attending events like Radiate Windrush is a great way to reach people from the Black community and I really enjoy speaking to people about PACT and adoption as well as busting some myths around who can adopt and the process. PACT adopters Hope\*, 44, and her husband Nigel\*, 46, who are of Caribbean heritage, adopted sisters Summer\* and Rachel\* through PACT in October 2015. Summer was just under two-and-a-half years old and Rachel was 16 months old. Hope said: “My parents were really proud of who they are and where they came from, and they raised us in a way that made identity important so very quickly I learned to be proud of who I was. “I just think that in their lives my girls will have 101 extra things to deal with because they are adopted, so if issues over identity can be minimised, that can only be a positive thing. For me, I am absolutely determined to do what I can to make my girls proud of who they are and I know I can help them with that.” Radiate Windrush promises to be a lively, colourful vibrant event attended by a diverse range of people in our community. Come along and say hello if you or anyone you know is considering adoption. Happy Windrush Day! *\*Names changed for confidentiality purposes* **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Blog: Meet our newest trustee](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-meet-our-newest-trustee/) **Published:** May 10, 2022 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** ### PACT would like to welcome our newest trustee, Dean Hunter. We thought it would be good to get to know him a bit better, so we asked him a few questions about himself. #### 1. **Tell us a little about yourself…** “Originally from Aberdeen, I have been living in London since 2014. I set up an HR advisory business 10 years ago. My passion is for culture and engagement and creating world class workplaces. I have a 20 year old daughter, live with my partner and have two spaniels Ed and Duke who keep me young!” #### 2. Why did you want to become a trustee for PACT? “At the end of 2021, having spent 25 years in two jobs, I knew it was time to do something different and was fortunate enough to be in a position where I could start doing the things I wanted to do rather than had to, to pay the bills. Saying that I have had a great HR career over the past 25 years and have worked and still work with some incredible people whom I call family. Joining PACT for me was driven from a place of giving kids the best chance in life, which is a great passion for me. Whether that is strengthening families or as a last resort placing a child with a new family to give them the best chance in life.” #### 3. What are you most excited about getting involved with? “As the lead trustee for HR, I am already astounded by the culture that has been created at PACT, so adding to that brings excitement. I am also keen to support the senior management team and other trustees as much as I can to ensure we provide the best service possible to the children and parents who use PACT services.” #### 4. How would you describe PACT to someone who doesn’t know about them? “I would say having met most of the team now, that it is an incredible group of people who have come together with the same interest in mind, the welfare of the children. It’s a very special place. Having spoken with several adopters it is clear that PACT go over and above when it comes to the quality of the services they provide.” #### 5. What have you learned since becoming a PACT trustee that has surprised you? “The range of services available to help adopters and other groups in PACT is very comprehensive. They have excellent resources and tools. I am also really glad to see and feel such an inclusive culture as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which makes me feel very much at home.” ### Thank you for joining us Dean, we look forward to working with you. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Blog: The Fertility Show 2021](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-the-fertility-show-2021/) **Published:** September 8, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Up until 2020 the events team at PACT has enjoyed heading up to the bright lights of Olympia each November for The Fertility Show. **Content:** *By Sam Ward – PACT’s Events and Marketing manager* Up until 2020 the events team at PACT has enjoyed heading up to the bright lights of Olympia each November for The Fertility Show. It is always a privilege to speak with people considering different ways to grow their families. This year The Fertility Show will be holding an online event ([www.thefertilitysummit.com](http://www.thefertilitysummit.com/)) with virtual stalls for people to find out more about the different ways to parenthood. The live event hopes to return in the spring of 2022. It is always a pleasure to meet people at The Fertility Show; talk through what adoption could look like for them, answer any questions and, if the opportunity arises, clarifying any confusion or misconceptions around adoption that still persist today. It is always fantastic to then meet people later once they have children placed with them and to hear how they are all getting on. It is very satisfying that life changes can begin with a conversation. Adopter George\* recalls meeting PACT: “Andrew\* and I had started conversations about how we would love to have our own children during the early days of our relationship. “It was during Brighton Pride that we saw the PACT stall in the park, we looked at each other and thought it would be a good opportunity for us to find out more. “We were greeted by two friendly social workers and also a father and his son. We were made to feel welcome and that absolutely it was possible for us to have our own children. “We then attended the Fertility Show and gained further information there and very quickly ruled out surrogacy and favoured the adoption route. “We continued our initial conversation with the social workers on the PACT stand and booked in for an information evening. This progressed to moving through the stages, training, and preparation. “PACT has provided a huge amount of support over the past five years for us and our two beautiful children, including therapeutic services, training, family fun days, and support groups. “Being within the PACT family has made a real difference as we have not felt alone in parenting children who had a rough start to life.” Lily\* and Alex\* also met our team at The Fertility Show, in 2019. Lily said: “We had always spoken about adoption being an option for us, even before we were married, but after several years without success in starting our family naturally we eventually decided to try IVF. “After one failed round of IVF and a subsequent round which unfortunately ended in miscarriage, we knew that IVF wasn’t the right option for us. The main thing was that we just didn’t want to wait any longer to start our family. “We have both worked closely with children in professional settings and have so much love for our various Niblings, we knew from experience that biological connection is in no way essential for strong and loving familial relationships to flourish. “We decided to give ourselves some time to recover emotionally from the IVF process so we could start our adoption journey the following year. “We actually came across PACT purely by chance at The Fertility Show in November 2019. We happened to stroll past PACT’s stand and thought we would quickly stop by to gather some information. “The person we spoke to was very welcoming and provided us with some information that we could take away, as well as details about a forthcoming information event which would be taking place in the new year. “We both had a really good feeling from this brief informal chat, so decided we had nothing to lose by signing up to attend the information evening to find out more. “Our daughter came to live with us in November 2020. Like a tiny firework she exploded in to our home on Bonfire Night. After a few days of settling in it felt like she’d always been with us, and we couldn’t really remember what life had been like before she was with us. “She is funny, smart, brave, and incredibly friendly (she says ‘hiya’ to literally everyone she meets!) Her favourite things at the moment are reading books, going to soft play, searching for the Gruffalo, and eating as much gingerbread as humanly possible.” PACT, like many other adoption agencies, encourages people who have experienced unsuccessful fertility treatments to take six months after the last treatment before embarking on the adoption process, to process to that loss. However, whatever stage you are at in your thinking about the right way to grow your family, our friendly enquiries team are happy to help answer any questions you may have, whether you are ready to consider moving forward now with adoption or you are at the early stages of information gathering. You are also very welcome to join one of our no-pressure [information events](/adoption/information-events/) (currently online); please book your place with the enquiries team by completing our [enquiry form](/adoption-enquiry/). We are very much looking forward to being able to meet people in person next year at The Fertility Show. *\*Names changed for confidentiality purposes* **Categories:** Blog --- ### [PACT calls for key workers to consider adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-calls-for-key-workers-to-consider-adoption/) **Published:** November 17, 2022 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** PACT is appealing from people from keyworker professions to consider adoption **Content:** Adoption charity Parents And Children Together (PACT) is appealing for people from key worker professions to consider adoption. The agency would really like to hear from key workers such as nurses, teachers, police officers, social workers, doctors, ambulance staff, childminders and those in the care sector, as given their professional experience and skills they typically make strong adopters, and they are particularly valued by local authorities looking to place a child. [Rated outstanding by Ofsted](/about-us/our-story/pact-ofsted-inspection/) and offering its families specialist [adoption support services](/adoption-support/) for life, PACT has been building and strengthening families since 1911. Last year it placed 84 children with 55 families through its adoption services. PACT is a warm, welcoming and professional agency open to a wide range of people including couples or single people, people from Black, mixed and minority ethnic backgrounds and LGBT+ people. In particular, PACT is looking for people who can consider adopting [children who wait the longest](/adoption/children-waiting/) in care such as children aged over four years old, sibling groups of two or more children, children from Black, mixed or minority ethnic backgrounds and children who may have physical or learning disabilities. Nicola\* and her husband Mike\* adopted Amelia\*, who has cerebral palsy, when she was 18 months old through PACT. Nicola, who is a teacher, said she definitely felt that her professional experience had helped her become an adoptive parent. “Having worked with children for many years, from a variety of backgrounds, I had a good understanding of children’s needs and child development. I had also seen so many children change in such a positive way when they get the right teacher. I felt I could relate this to parenting. “I had a good understanding of the need to have firm, fair boundaries for children and I understood children thrive with clear routine that is based on love and respect. Working in a school helped me develop the patience I needed to help our child through the tough times, and to understand all children can change for the better when they know you believe in them.” Nicola added that her understanding and awareness of the systems that surround children, especially children with additional needs, had also really helped when they needed to get support for Amelia. Jill\* and her husband Sean\* adopted William\* through PACT when he was 16 months. The couple had two older birth children following IVF treatment but really wanted another child. They had always been open to the idea of adopting, having previously considered it. They decided to adopt, and given Jill’s experience as a special needs teacher of many years, they were keen to adopt a child with additional needs. Jill said: “It just seemed like the obvious, right thing for us to do.” The couple chose to adopt through PACT because of the post-placement support the agency offered, as they knew they would likely need this if they did adopt a child with special needs. Jill said her professional experience had helped, certainly initially when reading William’s profile and understanding what the realities of his condition might mean in practical terms. Talking about meeting their son William for the first time Jill said: “I work with children and know I can strike up a rapport with kids really well but it has never mattered as much before. But he liked us, and his foster carer was brilliant, she made it as easy as possible for him and us. “He was so cute, just adorable. I’ve got a big smile on my face now just remembering it.” William settled really well with the family, and has made fantastic progress since being placed with them. “At 16 months he wasn’t even sitting up, we were told he might not walk or talk. He’s come on massively and is now walking and talking, and goes to a mainstream school with one-to-one support. “It has been a huge team effort, with lots of support from physiotherapists and speech therapists, but we know that if he had stayed in care he wouldn’t be where he is now. “Being a parent to a child with special needs is completely different to teaching a child with special needs. “Yes, it can be hard work and you have to be realistic about that, but he just has an incredible ability to live life in the moment. “ Elaine\* and her husband Joe\* adopted three siblings, all under four years old, through PACT Elaine has been a police officer for 13 years, specialising as a detective. She said this role, and other cases she dealt with as an officer, had given her a real insight into family life when things go wrong, and how children can be at risk. “I dealt with many situations that would open your eyes to the world and understand how adoption has become the only option for a child.” Elaine said her professional experience and training had really helped her deal with the initial stages of the adoption process, but also in understanding how important it was for children to have a stable and secure start to their life. She urged anyone considering adoption to find out more, adding: “It is not for everyone but might actually be for you and the results will surprise you. Children deserve to have a safe, loving home and can give you and your family so much. “We have had our lives enriched by three fabulous babies and our entire network of friends and family have learnt and embraced adoption through our journey. Parenting is tricky for everyone, don’t be scared, enjoy it!” PACT Chief Executive Jan Fishwick said: “While there is no such thing as a typical adopter we know from our many years’ experience of matching children with permanent and loving families that people who work in a caring profession very often have the experience, skills and qualities to make excellent adopters. “Having said that we are always very happy to hear from anyone, whatever their profession, who can offer love, stability and security to a child who needs this – this is always what matters most. “At PACT we work with adopters who are single and married, people who have birth or step-children, or don’t have children, as well as those of different sexualities and religions.” PACT holds regular [information events](/adoption/information-events/) where anyone considering adoption can find out more about what’s involved in the [adoption process](/adoption/adoption-process/) and hear from an adopter about their own experiences. Currently these events are online and free to attend but please do book a place in advance by calling the friendly enquiries team on 0300 456 4800 or completing PACT’s [online enquiry form](/adoption-enquiry/). *\*Names changed for confidentiality purposes* **Categories:** News --- ### [Blog: From Events Volunteer to Enquiries Officer](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-from-events-volunteer-to-enquiries-officer/) **Published:** June 12, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Anna Webster works as an adoption enquiries officer for PACT. She first became involved with PACT four years ago when she was looking for volunteering roles while at university. **Content:** *By Anna Webster* Anna Webster works as an adoption enquiries officer for PACT. She first became involved with PACT four years ago when she was looking for volunteering roles while at university. After contacting PACT and applying to become a volunteer, Anna began working with the events team at their [adoption information events](/adoption/information-events/) where she would welcome and chat to attendees interested in exploring adoption as a path to parenthood. This role suited her well as she had some previous experience of working with adopted children. Anna said: > I really enjoyed speaking to prospective adopters and I felt extremely well supported and looked after by the PACT team!” In 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began, PACT moved all its information events online. Anna was still keen to be involved with PACT so she continued to volunteer in a different role, helping the adoption team with some administration. A little while later, Anna finished her university degree and began searching for jobs. A paid position had recently become available in PACT’s enquiries team and one of Anna’s colleagues at PACT encouraged her to apply for the role. Anna said: > Having volunteered with PACT for a few years, I had seen what a friendly, kind and worthwhile organisation it was, therefore, applying for this job felt right for me.” She interviewed for the role and was thrilled to be appointed to the position in 2022. She said: > I now am happily working within the enquiries team, talking to and helping enquirers on their journeys to become PACT adopters.” PACT has many different [voluntary roles](/careers/volunteers/) across all its teams and can provide volunteers with a fantastic range of opportunities and support to enable them to develop new skills and gain valuable on-the-job experience. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at PACT, [find out more about volunteering today](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/) or get in touch with our team at . **Categories:** Blog --- ## Pages ### [Homepage](https://www.pactcharity.org/) **Published:** June 30, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # We are # supportrespectinnovationcommunityPACT #### Building adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents to embrace a positive future  ## Adoption --- Independent, outstanding-rated adoption charity creating families across the south east and supporting them for life [ Find out more  ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/) ## CATCH --- Our online Children And Trauma Community Hub for families and professionals providing trauma-informed care for children [ Find out more  ](/adoption-support/catch/) ## Bounce Back 4 Kids --- Our therapeutic recovery programme supporting children affected by trauma caused by domestic abuse [ Find out more  ](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/) ## Alana House --- Our community project supporting and empowering women facing multiple disadvantages [ Find out more  ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/)  ## A Magical Christmas at the Minster Believe in the magic of Christmas and celebrate the festive season with us this year at Reading Minster. Tickets are now available for our relaxed, interactive, family-friendly event featuring some fantastic local performers and classic carols. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/carols/) ## Could you be the family Lily and Rose are waiting for? Twins Lily and Rose are looking for a loving and committed adoptive family who can help them grow, flourish, and experience the world around them. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/lilyandrose)   ## Support us There are so many ways to support PACT’s work. You could make a donation, take part in a fundraising event or ask your company to choose PACT as their charity partner. [Find out more](/support-us/) ## See the impact of our work “The children are all achieving incredible things at school and doing after school activities, but most of all they’re just enjoying every minute of their childhood in such a more relaxed and happy environment.” – BB4K parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)    ## Visit our shop Buy a copy of our Alana House recipe book, order art prints created by Alana House women or see our range of unique virtual gifts [Browse our shop](https://www.pactcharity.org/shop/) ## Adopter stories Stories from some of the many families who have adopted with PACT [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/) ## Adopter stories Stories from some of the many families who have adopted with PACT [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [## Aidan and Julien adopted their son through PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/)Aidan\* and Julien\* adopted their son Casey\* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [## Mia and Sai adopted their son Ebi](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/)Five-year-old Ebi\* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia\* and Sai\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [## Alice and Ethan adopted twins with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/)Parents Alice\* and Ethan\* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla\* and Poppy\*, nine years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [## Finn attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/)Finn\* was adopted when he was three years old along with his older brother. He is now 16 and attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [## Sonya and Alison adopted Micah at 10 months old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/)Micah\* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya\* and Alison\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [## Olivia attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/)Olivia\* was adopted through PACT when she was just over a year old. She is now 18 and attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) ## Alana House stories The latest stories from women who have been supported by Alana House, PACT women’s community project that uses a holistic and trauma-informed approach to support and empower women facing multiple disadvantages. [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-stories/) - [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/assias-story/) ## Assia’s story Assia\* was referred to Alana House by her Brighter Futures Family Worker. Since attending Alana House, her feelings of isolation have reduced. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/assias-story/) - [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/gemmas-story/) ## Gemma’s story Gemma\* was referred to Alana House by a midwifery team from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. With support from an Alana House key worker, Gemma has been able to make positive changes to her life… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/gemmas-story/) ## BB4K stories Stories from families who have been supported by Bounce Back 4 Kids, PACT’s domestic abuse recovery programme that uses therapeutic techniques to support children who have been affected by or witnessed domestic abuse. [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-stories/) - [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/caitlin-and-her-two-children-received-support-from-bb4k/) ## Caitlin and her two children received support from BB4K Caitlin\* and her two children, Evie\* and Luna\*, were referred to PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids programme after leaving her ex-partner following domestic abuse. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/caitlin-and-her-two-children-received-support-from-bb4k/) - [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/laura-and-her-four-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) ## Laura and her four children were supported by BB4K Laura\* and her four children received support from BB4K after experiencing sustained emotional abuse, economic abuse and coercive abuse from the children’s father. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/laura-and-her-four-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) ## Check out PACT’s latest news [](https://www.pactcharity.org/welcoming-emma-to-the-early-education-pathways-project-eep/) Latest News | 28th September, 2026 [## Welcoming Emma to the Early Education Pathways Project (EEP)](https://www.pactcharity.org/welcoming-emma-to-the-early-education-pathways-project-eep/)PACT has welcomed a new team member to help drive its innovative new project to provide adoptive parents with education support. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/welcoming-emma-to-the-early-education-pathways-project-eep/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/this-september-is-free-wills-month/) Latest News | 7th September, 2026 [## This September is Free Wills Month](https://www.pactcharity.org/this-september-is-free-wills-month/)PACT has partnered with Octopus Legacy to make creating your will quick, free and easy. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/this-september-is-free-wills-month/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-a-day-in-the-life-of-the-alana-house-team-leader/) Latest News | 2nd September, 2026 [## Blog: A day in the life of the Alana House Team Leader](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-a-day-in-the-life-of-the-alana-house-team-leader/)What makes Alana House special? Team Leader Lynda shares her experience of supporting women, leading a passionate team, and celebrating the life-changing progress that women make every day. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-a-day-in-the-life-of-the-alana-house-team-leader/) [See all news](/category/news/) [See all blogs](/category/blog/) ## Would you like more information on adoption? Talk to our friendly enquiries team or book to come to an information event [Find out more](/adoption-enquiry/) --- ### [A magical Christmas at the Minster tickets](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/a-magical-christmas-at-the-minster-tickets/) **Published:** September 16, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Book your tickets for A Magical Christmas at the Minster! We are delighted to invite you to celebrate the festive season with us this year at Reading Minster! **❄️** Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon of music, performances and Christmas reflections to celebrate and raise money for PACT’s life-changing work with women, children, families and the local community. Read more about the incredible line-up [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/carols/). **📅 Saturday 5th December, Reading Minster (RG1 2HX), 4pm-5.30pm** (Refreshments served from 3pm) --- ### [Current Opportunities](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/current-opportunities/) **Published:** August 10, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Current opportunities Our current vacancies are advertised below. If you are interested in joining the PACT team as a volunteer we also have [volunteer positions available](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/). We are also looking for [contractors](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/self-employed-workers/). To apply for any of our roles, please fill in the online application form below the role description. Please do not submit your CV, only completed application forms will be accepted.  Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards. We expect all employees, both current and prospective, to uphold and share this commitment and we value everyone’s engagement and co-operation with our safeguarding processes to ensure that these are completed without delay. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These enquiries include providing documentation to evidence the right to work in the UK, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check (if applicable), references covering at least 5 years, a complete previous education and employment history timeline and the completion of mandatory safeguarding training. Further information is available here – See PACT’s [Safeguarding policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/), [Safer Recruitment Procedure](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Safer-Recruitment-procedure.docx) and [Code of Conduct](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Code-of-conduct.docx). All opportunities are based in the UK. If you have any queries, please contact our friendly HR team who will be available to help you from the first step and through the recruitment process. Please email [PACT\_HR@pactcharity.org](mailto:PACT_HR@pactcharity.org) or telephone [0118 402 1681](). Thank you for considering joining our fantastic PACT team. We look forward to hearing from you! *If we require agency support, we will reach out to you directly. Thank you.* [## Senior Placements Officer, Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/senior-placements-officer-adoption/)--- **Location:** Reading, with hybrid working arrangements and a minimum of one day a week in our Reading office and one day per month in our London office **Contract type:** Permanent **Hours per week:** Part time 30 hours a week over 5 days Monday to Friday **Salary:** Pro-rata salary range of £24,946 to £30,489 per annum (Full time equivalent salary range £30,768 – £37,604 per annum) **Closing date:** 9am, Friday 23 October 2026 We are looking for a part-time Senior Placements Officer to join our dedicated Adoption team. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/senior-placements-officer-adoption/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Hertfordshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-hertfordshire/) **Published:** September 21, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Hertfordshire ## You can adopt If you live in Hertfordshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Milton Keynes who work across Hertfordshire to recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Watford, Rickmansworth, Borehamwood, Potter’s Bar, Hertsmere, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamstead and Tring.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done! Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Coventry](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-coventry/) **Published:** September 21, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Coventry ## You can adopt If you live in Coventry and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Milton Keynes who work across Coventry to recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Coventry, Kenilworth, Stoneleigh, Ryton-on-Dunsmore and Finham.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done! Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Leicester](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-leicester/) **Published:** September 21, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Leicester ## You can adopt If you live in Leicester and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Milton Keynes who work across Leicester to recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Leicester, Hinckley, Wigston Magna and Market Harborough.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done! Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [PACT Adoption Training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # PACT adoption training PACT offers a range of adoption training courses for prospective and approved PACT families. All adoption training is free to attend for PACT adopters and there is no limit on the number of courses that can be attended. Our adoption training normally takes place online, or in one of our offices in London, Reading, Milton Keynes or Brighton. To find out more about our current adoption training courses, click on the links below. If you would like to receive further information or attend any of these free courses run by PACT please email or call 0300 456 4800. PACT also runs support events for [adoptive parents](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/), [events for adopted children](/adoption-support/events-children-teens/) and [family events](/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/ "Post adoption services and support: What can you expect?"). If you are an organisation interested in commissioning PACT to deliver any of our training please [contact us](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/). ## Current training courses  ## Family and Friends webinar --- This on-demand video recording is designed for the relatives and close friends of PACT’s adoptive families. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/family-and-friends-webinar/) ## Talking with Children about Adoption training --- Training to assist you to help your child understand their life story through play and other techniques. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/talking-to-children-about-adoption-course/) ## Becoming a Blended Family film and webinar --- The course is designed for prospective adopters, who already have children, in stage 1 and stage 2 of the assessment process, or recently approved prior to placement, who have existing children (birth or adopted) in their family. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/becoming-a-blended-family-film-webinar/) ## Navigating the Education System workshop --- This online workshop is led by PACT’s Education Specialist Amy. The session aimed to give adopters the knowledge and confidence to navigate the education system and advocate effectively for their children. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/navigating-the-education-system/) ## First year in adoption --- PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are piloting an exciting new workshop that aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/first-year-in-adoption/) ## Sensory processing workshop --- What is your child’s nervous system trying to tell you? A supportive and interactive sensory processing parent workshop exploring the common sensory preferences, patterns and behavioural responses we might see at home. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/sensory-processing-workshop/) ## Maintaining relationships workshop --- Support your child’s identity and wellbeing through meaningful connections with birth family and significant others. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/maintaining-relationships-workshop/) ## Preparation training --- The preparation course is for all PACT prospective adopters to complete in stage 1 of the adoption process. The course is run over four days (two days face-to-face and two days online) [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/preparation-training/) ## Early permanence training --- This course is designed for prospective and approved adopters to better understand what early permanence entails so that they can make an informed decision as to whether it is an option they wish to consider. [Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/early-permanence-training/) --- ### [Refer yourself](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-yourself/) **Published:** November 2, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Refer yourself to Alana House for support If you would like to refer yourself for support from Alana House, please read through the infomation on this page and then click ‘Begin referral’. You will be directed to our online referral form. If you are unable to complete the form or would like to speak to the team at Alana House please call us on [0118 921 7640](tel:01189217640). **PLEASE NOTE We are currently accepting self-referrals only from:** - Women who are currently justice involved, or who have had justice system involvement within the previous 12 months who reside in Berkshire, Oxford City and South Oxfordshire.. - Women who have been told about Alana House whilst attending any setting with the Royal Berkshire Hospital  ### The support we offer includes: - [One-to-one support](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/one-to-one-support/ "Individual support") with a friendly, dedicated support worker – find out more about our team [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/meet-the-alana-house-team/) - A range of [groups and courses](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/ "groups and courses") on topics such as job skills, parenting, healing from trauma and moving onto independent living - Drop in sessions focused on well-being, strengthening confidence and self-esteem - [Community café](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/community-cafe/ "Community café") with the chance to gain a food hygiene qualification and train as a volunteer barista, serving hot drinks and cakes at our weekly cafés - Access to other services through [partnerships](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/partner-agencies/ "partnerships") with specialist agencies - Referrals to counselling service held at Alana House - Practical help e.g. use of washing machine, computers, emergency food parcels - Crèche facilities for some courses and groups All groups, courses and sessions are available by appointment only to those who have been referred to Alana House. To refer yourself, please click below to fill our online referral form or call us on [0118 921 7640](tel:01189217640). **Please note:** Google has made changes which are affecting some emails from being received. If you have a **Gmail account** and you choose for us to contact you by email, **please check your spam or junk folder for messages from our team.** You can also set up a filter to always allow emails from us. Instructions on how to do this are [further down this page](#filter). **We are unable to proceed with referrals if a contact number or an email address is not provided for the referred person.** --- [Click to begin referral](https://lamplight.online/in/nL2vy/d056ef839ee0921bb6dc816ac93ea94023d700429bad35e9ade46c83adde0396) --- ### Set up a Gmail filter to always allow emails from our team  To prevent messages from our team going to your spam or junk folders, take the following steps: 1. Open Gmail on your phone or computer 2. In the search box, click the filter icon on the right of the box to show search options 3. In the ‘From’ field, enter **pactcharity.org** 4. At the bottom of the search window, click ‘Create filter’ 5. A list of options will appear asking you which action you would like to take for these email addresses. Choose ‘Never sent it to Spam’ to make sure emails from our team always arrive in your inbox. 6. Clicke ‘Create filter’ to save the filter Further guidance about creating and managing Gmail filters can be found [here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6579?hl=en-GB). If you have any trouble completing our referral form or you do not hear back from our team within a week, please call us on [0118 921 7640](tel:01189217640).  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Meet the Alana House Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/meet-the-alana-house-team/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Meet the Alana House team Our team are all experienced and dedicated professionals who are passionate about supporting women to make positive changes in their lives and achieve their goals. To contact the team, please call 0118 921 7640 or email  ## Sabina ### Alana House Manager “Alana House is a precious and important resource for many vulnerable women in our community. I am very proud to be part of the team, the professionalism, compassion and supportive approaches demonstrated by the staff at Alana House make a real difference in empowering women to change their lives.” ## Lynda ### Alana House Team Leader “I feel very honoured to be the Team Leader at Alana House. We are a ‘small team that does a big job’ in terms of empowering women, via a trauma informed approach, to make sustainable and positive changes to their lives. Alana House is very fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers without which we would not be able to provide the level of support or activities to our service users.” ## Maisie ### Administrative Lead and Volunteer Co-ordinator “What I enjoy about my role is meeting new people each day and seeing how the Alana House team make an impact on people’s lives.” ## Sarah ### Lead Keyworker and IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) “I enjoy my role at Alana House as I get to be part of a supportive journey alongside women who are experiencing complex needs. I get to see them improve their lives and accomplish positive changes” ## Safiya ### Alana House Team Leader “I enjoy supporting people to overcome their barriers and help them to see their true potential to the point where they no longer require support services anymore.” ## Jodie ### Keyworker “I enjoy working at Alana House as I get to be part of something that creates real and lasting change in women’s lives whether this be through providing one-to-one support, group work or simply a safe space. I know the work we do makes a difference and I am lucky to be part of a space where women can reclaim their voice, their rights, and their futures.” ## Giulia ### Communities Data Officer “I like working with databases and compiling reports that show the fantastic achievements of the communities services and the impact of the work that my colleagues do!” ## Georgie ### Alana House Administrator “I really enjoy working with and supporting an amazing team at Alana House who empower women in our community to make positive changes to their lives. I love meeting the women and engaging with them at our community café, as well as being on the end of the phone to anyone who needs support.” ## Hannah ### Keyworker and IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) “Hands down my favourite part of my role is seeing a woman for the first (or in a long) time achieve something or discover an opportunity she never thought was possible or open to her. To sit in a room with a woman who feels more in control of her life and her choices is a total privilege.” ## Priya ### Keyworker “I’m constantly inspired by the strength and resilience of women I work with. The sense of community here is incredible- it’s a space filled with compassion, resilience and hope and I feel proud to be a part of it.” ## Georgia ### Keyworker “Working at Alana House is incredibly rewarding, knowing that we are able to create a safe space for women and seeing them uplift and empower one another, especially in our community café and groups is amazing.” ## Louise ### Volunteer “I enjoy working with people and this is an opportunity to join an organisation making a difference to a wide variety of children, families and vulnerable women. I have always felt welcome and valued.” ## Jane ### Volunteer “Alana House is an amazing place that provides such an incredible service to the women and I feel so proud to be part of a brilliant team.” ## Lisa ### Counsellor and Facilitator “I began at Alana House as a counsellor and now facilitate The Foundations Programme. The women often tell me what a lifeline Alana House and the team are, and I’m proud to support them as part of such a brilliant, life-changing service.” ## Javairia ### Baking volunteer “It has been really rewarding seeing the women learning new skills in the kitchen. I am so pleased with how willing they have been to try new things and how quickly they picked up techniques which they could then go on to recreate with their families.” ## Carol ### Professor of education and Alana House volunteer “I am inspired by the work at Alana house and the women I meet there. The warm atmosphere, communal spirit as well as the tempting smells of coffee and cake leave me feeling lucky to be connected.” ## Georgina ### Sewing volunteer “I really enjoy running the sewing classes at Alana House. Seeing the women gain confidence as they learn new skills and create something they can use or give to someone is great.” ## Volunteering At Alana House Reading PACT is enormously grateful for the time, skills and talents given freely by the range of volunteers working with us today. The families we work with and the whole workforce benefit from the life experience and generosity that our volunteers bring to their work. “From the get-go, getting to know service users and being able to understand their needs and then learning how best to support them was one of the most enjoyable aspects. Volunteering with PACT taught me more than I ever expected it to. I believe that equally these clients helped me develop and learn as much as I helped them. It was the perfect way to spend my time and I valued every minute of it. “ **An Alana House volunteer** Our volunteering opportunities at Alana House Reading include roles supporting women with specific skills, for example opening a bank account, supporting with group work and we are particularly keen to hear from women with lived experience who feel that are in a place where they are able to support others. [Find out more about volunteering](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/volunteer-with-pact/)   ## Support us PACT could not continue its vital work with vulnerable women without your support. Whether you are an individual, part of a group, a company, a church or a school there are many ways in which you can help us make a difference. Find more information on fundraising ideas and how to make a donation to PACT and Alana House. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/)  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Gifts in wills](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/wills/) **Published:** September 11, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Remember PACT today and help children, families and women embrace a brighter tomorrow Writing a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. 💙 PACT has partnered with Octopus Legacy to make the process simple, secure, and free. In as little as 15 minutes, you can create a legal will, which will then be checked by their legal experts and sent to you for the required signatures. Octopus Legacy is flexible and can do this over the phone, email or with a home visit. There is no obligation to leave PACT a gift in your will, the service remains free whatever you decide. [Register for your free will](https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?utm_source=charity&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=charitybau-pact&utm_term=bau-na&utm_content=na-generic-website-1)  ## Your legacy will change lives If you decide to leave a gift to PACT in your will, no matter the size, you’ll be helping us continue our vital work supporting children, families and women affected by trauma. Your kindness could help: - Children recover from trauma and abuse through therapeutic support - Adoptive families access expert advice and guidance throughout their journey - Women overcome homelessness, addiction, and abuse through life-changing therapy - Survivors of domestic abuse receive essentials like food and clothing at critical moments - Children express their emotions through creative activities and play Octopus Legacy also provide the option to amend existing wills to include a gift to PACT. Please contact them for more information.  ## How it works With Octopus Legacy, you can create your will online, by phone or face-to-face with expert support every step of the way. From your first conversation to final signatures Octopus Legacy will ensure your wishes are clearly stated and legally sound. Here’s what to expect: - A friendly consultation to understand your needs - Guidance to help you express your wishes clearly - Legal checks to ensure everything is in order - Secure digital signing and storage [Download our free wills guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PACT-Octopus-Free-wills-pack-2026-3.pdf) ## Frequently asked questions ### Why do I need a will?  A will ensures your wishes are clearly understood—from how your estate is distributed to personal touches like funeral arrangements. It protects your loved ones and avoids complications from intestacy laws. ### How much will it cost?  Standard wills are provided free of charge through our will–writing partner Octopus Legacy, If your circumstances mean you need a different type of will, this could incur a cost. ### How long does it take?  Most people complete their will online in 15 minutes. ### Do I have to leave a gift to PACT?  There is no obligation to leave a gift in your will to PACT but we hope that, if you use this service, you will consider supporting us. ### What’s the process?  If you want to make your will over the phone or in person call Octopus Legacy on [**020 4525 3605**](tel:02045253605). If you want to write your will online, click [**here**](https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?utm_source=charity&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=charitybau-pact&utm_term=bau-na&utm_content=na-generic-website-1) to claim your will for free. The process will involve answering five simple questions to ensure the right will is created for you. Once completed, Octopus Legacy will review it to make sure it reflects your wishes. You will be sent a copy of your will with instructions on how to have it witnessed and signed to make it legally binding. Octopus Legacy will provide support online or over the phone if you have any questions. ### How can I include PACT in my will?  You can choose to leave a **residual gift** (a percentage of your estate) or a **pecuniary gift** (a fixed amount). Any gift, large or small will help us continue our transformative work. ### How will my gift help PACT?  Your legacy will support PACT’s direct services for children, families, and women; **ensuring we remain a trusted, innovative and sustainable charity for years to come.** Read about all the ways we make a difference [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/). ### What information will I need to leave a gift to PACT in my will?  If you choose to leave us a gift in your will, you’ll need to include our name, address, and registered charity number: Parents And Children Together (legally known as the Oxford Diocesan Council for Social Work Inc) 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading RG1 4QS Registered Charity no. 285214 ### Should I inform you if I have left a gift to PACT?  If you have decided to remember us in this special way, it would be really appreciated if you could let us know. It gives us the opportunity to thank you for the important decision you have made, and keep you informed about our plans for the future. ### What about inheritance tax?  Inheritance tax is charged on the portion of your estate that exceeds a certain value at the time of your death. A gift to charity in your will is tax-free and could reduce the amount of inheritance tax due. Also, under current law, if you leave 10% of your estate to charity, it may reduce the overall rate of inheritance tax to be paid. We recommend talking to a solicitor or financial advisor as the rules around inheritance tax can change, and everyone’s circumstances are different. [Find a local solicitor](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en). ## Octopus Legacy’s free wills explained ## Thank you Thank you for considering a gift to PACT in your will. Your generosity will help build brighter futures for generations to come. 🌟 If you have any questions or would like to let us know about a gift in your will, please contact . We’d love to thank you personally and ensure your wishes are honoured.  --- ### [Contractors](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/contractors/) **Published:** August 10, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Contractors #### PACT is looking for exceptional contractors across the South-East. Caseloads are flexible and can be arranged to fit around other commitments. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards. We expect all contractors, both current and prospective, to uphold and share this commitment and we value everyone’s engagement and co-operation with our safeguarding processes to ensure that these are completed without delay. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These enquiries include providing documentation to evidence the right to work in the UK, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check (if applicable), references covering at least 5 years, a complete previous education and employment history timeline and the completion of mandatory safeguarding training. Further information is available here – See PACT’s [Safeguarding policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/), [Safer Recruitment Procedure ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Safer-Recruitment-procedure.docx)and [Code of Conduct](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Code-of-conduct.docx).  If you have any queries, please contact our friendly HR team who will be available to help you from the first step and through the recruitment process. Please email [PACT\_HR@pactcharity.org](mailto:PACT_HR@pactcharity.org) or telephone [0118 402 1681](). Thank you for considering joining our fantastic PACT team. We look forward to hearing from you! *If we require agency support, we will reach out to you directly. Thank you.* [## Independent Adoption Social Workers](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/independent-adoption-social-workers-2/)--- We are currently looking for Independent Social Workers based in the following areas to undertake adoption assessments: Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Peterborough. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/independent-adoption-social-workers-2/) --- ### [A Magical Christmas at the Minster 2026](https://www.pactcharity.org/carols/) **Published:** August 23, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # A Magical Christmas at the Minster #### *Believe in the magic of Christmas* We are delighted to invite you to celebrate the festive season with us this year at Reading Minster. Join us for a relaxed, interactive, family-friendly event featuring some fantastic local performers and classic carols. ** Saturday 5th December 2026 📍 Reading Minster, Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX ⭐ Refreshments from 3pm with the main event taking place at 4pm-5.30pm** We have a range of tickets available, including £3 tickets for children, £12 tickets for adults and various family options! Children (and adults!) are encouraged to dress up in festive clothes and accessories and join in the fun. All proceeds will go towards PACT’s work supporting children, families and our local community. **Ticket bookings close at 11.59pm Friday 4th December.** If you have any questions, please email [**Julie.Maclean@pactcharity.org**](mailto:Julie.Maclean@pactcharity.org). We can’t wait to watch the Christmas magic unfold! 🌟🎄 [Book your tickets](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/a-magical-christmas-at-the-minster-tickets/) ## We are delighted to be joined this year by…  ### Readiophonics [Readiophonics](https://www.youtube.com/@readiophonics) is an award-winning a capella community vocal group based in Reading, who recently celebrated their tenth anniversary.  ### Universal Voices [Universal Voices](https://www.facebook.com/UniRdgUV/?locale=en_GB) is a community choir open to all boys and girls aged 7-12 at the Institute of Education, University of Reading.  ### Nolan Chenchery [Nolan](https://m.youtube.com/@nolansnotes) is a 17-year-old composer and musician from Reading. He is passionate about creating and performing music!  ### Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band [Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band](https://www.wokinghambrassband.com/) is Berkshire’s premier brass band, bringing a wide variety of music to the community since 1931. They were promoted to 1st section in 2025.  ### Compere ### Chief Elf Ben Ben Stone, who works in PACT’s Digital Hub team, will be our cheeky elf running the show this year! ## Take a watch of last year’s event! ,, ## I really enjoyed the \[PACT\] carol concert. It was a lovely friendly event, and we felt welcome from the moment we arrived. I enjoyed listening to the local choirs and joining in with the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ – it felt like a proper community event. Mum of PACT volunteer and carol concert attendee ## I have had the pleasure of attending PACT’s annual Carol Concert for many years. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season and without doubt it is the most heartwarming and uplifting family event. It is made all the more moving by the range of contributors, music and location. PACT volunteer and carol concert attendee ## This is a family-friendly, inspiring and positive event which fills me with such joy every time I attend. There is something so special about the location, the singing and happiness that you see at this event. I love to volunteer and know that I am contributing to amazing work one raffle ticket at a time! PACT volunteer and carol concert attendee ## Tell your friends and family! [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/carols2025/) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/support-us/carols2025/) [Share via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/carols2025) --- ### [Finding Families Together](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/finding-families-together/) **Published:** January 29, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Finding Families Together PACT provides a targeted family finding service called Finding Families Together to local authorities for children who have been waiting a long time to be adopted. These children available for adoption are often older or have additional needs and PACT is passionate about finding the very best family for them. Children PACT family finds for will have undergone a full assessment and will have a tailored support package in place, including access to PACT’s strengthening families team and specialist therapeutic support service FACTS. Families adopting through PACT will have adoption training and support through all stages of the adoption process and after placement. To find out more about adopting with PACT see our [adoption pages](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/). If you are a local authority who would like to find out more about PACT’s Finding Families Together adoption service please email PACT’s Assistant Service Director, Mandy Davies. [Email Mandy](mailto:%20mandy.davies@pactcharity.org?subject=Finding%20Families%20Together)  --- ### [Adopting siblings](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-siblings/) **Published:** October 28, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopting siblings #### **“Three is amazing, challenging and the best thing ever for both the kids and us”** *PACT adopter Laura* ### Could you adopt brothers and sisters and keep them together? Often there are groups of brothers and/or sisters in care who really need to be kept together for a sibling adoption. PACT adoption is looking for some very special adopters who can take a sibling group of two or three children. Last year, **44%** of the children PACT placed in loving families were in sibling groups. Finding adopters with the skills and space for more than one child is crucial so that these brothers and sisters can be adopted together. PACT is looking for a range of adopters from all backgrounds who can consider welcoming siblings into their homes.  ## Frequently asked questions about adopting siblings ### Can I adopt siblings together?  Yes. In the UK, you can adopt siblings together if you meet the general adoption criteria. There are many sibling groups of two, three or more children waiting for adoption so we actively encourage people who want to become a parent through adoption to consider adopting more than one child, if they are able to, and help keep brothers and sisters together. ### What is the eligibility for adopting siblings?  To be eligible to adopt children in the UK, couples and individuals must the following criteria: - Being over 21 years old. - Having the ability to provide a stable and loving home for a child. - Passing the necessary background checks and assessments. ### Can I choose how many brothers or sisters I adopt?  Yes, you can choose how many brothers or sisters you adopt. You can express your preferences during the adoption process, including the number of children you feel able to care for. Your social worker will help you assess what’s realistic based on your circumstances. ### Is it better to adopt siblings together or separately?  Where possible, it’s generally considered better for[ siblings to stay together through adoption.](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-support-for-sibling-adoption/) There is a particular need for families willing to adopt brothers and sisters together as maintaining their bond can offer emotional support and ease transitions. Separation is only considered when it’s in the children’s best interests. ### What are the benefits of adopting siblings together?  Adopting siblings helps keep family bonds intact and can reduce trauma caused by separation. It also avoids multiple adoption processes and helps children settle more easily when they stay with people they know and trust. ### Can I adopt siblings if I’m single or live alone?  Yes. Single people can adopt siblings, as long as you can meet the emotional, physical, and practical needs of the children. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable, and loving home. ### Do I need a bigger home to adopt brothers and sisters?  You don’t need a large house to adopt siblings, but you’ll need at least one spare room to ensure there is enough space for each child to have their own bed and privacy. Your social workers will help assess your living space during the adoption process. ### How long does the process take to adopt siblings?  The adoption process for siblings typically takes 6–12 months. This includes preparation, assessment, and matching. However, timescales can vary depending on the needs of the children and your individual circumstances. ### How can I prepare my home and family for adopting brothers and sisters?  You can prepare your home by making space for each child and talking openly with other family members. PACT’s training and support groups offered during the adoption process will help you build confidence and prepare emotionally. ### What support is available when adopting siblings?  Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, PACT offers specialist therapeutic support. All PACT adopters have access to a [wide range of adoption support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) including [training, ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/)[adopter support groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/), [education support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/), activities for children, access to our online support platform [Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/)and PACT’s [Family And Children Therapeutic Support (](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/)[FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/)[)](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/). If you’d like to have a chat about starting your adoption process, you can speak to a member of [PACT’s enquiries team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "PACT’s enquiries team"). They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT Adoption Information Event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) , where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Our Enquiries Line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You can also [fill in our enquiry form here](/contact-us/#form "https://www.pactcharity.org/callback-enquiry"). ## Talking Adoption show In this episode, PACT’s team chatted with two parents who chose to adopt siblings. To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) ## Read the stories of families who adopted siblings with PACT ## Read the stories of families who adopted siblings with PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [## Alice and Ethan adopted twins with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/)Parents Alice\* and Ethan\* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla\* and Poppy\*, nine years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/) [## Adopting siblings: Mariana and Rob’s experience adopting sisters with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/)Mariana\* and her partner Rob\* adopted two girls through PACT in 2019. Their children, Isla\* and Evie\*, are now five and three years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/) [## Adopting siblings as a same-sex couple: How Ellie and Andrea adopted three children under five with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/)Ellie\* and Andrea\* adopted two brothers and a sister. Their children came home to them when they were aged one, two and four years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [## Same sex adoption: Mel and Julia’s experience adopting two boys with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/)Julia\* and Mel\* are a lesbian couple who adopted two boys, aged 20 months and six months, through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/) [## David and Hannah adopted three children under four years old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/)Curate David\* and his wife Hannah\* adopted three children under four years old through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/gemma-and-phil-adopted-five-year-old-emily/) [## Gemma and Phil adopted five year-old Emily and her baby brother](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/gemma-and-phil-adopted-five-year-old-emily/)After adopting five-year-old Emily\*, Gemma\* and her husband Phil\* were approached by PACT a year later to see if they could adopt Emily’s new baby brother… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/gemma-and-phil-adopted-five-year-old-emily/) --- ### [Children waiting](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/) **Published:** August 24, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Children waiting to be adopted Some children wait longer on average to find a family. PACT is looking for people who would consider becoming adoptive parents for these priority children. We need people of all ages and backgrounds to provide loving, permanent families for children waiting in care. Prospective adopters will need to demonstrate considerable professional or voluntary experience with children or be prepared to start this before embarking on the adoption process. Last year, 23% of the children we placed in loving families were aged 5 or older, 44% were in sibling groups and 26% were of Black, Asian, mixed or minority heritages. ## Children who wait the longest ## Older children Children who are aged three years or older are among those who wait the longest to find a family [ Learn more ](/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-older-children/) ## Brothers and sisters Sibling groups of two, three or more who need to stay together typically wait longer to find loving, permanent homes [ Learn more ](/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-siblings/) ## Children of Black, mixed and minority heritages Children with Black, Black/White British or minority heritages often wait longer in care [ Learn more ](/adoption/children-waiting/black-or-mixed-ethnicity-adoption/) ## Children with additional needs Children with disabilities or other additional needs wait longer on average to be adopted [ Learn more ](/adoption/children-waiting/additional-needs/) Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, PACT offers a a [wide range of support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) to all its families including [training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/), [support groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/ "Adopter support groups"), [education support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/ "Education Support"), [activities for children](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/ "Events for children and families") and access to our online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) and PACT’s therapeutic services [FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/). If you’d like to have a chat about starting your adoption process, you can speak to one of PACT’s Enquiries Officers. They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT adoption information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Take the next step by downloading our adoption guide, contacting our Enquiries team or coming to one of our events. ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) ## See the impact of our work “She may be disabled and she may be adopted, but that is all just one part of who she is. She is my family and we are hers.” – Adoptive parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption/)   --- ### [You Can Adopt](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/you-can-adopt/) **Published:** October 1, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # **Could you adopt a child with PACT?** If you are thinking about adopting a child, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted in 2014 , 2017, 2023 and 2026. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025-26, we found secure and loving homes for 81 children. ## Why choose PACT for adoption? Adopters can choose to adopt through their local authority, a regional adoption agency, or a voluntary adoption agency like PACT. Click the button below to read more about what makes PACT a great choice for growing your family. [**Find out how PACT can support you**](/adoption/why-choose-pact/)   ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take our adoption self assessment tool Interested to find out if you meet the criteria to be an adopter? Use our interactive self-assessment tool to find out now! [Take our self assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/)   ### What locations do PACT cover? We welcome enquiries from people across southern and central England. We have teams located in Reading, Oxford, London, Milton Keynes and Brighton (see our location map). So, if you live in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, South Warwickshire, Surrey, West Sussex or Wiltshire please do contact us to take the first steps to adoption! We especially welcome enquiries from people who can consider adopting children who typically wait longer to be adopted. These are sibling groups of two or more children, children of Black, mixed or minority ethnic heritage, children with additional needs or uncertainty and children aged four or over. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## Adopting with PACT Watch this video to meet some members of our team and hear about how PACT can support you on your adoption journey. [Find out more](https://youtu.be/4BcAOAFpfKk?feature=shared)  ## Guide to Adoption --- As a first step, we recommend you download our Guide to Adoption. [Download Guide](/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Adoption Information Events --- The next step is to come to one of our information events to learn more about adoption. [Find Out More](/adoption/information-events/) ## Frequently Asked Questions --- We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions here. [See Our FAQ’s](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) ## Get in Touch --- You can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team via telephone or fill in our enquiry form and we will get back to you. [Contact Us](/adoption-enquiry/) --- ### [Adoption Guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) **Published:** September 30, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoption Guide Our **Brief Guide to Adoption** below contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. This is freely available to you to download and read, and is also available in an audio format. If you would like to download our full guide on adopting with PACT, which contains a more detailed description of each stage of the adoption process and the support we offer, or you would like to be contacted by one of our friendly enquiries officers who can answer any adoption questions you may have, please complete the enquiry form at the bottom of the page below. #### Our Brief Guide to Adoption below contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download Guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PACT-Adoption-Brief-Guide-Mar-2026.pdf) #### We have also made our guide available in an audio format. You can listen below. [ Download Audio Guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Adoption-guide-Audio-version.mp3) #### Fill in our enquiry form below to access our full guide to Adopting with PACT, which contains lots of information and advice for anyone considering becoming a parent through adoption. ## Charms Enquiry Form "\*" indicates required fields X/Twitter This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ## Please fill in the form with your enquiry and we’ll be in touch. First Name\* Last Name\* Phone number\* Mobile number\* Date of birth\*DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Are you over 21 years of age?\* Yes No Sorry, you must be aged 21 or over to start the adoption process. Please come back once you have turned 21 and we will be happy to receive your enquiry. Email address\* Your ethnicity\*Open dropdown menu to search for and select ethnicityWHITE: BRITISHWHITE: IRISHWHITE: ANY OTHER WHITE BACKGROUNDMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK CARIBBEANMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK AFRICANMIXED: WHITE AND ASIANMIXED: ANY OTHER MIXED BACKGROUNDASIAN: INDIANASIAN: PAKISTANIASIAN: PAKISTANI BRITISHASIAN: BANGLADESHIASIAN: ANY OTHER ASIAN BACKGROUNDBLACK: CARIBBEANBLACK: AFRICANBLACK: ANY OTHER BLACK BACKGROUNDOTHER: CHINESEOTHER: JEWISHOTHER: ANY OTHER ETHNIC GROUP Partner's first name (if applicable) Partner's last name Partner’s ethnicityOpen dropdown menu to search for and select ethnicityWHITE: BRITISHWHITE: IRISHWHITE: ANY OTHER WHITE BACKGROUNDMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK CARIBBEANMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK AFRICANMIXED: WHITE AND ASIANMIXED: ANY OTHER MIXED BACKGROUNDASIAN: INDIANASIAN: PAKISTANIASIAN: PAKISTANI BRITISHASIAN: BANGLADESHIASIAN: ANY OTHER ASIAN BACKGROUNDBLACK: CARIBBEANBLACK: AFRICANBLACK: ANY OTHER BLACK BACKGROUNDOTHER: CHINESEOTHER: JEWISHOTHER: ANY OTHER ETHNIC GROUP What is the name of the local authority where you live?\*Open dropdown menu to search for and select local authorityBarnsley Metropolitan Borough CouncilBath & North East Somerset CouncilBedford Borough CouncilBexley CouncilBirmingham City CouncilBlackburn with Darwen CouncilBlackpool Borough CouncilBlaenau Gwent CouncilBolton Metropolitan Borough CouncilBournemouth Christchurch & Poole CouncilBracknell Forest Borough CouncilBridgend County Borough CouncilBrighton & Hove County CouncilBristol City CouncilBuckinghamshire County CouncilBury Metropolitan Borough CouncilCaerphilly CouncilCambridgeshire County CouncilCardiff CouncilCarmarthenshire Local AuthorityCentral Bedfordshire CouncilCheshire County CouncilCheshire East CouncilCity of Bradford Metropolitan CouncilCity of LiverpoolCity of Newcastle upon TyneCity of SunderlandCity of Wakefield District CouncilCity of York CouncilCornwall County CouncilCoventry City CouncilCumbria County CouncilDarlington Borough CouncilDenbighshire County CouncilDerby City CouncilDerbyshire County CouncilDevon County CouncilDoncaster Metropolitan Borough CouncilDorset County CouncilDudley Metropolitan Borough CouncilDundeeDurham County CouncilEast Riding of Yorkshire CouncilEast Sussex County CouncilEdinburghEssex County CouncilGateshead Metropolitan Borough CouncilGlasgow City CouncilGloucestershire County CouncilHalton Borough CouncilHampshire County CouncilHarringeyHarrow CouncilHartlepool Borough CouncilHereford & Worcester County CouncilHerefordshire CouncilHertfordshire County CouncilIsle of Wight County CouncilKensington And ChelseaKent County CouncilKingston upon Hull City CouncilKirklees Metropolitan CouncilLancashire County CouncilLeeds County CouncilLeicester City CouncilLeicestershire County CouncilLincolnshire County CouncilLondon Borough of Barking & DagenhamLondon Borough Of BarnetLondon Borough of BrentLondon Borough of BromleyLondon Borough of CamdenLondon Borough of CroydonLondon Borough of EalingLondon Borough of EnfieldLondon Borough of GreenwichLondon Borough of HackneyLondon Borough of Hammersmith & FulhamLondon Borough Of HaringeyLondon Borough of HaveringLondon Borough of HillingdonLondon Borough Of HounslowLondon Borough of IslingtonLondon Borough of LambethLondon Borough of LewishamLondon Borough of MertonLondon Borough of NewhamLondon Borough of RedbridgeLondon Borough of Richmond upon ThamesLondon Borough of SouthwarkLondon Borough of SuttonLondon Borough of Tower HamletsLondon Borough of Waltham ForestLondon Borough of WandsworthLuton Borough CouncilManchester County CouncilMedway CouncilMetropolitan Borough of CalderdaleMetropolitan Borough of KnowsleyMetropolitan Borough of OldhamMetropolitan Borough of SeftonMetropolitan Borough of SolihullMetropolitan Borough of South TynesideMetropolitan Borough of St HelensMetropolitan Borough of WirralMiddlesborough County CouncilMid-LothianMilton Keynes CouncilNeath Port TalbotNewbury District Council AuthorityNewport City CouncilNorfolk County CouncilNorth East Lincolnshire CouncilNorth Lincolnshire CouncilNorth Somerset District CouncilNorth Tyneside CouncilNorth Yorkshire County CouncilNorthamptonshire County CouncilNorthumberland County CouncilNottingham City CouncilNottinghamshire County CouncilOxfordshire County CouncilPeterborough City CouncilPlymouthPoole Borough CouncilPortsmouth City CouncilReading Borough CouncilRedcar & Cleveland Borough CouncilRochdale Metropolitan Borough CouncilRotherham Borough CouncilRoyal Borough of Kensington & ChelseaRoyal Borough of Kingston upon ThamesRoyal Borough of Windsor & MaidenheadRutland CouncilSalford City CouncilSandwell Metropolitan Borough CouncilSheffield Metropolitan City CouncilShropshire County CouncilSlough Borough CouncilSomerset County CouncilSouth Gloucestershire CouncilSouthampton City CouncilSouthend CouncilStaffordshire County CouncilStockport Metropolitan Borough CouncilStockton on TeesStoke on Trent County CouncilSuffolk County CouncilSurrey County CouncilSwindon Borough CouncilTameside Metropolitan Borough CouncilTelford & Wrekin CouncilThurrock CouncilTorbay Borough CouncilTrafford Metropolitan Borough CouncilTrowbridge Children's ServicesVale Of GlamorganVale, Valleys & CardiffWalsall Metropolitan Borough CouncilWarrington Borough CouncilWarwickshire County CouncilWest Berkshire CouncilWest Sussex County CouncilWestminster City CouncilWigan CouncilWiltshire County CouncilWokingham Borough CouncilWolverhampton Borough CouncilWorcestershire County CouncilWrexham County Council This could be your county council or unitary authority. If you aren’t sure you can find out here: [www.gov.uk/find-local-council](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council). To find out which areas PACT covers, [see our area map here](/adoption/you-can-adopt#areamap). Are there any children living in your household?\* Yes No Children DetailsIf you are already a parent, ideally any existing children will be aged five years or older to reflect a sufficient age gap between them and any adopted child. Do you have a spare bedroom for an adopted child?\* Yes, I have at least one spare bedroom No, I do not have a spare bedroom You need to have at least one spare bedroom as it is important that adopted children have their own space. To proceed with the adoption process you will need to consider either adapting your home or moving to a different property. Where did you hear about PACT?\* Online search Word of mouth TV/Radio Social media Referral Online/Print media Event AI Other (please state) Second adoption application Online search Google Other search engine Referral CVAA website First4Adoption website You Can Adopt website Home for Good New Family Social Diocese of Oxford Other agency Other website Word of mouth Friend/family member who has adopted Friend/family member who hasn’t adopted Other Online/Print media Online article/interview Print article/interview Poster/flyer Advert TV/Radio TV Radio Podcast Event PACT-hosted event PACT stall at an event Social media Facebook Linked In Instagram TikTok Other Other Other Other Other Other Please choose a time when it would suit you for us to contact you.\* Weekday morning Weekday afternoon Weekday evening Saturday morning Please choose all that apply. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that we only have limited availability for callbacks at evenings and weekends and you may have to wait longer if you are unable to select weekday mornings or afternoons. Please let us know if you have any access needs, or if there’s anything else you’d like to discuss. Our friendly Enquiries Team will be happy to help when we call you. If you’re enquiring about specific children we are family-finding for, please mention this here. By submitting this form, you consent to the information you give being recorded for the purposes of adoption enquiry monitoring. Please ensure you have read and understood PACT’s Adoption Services Privacy Notice which can be found [here](/online-privacy-notice/) before submitting your enquiry. Submit enquiry --- ### [PACT podcast: Talking Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/the-pact-podcast/) **Published:** February 29, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # PACT Podcast: Talking Adoption Join Grace Gomez, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer, as she hosts Talking Adoption: our podcast exploring the journey of adoption. Each episode features conversations with PACT experts who provide insight into adoption and post-adoption support, as well as PACT parents who share their personal experiences of adopting through PACT. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, guiding you through every stage of the adoption process and beyond. New episodes are released regularly, so keep checking this page for the latest updates. [Listen to the PACT podcast](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pact-charity-adoption)  ## Find out more about what we cover in each episode: ### Episode 1: Stage one of the adoption process  Grace and Rebecca (Senior Social Worker) take you through stage one of the adoption process, from initial enquiry to completion. Including: - What are the stages of the adoption process? - What is included in stage one? - How long should I expect stage one to take? - What paperwork do I need and how is this information gathered? - Next steps This episode explores references, the extra support offered by PACT, top tips for making stage one of the adoption as smooth as possible, and much more! ### Episode 2: Stage two of the adoption process  Grace speaks to Ana (Adoption Team Manager) about stage two of the adoption process, from the end of stage one to adoption panel. Including: • What does stage two involve? • What is the social worker looking for? • What will I need to do? • How long should I expect stage two to take? • What support does PACT provide? This episode explores helpful hints and tips, available support and resources, and much more! ### Episode 3: Adoption panel and family finding  Grace talks to adoptive parents, Dan and Sue, about their experiences of this stage of the adoption process. Including: • Why they chose to adopt through PACT • How they found the process • How long the process took • The support available from PACT This episode explores Dan and Sue’s feelings and experiences throughout the process, their tips for others going through the process, what their family life is like now, and more. ### Episode 4: Stage 4 of the adoption process – panel  Grace talks to Kyle, a PACT parent, about his experience of the adoption panel. Including: • What is an adoption panel and how does it fit into the process? • What questions might you be asked? • How long does the panel take? • What support does PACT provide? Kyle shares his personal journey to adoption, his top tips for prospective adopters, how he now gives back as a panel member himself, and more! ### Episode 5: From placement to adoption order with Ana  Grace speaks to Ana (Adoption Team Manager) about what happens after children are placed with adopters and the journey to securing an adoption order. Including: • Where placement fits within the adoption process • What to expect • What support PACT provides • What changes once an adoption order is granted? This episode explores the emotional and practical realities of placement, the importance of careful planning, the intensive support available from PACT, Ana’s advice for making this stage as smooth as possible, and more. ### Episode 6: Adoption after fertility treatment with Ruth  Grace talks to Ruth, a PACT adopter and families support worker, about her personal experience of adoption as a route to parenthood after fertility treatment. Including: • What led Ruth and her husband to consider adoption? • Why did they choose to adopt through PACT? • What was the assessment process like? • What were the early days with their daughter like? • What support does PACT provide? Ruth shares her personal journey from IVF to adoption, to meeting her daughter for the first time, the importance of a strong support network, her top tips for anyone thinking about adoption, and more. ### Episode 7: Adopting as a same sex couple with Steven  Grace and Sam (Events and Engagement Manager) talk to Steven, a PACT adopter, about his experience of adopting siblings – twice! Including: • Why Steven and his husband decided to adopt siblings • How they found the process • What are the challenges and rewards of adopting siblings? • How did their second adoption differ from their first? Steven speaks openly about the realities of adopting siblings, from building relationships with foster carers to family dynamics. He shares the emotional highs and challenges, what life is like as a family of six, his advice for anyone considering adopting siblings, and more. ### Episode 8: Contact with birth family  Grace speaks to Lesley, a PACT adopter and volunteer, about her experiences of contact with her children’s birth family. Including: • Why contact was important to her family • How contact arrangements were agreed and managed • The emotional challenges and support available from PACT • Tips for other adopters This episode explores Lesley’s journey adopting two siblings, her experience of the different forms of contact, how she talks to her children about their birth family, the benefits of maintaining connections, and more. ### Episode 9: Being a trustee with Wes  Grace (Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer) and Sam (Events and Engagement Manager) talk to Wes about his experience as PACT’s Chair of Trustees. Including: • What attracted Wes to joining PACT? • What does being a trustee involve? • How has PACT evolved during his time on the board? • What are the challenges and priorities for the future? Wes shares why becoming a trustee has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. He talks about his personal connection to the charity’s work, PACT’s achievements, the challenges of steering a charity through the Covid-19 pandemic and financial uncertainty, and why supporting PACT’s work is so vital. ### Episode 10: Ways to prepare with Earl  Grace speaks to Earl about his experience of adopting through PACT – twice – and how to prepare for the adoption process. Including: • How can you start preparing for adoption? • What practical steps should you take? • How do you prepare emotionally and involve your support network? • How does PACT support adopters? In this episode, Earl shares wise and insightful advice from his own journey, including the importance of research, practical and emotional considerations, and more. ### Episode 11: Becoming a parent with Earl  Grace talks to Earl about his experience of adopting his daughters through PACT. Including: - What the transition was like in the early days - How adopting for the second time differed from the first - What support helped along the way? - What advice he would give to prospective adopters Earl shares the emotional highs and challenges of becoming a parent through adoption, from the practical adjustments of family life to the feelings of love, excitement, and anxiety that come with such a life-changing transition. He reflects on preparing the girls for a new sibling, building routines, and finding support networks – plus his top tips for anyone considering adoption. --- ### [Information Events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) **Published:** September 16, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoption Information Events ### PACT runs information events for couples or individuals interested in adoption. Our information events are a great way for prospective adopters to find out more about adopting and decide if PACT is the right agency for them. The times and dates of all our upcoming events are shown in PACT’s [event calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/#calendar) below. ## Information events on Teams and in person **Information events on Teams and in-person** Adoption information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. We are currently running these information events both virtually via Teams and in-person in various locations. Dates and details of upcoming events are in shown in [ PACT’s event calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/#calendar). Booking is essential and full details of how to join the event will be given when you book. To book, either [fill out our enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) or call our enquiries team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800) (option 2). Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before you attend. The full version of our guide will be made available to you after filling in our enquiry form, or you can [find our brief guide to adoption here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/). [Make an enquiry to book onto an information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)  ## Talking Adoption films and podcasts In addition to our information events, we have a selection of [Talking Adoption shows](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/talking-adoption/) featuring interviews with adopters and social workers, focusing on different themes, in addition to regular episodes of our [Talking Adoption podcasts](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/the-pact-podcast/). These are available on our website or [PACT’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH). We also hold regular live online Q&A sessions on various topics, find out more about our [upcoming Q&A sessions here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/live-qas/) [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ## Talk to an expert We also offer one-to-one calls where you can speak with a PACT social worker or a PACT adopter. If you have already done some research on adoption and you want to talk in more detail about a particular issue or question, or ask an adopter about their experience, these calls are a good way to have a more in-depth discussion about your own situation. [Talk to a PACT adopter or social worker](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/talk-to-an-expert/) ## Calendar of upcoming events Current Month ## Hear what attendees of our recent information events have to say… ## It was excellent and we are more excited than ever. So glad we joined! ## The event was very informative and helpful, thank you to the PACT team. ## We thought the mix between the information provided and the real life story was excellent and definitely made us want to use PACT. ## We found the information event very informative which has helped us even more with our next steps for adopting. Thank you. ## It was great and we loved the opportunity to have our multitude of questions answered in such a positive setting. ## The PACT team were really friendly, informative and enthusiastic. It was great to hear about all the support you provide to adopters. ## It was a very informative session, glad to have been part of it. ## It was really helpful and information was presented in a very accessible way. ## I really thought it was helpful, the right balance of realistic expectations, information on the process and experience. --- ### [Statement of Purpose](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/statement-of-purpose/) **Published:** September 3, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Statement of Purpose PACT’s Statement of Purpose sets out the core aims and objectives of its adoption and adoption support services.  ## Statement of Purpose --- [Download](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Statement-of-Purpose-Joint-April-2025.pdf)  ## We value your feedback. We want to know whether our services are being provided effectively and meeting your needs. [Visit our feedback page](https://www.pactcharity.org/feedback/) ## See the impact we make Find out how PACT makes a difference in the lives of the many children and families who use our services. [How we make a difference](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)  --- ### [Adoption Panel](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-panel/) **Published:** September 1, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoption panel PACT’s adoption panel reviews every application to adopt and makes a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker regarding the applicant’s suitability to adopt. This is part of the legal process to be an approved adopter. There is a common myth that the adoption panel is there to test prospective adopters and put them through their paces. At PACT we want to show prospective adopters that the panel is there to review the assessment and find out more about each family and what they have to offer. The adoption panel aims to put applicants at ease throughout the process. Watch this short video to see PACT’s adoption panel at work.  ## Meet PACT’s adoption panel members The adoption panel members have a wealth of experience and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. All panel members have either personal or professional experience of adoption, and all have the same aim of helping create strong families and positive futures for children from the care system. Please note that some adoption panel members are not included in this leaflet for safeguarding reasons. [PACT’s adoption panel members](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3-CURRENT-Panel-Members-Leaflet-updated-17.4.25.pdf) ## Eddie’s experience of PACT panel Watch this video of Eddie, PACT adopter and panel member share his experience of going to panel. ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Fundraise for us](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/) **Published:** August 15, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Fundraise for us ## Ways to support PACT ## Solo fundraising There are so many ways you can fundraise for PACT, whether that’s as a solo superhero or as part of a team! Take a look through our creative fundraising ideas, or take part in a challenge event. We have a range of options for people of all abilities. If you are planning to fundraise for PACT through an event or challenge, you can use Enthuse to [set up a free fundraising page for yourself or your team.](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/fundraising/start) [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/hold-fundraiser/) ## Fundraise for PACT in your church PACT was founded by the Bishop of Oxford in 1911 and is proud of its roots in the Christian church. We welcome the opportunity to work with churches of all faiths to help support our work with vulnerable families, women and children. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/churches/) ## Fundraise for PACT in your school Schools across southern and central England are invited to partner with us and help vulnerable families, women and children. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/schools/) ## Fundraise for PACT in your company Whatever the size of your company, we deliver meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships that make a difference to the lives of many vulnerable families, women and children. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/) ## See the difference you can make “Without the support from Alana House and support from \[my key worker\], I know that I probably would not be here right now and I certainly wouldn’t have my daughter with me.” – Alana House service user [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)  ## Find your 2026 adventure on Charity Challenge! 1. Visit [charitychallenge.com](http://www.charitychallenge.com/). 2. Browse all the challenges available. 3. Add your challenge to cart and create an account. 4. At checkout, choose **Parents And Children Together (PACT)** as your charity to fundraise for.  ## What others have done  Phil completed a 170-mile cycling challenge to raise funds for PACT’s life-changing work. He cycled for three days between three of our office locations: Reading, Brighton and London.  Keyloop held a raffle and bake sale, raising over £700 for PACT.  PACT was ABRSM’s Charity of the Year. They smashed their £1700 fundraising target by raising over £2000 through running activities like raffles and photo competitions.  Jan and nine other incredible supporters abseiled down the 100ft tower at Dorchester Abbey. They raised over £6000 for PACT and Dorchester Abbey.  Nationwide Slough fundraised in branch with collection tins, hosting a raffle and selling scented roses over Valentine’s week.  In 2024, Jason took on two amazing challenges for PACT – running the London Marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   --- ### [Adopt a Child in Cambridgeshire ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-cambridgeshire/) **Published:** June 12, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Cambridgeshire ## You can adopt If you live in Cambridgeshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Milton Keynes who work across Cambridgeshire to recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Cambridge, Chatteris, Ely, Huntingdon, March, Peterborough, Soham, St Ives, St Neots, Whittlesey, Wisbech and Yaxley.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done! Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Bedfordshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-bedfordshire/) **Published:** June 8, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Bedfordshire ## You can adopt If you live in Bedfordshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Milton Keynes who work across Bedfordshire to recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Ampthill, Bedford, Biggleswade, Dunstable, Flitwick, Houghton Regis, Kempston, Leighton Buzzard, Luton and Sandy.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done! Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Northamptonshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-northamptonshire/) **Published:** June 8, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Northamptonshire ## You can adopt If you live in Northamptonshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Milton Keynes who work across Northamptonshire to recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Northamptonshire.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done! Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Eastern European adopters needed](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/eastern-european-adopters-needed/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Eastern European adopters needed ## Witamy! Ahoj! Helló! Pryvit! If you are Eastern European and living in the UK, have you considered becoming a parent through adoption? There are Eastern European children waiting in care and we are looking for more people from Eastern European backgrounds to become adoptive parents so that children can be matched with parents who are able to reflect their identity, culture and heritage. PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents to create loving, permanent homes for children waiting in care. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. If you are interested in finding out more, PACT is here to help! Keep reading to learn more about adoption and make an enquiry.  PACT is looking for people of all ages and backgrounds who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children from minority ethnicities - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Families of faith](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/families-of-faith/) **Published:** October 28, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Families of faith PACT is one of the largest independent adoption agencies in England. In 2025-26, PACT placed 81 children with their forever family. All adopters can benefit from PACT’s adoption support services including our [Strengthening Families Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/ "Strengthening Families"), our online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](/adoption-support/catch/) , our [Adopter Champions](/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) team and our [Family And Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/). PACT approves many families of faith to become adopters and is experienced in assessing and matching adopters of all faiths and none, including prospective parents from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and other faith backgrounds. Last year, 61% of parents who adopted through PACT were families of faith.  ## Christian adoption PACT has a long history of working with families interested in Christian adoption and have partnered with [Home for Good](https://www.homeforgood.org.uk/) to encourage more Christian families and those who attend church to think about growing their family through adoption. PACT staff have also been trained by Home for Good to enhance their understanding of the Christian community and any concerns they may have about the adoption process. For more information on PACT’s history and connection to the Oxford Diocese, read about [our story](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/). Home for Good is not an adoption agency, but works with PACT to make sure that Christian prospective adopters are able to explore how their faith informs their lives and motivation to adopt and to ensure that value and respect is central to this process. Recommended by Home for Good and considered ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, PACT is committed to providing a faith-friendly service and offers fantastic post-adoption support, for life. [Visit Home For Good’s website](https://www.homeforgood.org.uk/) ## Could your church support PACT? We partner with local churches across the south of England to raise awareness of the need for more adoptive parents. [Find out how you can help](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/churches/) ## Muslim adoption PACT welcomes prospective parents from a Muslim faith background and provides a friendly, professional and inclusive service to everyone who makes an enquiry. In this video, PACT’s Enquiries and Placements Manager Hannah Jennings speaks with Irma Hussain and Sheikh Osman on Ramadan Radio London. They explore the history of adoption in the Islamic tradition, some of the stigma around adoption in Muslim communities, the process for adopting a child in the UK and the need for Muslims to consider adoption as a path to parenthood to enable children to be placed with families who share the faith and traditions of their birth parents. You can watch the recording in this video from Facebook or click below to view on YouTube. [View on YouTube](https://youtu.be/ZyMETuIAxqg)  ## Blog: How a church family can support Black adoption Read Grace’s blog on how the church community can support adoption and be a place to build supportive networks. [Read the blog ](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-how-a-church-family-can-support-black-adoption/) Rated outstanding by Ofsted, PACT offers all its adoptive families access to a [wide range of support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) including [tra](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/)i[ning](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/), support groups, education support, activities for children, the online support platform [CATCH](/adoption-support/the-adopter-hub/ "https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-hub") and PACT’s specialist therapeutic services [FACTS](/adoption-support/facts/ "Adopter support groups"). If you’d like to have a chat about starting your adoption process, you can speak to one of PACT’s enquiries officers. They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT adoption information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Our enquiries line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You can also request a call from our team by completing [our enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/). ### This is what one parent said about adopting as a Christian: *“We came through Home for Good, that was our first point of contact and they recommended PACT to us as an agency*. *We told the church family at quite an early stage that we were exploring adoption and we really asked for prayer, for wisdom and for guidance around that. And they have prayed for us all the way through, they’ve supported us practically, especially in the early days and the introductions, providing meals, supporting us with looking after the other three children and lots of other things like passing on old puzzles, clothes or things that are no longer needed.* *\[They’ve been\] incredibly open and accepting of our little one and his particular needs and that’s just been absolutely beautiful and really lovely to bring him into the church.”* – PACT adoptive parent ## Talking Adoption show In this episode, PACT partners with Home For Good to talk to three Christian families who adopted through PACT. To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ## Meet Grace, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Recruitment Officer Grace speaks about her role reaching out to specific communities and encouraging more people to consider adoption. ## Read about families of faith who adopted through PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [## Mia and Sai adopted their son Ebi](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/)Five-year-old Ebi\* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia\* and Sai\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/) [## Louise and Ryan adopted Noah who has FASD](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/)Parents Louise\* and Ryan\* are a family of six. They adopted their youngest child, Noah\*, two years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/rose-and-simon-are-a-christian-couple-who-adopted-during-the-2020-pandemic/) [## Rose and Simon are a Christian couple who adopted during the 2020 pandemic](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/rose-and-simon-are-a-christian-couple-who-adopted-during-the-2020-pandemic/)Rose\* and Simon\* adopted their son Jay\* in 2020 when he was 14 months old. Rose is a secondary school music teacher and Simon is a church minister… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/rose-and-simon-are-a-christian-couple-who-adopted-during-the-2020-pandemic/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/) [## David and Hannah adopted three children under four years old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/)Curate David\* and his wife Hannah\* adopted three children under four years old through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) [## Emma adopted Josh through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/)Emma\* adopted Josh\* through PACT in 2018 when he was nine-and-a-half months old following a Foster for Adoption placement… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/) [## Melody, who is a vicar, adopted siblings aged seven and six](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/)Melody\*, who is a vicar, adopted two brothers, seven-year-old Harry\* and Ethan\*, six. She said: “I knew I had a lot of love to give children… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-buckinghamshire-or-milton-keynes/) **Published:** September 30, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes ## You can adopt If you live in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Milton Keynes and we recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/2026, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Buckingham, High Wycombe, Marlow, Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield and Burnham.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family.  ## In-person adoption information event in Milton Keynes! **Join us on Wednesday 14th October in Milton Keynes at 6.30pm for an in-person adoption information event!** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have.  The event will be led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. To book on, contact our friendly enquiries team by calling 0300 456 4800 or fill out our adoption enquiry form [here](http://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry). 📍 Milton Keynes. Full address to be given upon booking. ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) ## Blog: A fantastic evening at our Milton Keynes office The Milton Keynes adoption team were pleased to see so many people at the in-person adoption information event that we held in our Milton Keynes office. [Read now](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-a-fantastic-in-person-information-event-at-our-milton-keynes-office/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Sussex](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-sussex/) **Published:** September 28, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Sussex ## You can adopt If you live in East or West Sussex and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/2026, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Brighton, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Worthing, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Lewes, Crawley, Haywards Heath and Eastbourne.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our adoption [information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using [this form](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-oxfordshire-and-south-warwickshire/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire ## You can adopt If you live in Oxfordshire or south Warwickshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/2026 we found secure and loving homes for **81 children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Witney, Banbury, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/) **Published:** July 19, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # About adoption #### If you want to find out whether becoming a parent through adoption is the right step for you then we are here to help! Adoption is the process by which a couple or single person becomes the legal and permanent parent of a child or sibling group who cannot be cared for within their birth family. PACT finds, trains, prepares and supports people from across southern and central England who want to become a parent through adoption. [Download our adoption guide](/adoption/adoption-guide/)   ## Could you adopt? Interested to find out how easy it would be for you to adopt? Use our interactive self-assessment tool to find out now! [Take our self assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) ## Get in touch to find out more about adoption Talk to our friendly enquiries team today [Make an enquiry](/adoption-enquiry/) ## The types of children waiting  ## Older children --- Children who are aged three years or older [Learn more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-older-children/) ## Brothers and sisters --- Sibling groups of two, three or more who need to stay together [Learn more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-siblings/) ## Children of Black, mixed and minority heritages --- Children of Black African, Black Caribbean, mixed or minority heritages [Learn more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/black-or-mixed-heritage-adoption/) ## Children with additional needs --- Children with physical disabilities, developmental delay or other needs [Learn more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/additional-needs/)  ## What is the adoption process? --- To adopt a child there is a regulated legal process that all prospective adopters must undertake. PACT is there to support you through every stage. [Read more](/adoption-process/) ## Adoption myth busters/FAQs --- Many people think they can’t adopt but there are actually very few barriers to adoption. We can help you understand more about who can adopt and what’s involved. [Read more](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) ## What is the PACT panel? --- PACT’s adoption panel reviews every application to adopt and makes a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker regarding the applicant’s suitability to adopt. This is part of the legal process to be an approved adopter. [Read more](/adoption/adoption-panel/) ## Early permanence --- Early permanence is when a young baby is placed with potential adopters who are also approved as temporary foster carers while decisions are made about the child’s future within the family court process. [Read more](/adoption/fostering-for-adoption/) ## Come to an information event to find out more Book on to one of our online information events [See upcoming events](/adoption/information-events/) ## Why choose PACT? PACT is an independent adoption charity that has been helping people become parents through adoption for more than 70 years. We have been rated outstanding in our last four Ofsted inspections and we offer all our families support for life. [Find out more](/adoption/why-choose-pact/)   ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ It’s the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter [See the impact of our adoption services](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption/) ## Adopter stories These are some of the many stories from families who adopted with PACT. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-stories/) ## Adopter stories These are some of the many stories from families who adopted with PACT. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-stories/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [## Aidan and Julien adopted their son through PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/)Aidan\* and Julien\* adopted their son Casey\* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [## Mia and Sai adopted their son Ebi](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/)Five-year-old Ebi\* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia\* and Sai\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [## Alice and Ethan adopted twins with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/)Parents Alice\* and Ethan\* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla\* and Poppy\*, nine years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [## Finn attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/)Finn\* was adopted when he was three years old along with his older brother. He is now 16 and attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [## Sonya and Alison adopted Micah at 10 months old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/)Micah\* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya\* and Alison\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [## Olivia attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/)Olivia\* was adopted through PACT when she was just over a year old. She is now 18 and attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) ## We’ve had a smooth journey with PACT and we’re forever grateful for \[our social worker\]. She’s been brilliant, and the whole PACT team have been wonderful. PACT parent ## The social worker I was assigned to was very good. I felt that she understood where I was coming from and I was able to talk through issues without feeling there was any judgment formed against me. PACT parent ## PACT has been on hand at every stage to help with any query we had. Our social worker responded quickly to all of our emails, and even when things were tricky they were proactively checking in with us. Even now that the Adoption Order has been granted we are still able to contact them for help and support, which is tremendously reassuring for the future. PACT parent ## One of our key priorities was that there would be support longer term if we needed it and we were really impressed with PACT’s training and support events, as well as their dedicated therapeutic social workers who would be available for support after our child came home. PACT parent ## I really feel that PACT prepared us brilliantly for the transition and the early days. We will always be learning but I come back to things from training every day! PACT parent ## I felt I was well equipped and informed at each part of the journey and the training days were interesting and enlightening. PACT parent ## Are you worried about a child? [ Advice from the NSPCC ](https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/nspcc-helpline/) [ Advice from the Government ](https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse) --- ### [Volunteer opportunities](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteers/) **Published:** August 10, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Volunteer opportunities Thank you for visiting our website page and for your interest in volunteering at PACT. We are very grateful that you have thought of us and are keen to support our work, it means so much to us. By donating your time and energy to volunteer with PACT, you can help us build and strengthen families through the outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support services and inspirational community projects we provide. We know that people apply to volunteer with PACT because, like us, they are passionate about the work we do. We want every volunteer to feel part of the PACT community, and we take care to ensure that each role is meaningful, well supported and positive from the start. For this reason, we think carefully about the volunteer opportunities we can offer and advertise all current roles on our website here.  We would encourage you to check the website regularly as our needs can change over time and new opportunities may become available. Due to the nature of our work, all volunteers are required to complete safer recruitment checks before starting. We are therefore unable to offer short-term or ad hoc placements. All volunteers must have the legal right to live in and undertake voluntary work in the UK. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship or support with immigration applications. We are always grateful for the skills, experience, and dedication that volunteers bring. If there are no suitable opportunities currently advertised, or if you feel you have a particular skill set that could support PACT beyond our regular volunteering roles, you can complete our [volunteer expression of interest form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=eE3Xjxi39UCKLe9JrG0kgStzYUY9VdpDq7QhGtxgd9NUOVlGU1NOWkFTRUZOQlRVN0VHMDFGVTFCUS4u). This captures some basic details about you, your transferable skills and how you would like to support PACT. We can keep your details on file for up to six months and will contact you if we would like to explore your interest further. If you require the form in an alternative format please contact the HR Team at [pact\_hr@pactcharity.org](mailto:pact_hr@pactcharity.org) Thank you again for your interest in supporting PACT as a volunteer. Please contact our HR Team at [pact\_hr@pactcharity.org](mailto:pact_hr@pactcharity.org) if you have any queries about volunteering at PACT. ## Examples of previous roles Here are some examples of volunteering roles we have filled in the past: - Volunteering on our reception desk to welcome visitors and answer phone calls - Volunteering as a student or qualified therapist or counsellor to support the children and adults who use our services - Supporting our PACT events with our friendly Fundraising and Events and Engagement teams - Volunteering with our Marketing and Business Development teams to research new contacts or distribute marketing materials - Carrying out a student placement year at PACT to gain valuable experience as part of your educational studies - Sharing your own experiences of adopting by speaking at events or talking with prospective adopters - Providing online support to other adopters via webchat on our CATCH platform ## Current opportunities [## BB4K Volunteer – English and Polish Translator](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/bb4k-volunteer-english-and-polish-translator/)--- **Location:** Reading and/or Oxford offices, with some remote activities available **Hours per week:** Flexible, weekdays **Salary:** Volunteer role: Unpaid We are looking for a volunteer with fluent English and Polish language skills to support our children and families through written and verbal translation. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/bb4k-volunteer-english-and-polish-translator/) Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards. We expect all volunteers, both current and prospective, to uphold and share this commitment and we value everyone’s engagement and co-operation with our safeguarding processes to ensure that these are completed without delay. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These enquiries include providing documentation to evidence the right to work in the UK, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check (if applicable), references covering at least 5 years, a complete previous education and employment history timeline and the completion of mandatory safeguarding training. Further information is available here – See PACT’s [Safeguarding policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/), [Safer Recruitment Procedure ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Safer-Recruitment-procedure.docx)and [Code of Conduct.](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Code-of-conduct.docx) Two of our volunteers attending a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate winning the Queens Award for Voluntary Service --- ### [How we make a difference](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) **Published:** June 26, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # How we make a difference ## In 2025-2026… ### We placed ### 81 ### children with ### 63 ### loving, permanent adoptive families [See the impact of our adoption services](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption/) ### We supported ### **61**families through our adopter champions service ### **90**families through our Strengthening Families team ### **192**families through FACTS therapeutic support [See the impact of our adoption support](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption-support/) ### 218 ### women received support from Alana House [See the impact of Alana House](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-alana-house/) ### We directly supported ### 134 ### children recovering from the impact of domestic abuse [See the impact of Bounce Back 4 Kids](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-bb4k/)  ## View our Achievements Report for 2025-26 [View report](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Achievements-Report-2025-2026.pdf) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   --- ### [Corporate partnerships](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Corporate partnerships Our corporate partners are very important to us. Your support helps adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse in Reading and the South East. Whatever the size of your company, we deliver meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships that make a difference to the lives of many vulnerable families, women and children. Together we will tailor the partnership to your needs and create an inspiring calendar of fundraising events and opportunities to engage your workforce and a communications plan to ensure positive PR and publicity for your company. We love to talk about our work and the incredible families, women and children we support. If you’d like us to speak at your company or discuss a corporate partnership please email Stephanie Harvey. **Make our achievements your achievements.** [Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Corporate-Parnerships-2025-2.1-hardcopy.pdf)  - **£500** could help a child who has experienced trauma and abuse to feel safe and supported this Christmas as they begin to understand their feelings and start their journey to recovery. - **£250** could provide adoptive parents with expert guidance and support to navigate the emotional challenges Christmas can bring, helping them understand and respond to their child’s past trauma with compassion. - **£100** could offer a woman life-changing therapy, empowering her to move forward from domestic abuse, homelessness and substance abuse and start the new year with strength and hope. - **£50** could buy craft materials for a child affected by domestic abuse, helping them to express their feelings and reconnect with their family through creative play during the Christmas holiday. ## Nominate us as your Charity of the Year If you would like to nominate PACT to receive a donation or to nominate them as your company’s Charity of the Year, please use the [this information](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Template-for-COY-nominations.docx). If you need more information or support completing an application form, then please get in touch: [Stephanie.Harvey@pactcharity.org](mailto:stephanie.harvey@pactcharity.org) [Charity of the Year – information](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Template-for-COY-nominations.docx)  ## Staff fundraising You can take part in [Fifty to the Max](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max/), our fundraising activity where teams see how much they can raise with initial seed funding of £50. We know you all love a bake sale so we’ve produced our own Bake with PACT kit. This contains three recipes, posters to advertise your sale, and your own PACT branded cake toppers. You can set up a fundraising page [here](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/fundraising/start?_gl=1*hkqpe*_ga_1H06C160RX*czE3NTA4NDgzMzYkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTA4NDg0NTYkajYwJGwwJGgw#!/). If you have raised money and want to get it to us, please contact Stephanie Harvey. [Email Stephanie](mailto:stephanie.harvey@pactcharity.org) ## Below are our upcoming fundraising events… These are fun opportunities to attend with colleagues, friends and family, whilst supporting our life-changing work! Current Month No Events ## Follow us on LinkedIn! [Follow us ](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F1062375&data=05%7C02%7CBecs.Lees%40pactcharity.org%7Ceb567fe07a524d65caa008ddb3d4c1d2%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C638864448629405036%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BzCiJ63JGa49ekhumT04wTUexR9dwRAneN2f%2BbL15eI%3D&reserved=0) ## See the impact of our work “When I started working with \[my Key Worker\], I was in a really bad place in my life… I really didn’t know what to expect from yet another professional coming into my space. In time I learnt to trust her. I knew that she was genuinely there for me and she was giving me a voice.” – Alana House service user [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)  --- ### [Supporter of the month](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) **Published:** July 27, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** We are celebrating one person, family or group each month that has gone above and beyond to support PACT’s work. From running a marathon to giving up their time to volunteer at PACT, each ‘supporter of the month’ pictured here has used their time, energy and resources to help us continue the work that we do. [ ##### Sep 2026 ](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/matt/) [## Matt](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/matt/)Since adopting his two boys through PACT in 2020, Matt has generously shared his time and experience to support others considering adoption. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/matt/) ## Supporter ##### of the ## Month   --- ### [Meet the BB4K Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/meet-the-bb4k-team/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Meet the BB4K team Our team members are highly experienced and passionate about breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. If you would like to get in touch with a member of the team, please email . We have a private Facebook group for parents who have been referred to BB4K. Please ask us for details on how to join.  ## Panda ### Service Lead “My passion is domestic abuse, and learning and sharing about the impact domestic abuse has on the whole family, and parenting support. I enjoy training other professionals to understand domestic abuse. I love working with families and children every day and seeing them grow and develop in a safe and happy environment.” ## Luke ### BB4K Manager “I enjoy supporting children and families to achieve their potential, and giving people opportunities to recover from abuse and learn to thrive.” ## Giulia ### Communities Database Officer “I like working with databases and compiling reports that show the fantastic achievements of the Communities services and the impact of the work that my colleagues do!” ## Rachael ### BB4K Lead Administrator “My favourite part of supporting the BB4K team is reading the feedback from the families we support, and seeing what a difference the BB4K programme has made to them.” ## Debbie ### BB4K Administrator “It is incredibly rewarding to be part of a team providing support that makes a positive difference for families. Hearing directly from families about the impact of the support they receive highlights the importance of BB4K and the difference it can make.” ## Lydia ### Service Lead “I feel so lucky to be in a role that supports families in such an impactful way. We get to help children using the language they speak best: fun and creativity!” ## Rosie ### Support Worker “I enjoy supporting parents and children to recover together from the impact domestic abuse has had on their family. I am passionate that all of our families will be able to grow and thrive as a result of BB4K.” ## Rita ### Support Worker “BB4K is such a supportive environment for all involved! Our team is all about making a difference, and I really enjoy being a part of it. Being there for the children and their parents on their journey of recovery is not a job, it’s a state of mind.” ## Marsha ### Support Worker “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support families on their domestic abuse recovery journey. It is a subject I feel passionately about, so to be able to help others whilst also learning and developing valuable skills makes it all the more rewarding.” ## Grace ### Triage and Assessment Worker & Assistant Support Worker “I love being able to give parents and children a safe space where they feel seen and heard. It’s so rewarding to watch families grow throughout the programme, become empowered, and express their true emotions without fear of judgment.” ## Mel ### Support Worker “I am very lucky to be part of a team who are so passionate about supporting families in their recovery from domestic abuse. I love seeing the impact of BB4K on parents and children as they heal and grow together in a safe and fun space.” ## Jemima ### Support Worker “I feel so grateful to be part of the wonderfully therapeutic and creative BB4K team. Seeing children find freedom through play and parents feeling empowered through the supportive connections they make is such a beautiful reminder that there is hope after adversity. It is such a privilege to be a part of each family’s unique story and support them on their journey towards a brighter next chapter.” ## Ossa ### Support Worker “My role at BB4K is varied, rewarding and I whole heartedly believe in the work that we do. I am grateful to be in a position to work with such brave and inspiring families and to watch them grow throughout the programme is always a privilege.” ## Hannah ### Support Worker “*No two days are the same working at BB4K. I have the privilege of meeting incredible people and learning from their unique experiences every day. The one constant is the team’s shared commitment to helping children and adults navigate the lasting impact of abusive relationships. I am incredibly grateful to play a role in each family’s journey towards recovery, acceptance and growth.”*  ## Volunteering with BB4K PACT is enormously grateful for the time, skills and talents given freely by the range of volunteers working with us today. The families we work with and the whole workforce benefit from the life experience and generosity that our volunteers bring to their work. *“Volunteers have transformed what we are able to deliver.”* BB4K service lead *“I can’t say enough how good this has been. The volunteer experience that you offer is ridiculously high quality. I’ve been volunteering on and off since I was 15 and this is totally different.”* BB4K Champion [Volunteer with us](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/) ## Support BB4K PACT could not continue its vital work with children and families without your support. Whether you are an individual, part of a group, a company, a church or a school there are many ways in which you can help us make a difference. Click below to see our fundraising ideas and how to make a donation to BB4K and PACT. [Support our work](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/)   ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Virtual Adoption information pack](https://www.pactcharity.org/virtual-adoption-information-pack/) **Published:** April 15, 2025 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Virtual adoption information pack Thank you for considering adopting through PACT. In preparation for your attendance at our upcoming information event, please find the resources on this page that make up our adoption information pack. **Please note that the forms provided on this page are samples of what you can expect to be given if you decide to pursue adoption with PACT.** If, having read this information, you feel the time is right to find out more, please call us on 0300 456 4800 or you can email our team [here](mailto:enquiries@pactcharity.org).   A welcome letter from our Service Director, Lorna Hunt [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1.-Welcome-letter-from-Lorna-Hunt-PACT-Adoption-Services-Director.pdf)  An overview of the adoption process in brief [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2-Overview-of-adoption-process.pdf)  A sample of the CoramBAAF Adult Heath report (“Adoption Medical” form) [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CoramBAAF-Form-AH-2025.pdf)  A sample of CoramBAAF Prospective Adopters Report (PAR) [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4-CoramBAAF-Form-PAR-including-Concurrent-and-FFA-England-2018.pdf)  PACT’s Early Permanence Flyer [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5.-Early-Permanence-Flyer.pdf)  PACT’s Adopter stories [ Visit the page here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/)  PACT’s Adoption Guide [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PACT-Adoption-Info-Pack.pdf)  PACT’s Adoption reading and resources list [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reading-and-Resource-List-January-2024.pdf)  PACT’s Adoption Support Passport [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-Adoption-Services.pdf)  PACT’s Privacy Policy [ Download here ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-Adoption-Services.pdf) ## Hear what attendees of our recent information events have to say… ## It was excellent and we are more excited than ever. So glad we joined! ## The event was very informative and helpful, thank you to the PACT team. ## We thought the mix between the information provided and the real life story was excellent and definitely made us want to use PACT. ## We found the information event very informative which has helped us even more with our next steps for adopting. Thank you. ## It was great and we loved the opportunity to have our multitude of questions answered in such a positive setting. ## The PACT team were really friendly, informative and enthusiastic. It was great to hear about all the support you provide to adopters. ## It was a very informative session, glad to have been part of it. ## It was really helpful and information was presented in a very accessible way. ## I really thought it was helpful, the right balance of realistic expectations, information on the process and experience. --- ### [Volunteer with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/) **Published:** September 16, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Volunteer with PACT PACT is enormously grateful for the time, skills and talents given freely by the range of volunteers working with us today. Both the families we work with and PACT staff benefit from the life experience and generosity that our volunteers bring to our projects and services. By donating your time and energy to volunteer with PACT, you can help us build and strengthen forever families for the future. To find out more, see our FAQs below and hear from some of our volunteers about why they love volunteering at PACT. Alana House volunteer Sally and PACT CEO Natausha meeting Prince Edward at an event at Royal Ascot thanking volunteers for their contribution ## Volunteering FAQs ### Who can volunteer with PACT?  Anyone can apply to be a PACT volunteer and we always welcome applications from anyone with time or skills to share. ### Why volunteer with PACT?  Volunteering at PACT is a fantastic way to support the work we do. PACT prides itself on valuing its many volunteers and giving them an excellent volunteering experience. You can hear what our volunteers have to say in the quotes further down this page. Both the staff who work at PACT and the people who use PACT’s services benefit hugely from the time, skills, energy, perspectives and life experience that our volunteers bring to our projects and services. ### How much time do I need to give to volunteer?  Each role at PACT is different so you can choose to volunteer as much or as little as you like. ### What skills do I need to volunteer at PACT?  You don’t need specific skills to be able to volunteer and a full induction and any relevant training will be provided. We have lots of different roles at PACT – visit [this page](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteers/) to get an idea of some of the roles undertaken by our current volunteers. If you have a particular skill you would like to make use of in a volunteering role, or if there are certain skills you would like to develop, please complete the [volunteer expression of interest form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=eE3Xjxi39UCKLe9JrG0kgStzYUY9VdpDq7QhGtxgd9NUOVlGU1NOWkFTRUZOQlRVN0VHMDFGVTFCUS4u). ### How do I apply to become a volunteer?  You can fill in our [volunteer expression of interest form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=eE3Xjxi39UCKLe9JrG0kgStzYUY9VdpDq7QhGtxgd9NUOVlGU1NOWkFTRUZOQlRVN0VHMDFGVTFCUS4u). If you require the form in a different format please contact the HR team at pact\_hr@pactcharity.org ### What checks will I need to undergo to become a volunteer?  Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards. We expect all volunteers, both current and prospective, to uphold and share this commitment and we value everyone’s engagement and co-operation with our safeguarding processes to ensure that these are completed without delay. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These enquiries include providing documentation to evidence the right to work in the UK, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check (if applicable), references covering at least 5 years, a complete previous education and employment history timeline and the completion of mandatory safeguarding training. Further information is available here – See PACT’s [Safeguarding policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/), [Safer Recruitment Procedure](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Safer-Recruitment-procedure.docx) and [Code of Conduct](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Code-of-Conduct-.docx). [See our volunteer opportunities](/careers/volunteers/) ## Hear from some of our volunteers… ## My summer of volunteering with PACT was the best decision I could have made. Everyone was great at getting me involved straight away and really challenging the skills I already possessed as well as teaching me new ones. I always felt welcome and excited to come into the office and for what the day could entail. PACT were flexible when it came to hours and time I could give and were so appreciative. They went out of their way to ensure that I was experiencing everything I wanted to get out of volunteering which was amazing. Alana House volunteer ## I can’t say enough how good this has been. The voluntary experience that you offer is ridiculous high quality. I’ve been volunteering on and off since I was 15 and this is totally different. BB4K Champion ## One of the strengths of PACT that always comes to mind when people ask me about the organisation is that they really understand the volunteering role, and how to make the most of the opportunity for both volunteers and staff. I think the fact that there are many volunteers here, and many who have been here a long time, speaks volumes about how embedded we feel in our different roles and how much we feel part of the organisation. Something I always feel in and around our workplace is a real generosity of spirit – no-one is an outsider – and I think our service users must feel that too. Alana House volunteer ## PACT is a wonderful organisation to volunteer with. The work is very rewarding and I always feel appreciated by my team and the wider organisation. HR volunteer ## It has been really rewarding seeing the women learning new skills in the kitchen. I am so pleased with how willing they have been to try new things and how quickly they picked up techniques which they could then go on to recreate with their families. Alana House baking volunteer ## I have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet and support adopters on different stages of their adoption journey. CATCH peer supporter ## Alana House is an amazing place that provides such an incredible service to the women and I feel so proud to be part of a brilliant team. Alana House volunteer ## I volunteer at Alana House because I so admire the service users who are brave and strong enough to ask for the help they need to enable them to live a better and happier life. The staff and other volunteers are professional, compassionate and inspirational and there is a wonderful working atmosphere. Alana House volunteer ## It has been an absolute pleasure working with PACT and alongside the amazing women who make up the Alana and BB4K team, as well as working with all our services users. PACT has been a wonderful environment to work in and has given me great opportunities and experience. I have felt valued and supported by PACT throughout my time as a volunteer and placement student and I can’t praise them enough. Placement Student for BB4K and Alana House ## PACT allowed me to develop as a person in so many different ways including my confidence and communication skills which will help me later in my career. Reception volunteer ## There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the ladies experience real success and develop a feeling of self-worth. I just love the work and hope to continue to volunteer for some time to come. Alana House volunteer ## I enjoy working with people and this was an opportunity to join an organisation making a difference to a wide variety of children, families and vulnerable women. I have always felt welcome and valued. I look forward to my weekly volunteering. I have built a friendly relationship with staff and also many of the service users. Alana House volunteer ## Hear from our volunteer coordinator Chris and volunteer Ashton ## The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service In 2022, Alana House was honoured to receive a prestigious award in recognition of its fantastic team of volunteers. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. The award recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. A team of 13 volunteers give around 80 hours a week between them at Alana House to carry out vital roles such as counsellors, cookery skills instructors, administrators, assistant support worker, sewing instructors and supporting at drop-in sessions. Jan Norbury, a volunteer since 2016 said: “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the ladies experience real success and develop a feeling of self-worth. I just love the work and hope to continue to volunteer for some time to come.” [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-volunteers-receive-prestigious-royal-honour/)   ## Supporter of the month Each month we celebrate one person, family or group that has gone above and beyond to support PACT’s work. Our Supporter of the Month initiative is a great opportunity for us to showcase and thank the many amazing volunteers (as well as fundraisers) who have made a positive impact on PACT’s work. Take a look to see what our latest PACT superstars have achieved. [See our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) ## Blog: From Events Volunteer to Enquiries Officer *By Anna Webster* Anna Webster worked as an adoption enquiries officer for PACT. She first became involved with PACT four years ago when she was looking for volunteering roles while at university. Find out how Anna gained valuable voluntary experience at PACT which helped her secure a paid role. [Read more](/blog-from-events-volunteer-to-enquiries-officer/)  --- ### [Reports](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/reports/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Reports ## PACT Achievements Report 2025-26 --- Our annual report outlining PACT’s key achievements for 2025-26. [ View report ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Achievements-Report-2025-2026.pdf) ## The value of adoption by CVAA --- A comparative review of the value of different forms of permanence for children – Adoption, SGOs and Fostering commissioned by the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies [ View report ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CVAA-The-value-of-adoption-report-final-Nov-22.pdf) ## Enriching Lives: Supporting women out of the Criminal Justice System --- A report by the University of Reading into Alana House’s Enrich Programme, highlighting the importance of providing holistic, person-centered, trauma-informed support for women in contact with the Criminal Justice System. [ View report ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Enrich-Research-Report-2022-Fuller-and-Akhtar-FINAL.pdf) ## Alana House --- A report into PACT’s Alana House measured the social return on investment of Alana House. The research concluded that the effects of Alana House are ‘life changing’. Evaluated conservatively, ‘over £35 million of economic and social value, in the lives of these women and their children, is brought every year.’ [ View report ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Alana-House-SROI-Evaluation-FINAL_0.pdf) ## Domestic Adoption Placements --- A report into PACT’s domestic adoption service measured the social return on investment of PACT’s adoption, fostering and FACTS services. The research concluded that the benefits from these services are measured conservatively at £1.1 million of social and economic impact from every couple approved which includes cost savings made from health care services. [ View report ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PACT-Adoption-and-Fostering-SROI-Evaluation-final-8-April-2011_1.pdf) ## Barriers to Adoption 2012 --- PACT published a report Barriers to Adoption 2012 with detailed findings from research carried out by Rachel Harding on the Vodafone World of Difference programme. [ View report ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Barriers-to-Adoption-Exec-summary-Oct-12_0.pdf) ## Corston Report --- The Corston Report examined the problems of female offending and made recommendations for reducing the risk of female offending and reoffending. [ View report ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/corston-report-march-2007.pdf) --- ### [Can I adopt as a single parent in the UK?](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/single-parent-adoption/) **Published:** November 2, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Can I adopt as a single parent in the UK? **Yes.** You do not need to be in a relationship to adopt in the UK. Last year 24% of PACT’s approved adopters were single parents who have gone on to build loving, permanent families with one or more children. It’s one of the most common myths about adoption, and it simply isn’t true. That said, right now PACT is only able to take forward a limited number of single applicants, because we already have a large number of approved single adopters waiting to be matched with a child. If you’re a single person considering adoption, we’d still encourage you to get in touch. Waiting lists and capacity change, and an early enquiry means you’re ready when a place opens up. [Download a guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/)  ## Who can adopt as a single parent? To adopt as a single person in the UK, you generally need to: - Be at least 21 years old (there’s no upper age limit, though you’ll need to show you can meet a child’s needs into adulthood) - Have a stable, permanent home in the UK - Be able to demonstrate you can provide a loving, secure environment for a child, including support from friends, family, or your wider network - Pass the same assessment, background checks, and adoption panel process as any other applicant Single men and single women can both adopt and there is no legal distinction in eligibility based on gender. ## The single parent adoption process, step by step 1. Initial enquiry – contact PACT on [0330 4564800](tel:+443004564800) or fill in our online [adoption enquiry form](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) 2. Information event – attend a PACT adoption information event to hear from social workers and existing PACT adopters, including single parents who’ve been through the process themselves 3. Formal application and assessment – a social worker works with you over several months to complete your assessment (this is the same process for single and coupled applicants) 4. Adoption panel – an independent panel reviews your assessment and recommends approval 5. Matching – once approved, PACT works to match you with a child whose needs suit your circumstances 6. Placement and beyond – PACT provides support for life, from placement through to adulthood ## How long does single parent adoption take? Timelines vary, but most adopters move from initial enquiry to formal approval within six months to a year, with matching taking additional time depending on individual circumstances and current waiting lists. A good first step is to download our adoption guide, which sets out the full timeline in detail. ## Solo adoption support at PACT PACT offers support for life to its families. As a single adopter, you’ll have access to the same full range of support as every PACT family, including: - Our [Strengthening Families](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/) Team - The Children And Trauma Community Hub ([CATCH](http://pactcharity.org/CATCH)) - Our [Adopter Champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) peer support network - Support from our [Education Specialist](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/) - Our Family And Children Therapeutic Support ([FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/)) service - A full calendar of training and support events PACT is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holds Quality in Adoption and Voluntary Services (QAVS) accreditation, recognition of the quality of support we provide to every family we work with, including single adopters. Our Enquiries Line ([0330 4564800](tel:+443004564800)) is open 10am–5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am–8pm Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am–1pm Saturday. Fill in our [enquiry form](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) or explore our full adoption process guide and adoption FAQs for more detail. We welcome enquiries from people across the south of England, with teams in Reading, Oxford, London, Milton Keynes, and Brighton.  ## Children waiting for a family Some children wait longer on average to find a family. PACT is looking for people who would consider becoming adoptive parents for these priority children. Find out about the types of children waiting for a permanent family. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/) ## Real stories from single parents who adopted through PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/francesca-adopted-her-daughter-phoebe-in-2018/) [## Francesca adopted her daughter Phoebe in 2018](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/francesca-adopted-her-daughter-phoebe-in-2018/)Francesca\* brought her daughter Phoebe\* home in October 2018. Adoption was her first choice as a path to parenthood… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/francesca-adopted-her-daughter-phoebe-in-2018/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/) [## Darren adopted as a single father](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/)Darren\* is a 43-year-old single father who became a dad to his son Finn\* in early 2017 when he was four years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sasha-adopted-maya-as-a-single-adopter/) [## Sasha adopted Maya as a single adopter](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sasha-adopted-maya-as-a-single-adopter/)Sasha\* is a single adopter who brought her daughter Maya\* home in May 2019 when she was 13 months old. Sasha works as a children’s nurse and has always wanted to be a mum… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sasha-adopted-maya-as-a-single-adopter/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/) [## Theresa adopted seven-year-old Sadie and Lara](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/)Theresa\* adopted Sadie\*, who was seven years old, through PACT in 2014. Three years later she adopted seven-year-old Lara\* through a local authority… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) [## Emma adopted Josh through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/)Emma\* adopted Josh\* through PACT in 2018 when he was nine-and-a-half months old following a Foster for Adoption placement… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/) [## Melody, who is a vicar, adopted siblings aged seven and six](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/)Melody\*, who is a vicar, adopted two brothers, seven-year-old Harry\* and Ethan\*, six. She said: “I knew I had a lot of love to give children… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/) ## Single parent adoption FAQs ### Can single parents adopt in the UK?  Yes. There is no requirement to be in a relationship to adopt, and single applicants go through the same assessment and approval process as couples. ### Is it possible to adopt as a single parent?  Yes, many people build their families this way. PACT has supported single men and single women through successful adoptions for years. ### How long does it take to adopt as a single parent in the UK?  Most adopters reach formal approval within six months to a year of their initial enquiry, with matching taking additional time depending on circumstances. ### Can a single man adopt a child?  Yes. Eligibility to adopt in the UK does not depend on gender, marital status, or relationship status. ### What support is available to single adopters after placement?  PACT provides support for life, including therapeutic support, peer networks, education support, and ongoing training – the same full range of support offered to every PACT family. --- ### [Gay and LGBTQ+ Adoption in the UK](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/lgbt-adoption/) **Published:** September 3, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Gay and LGBTQ+ adoption in the UK Same-sex couples, gay individuals, lesbian couples, bisexual and transgender people all have exactly the same right to adopt a child in the UK as anyone else. If you’re thinking about adoption and wondering whether your sexuality or gender identity could be a barrier – it isn’t. What matters is your ability to provide a safe, stable and loving home. At PACT, we have a proud track record of supporting LGBTQ+ adopters. Around a third of the people who adopt through us identify as LGBTQ+, and we work in partnership with [New Family Social](https://newfamilysocial.org.uk/), the UK’s leading network for LGBTQ+ adoptive and foster families – to make sure you have the community and support around you that you need, from first enquiry through to the lifetime of your adoption journey.  ## **What are the gay adoption rights in the UK?** Gay couples and same-sex couples have equal adoption rights under the **Adoption and Children Act 2002**, which came into full effect in December 2005. This legislation gave unmarried couples (including same-sex couples) the right to adopt jointly for the first time, placing them on exactly the same legal footing as married heterosexual couples. Before 2005, same-sex couples could only get around this by having one partner adopt as a single person, leaving the other without legal parental status. The 2002 Act changed that permanently. Since then, subsequent equalities legislation has strengthened those rights further. You cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity when applying to adopt. All adoption agencies, including PACT, are required by law to treat LGBTQ+ applicants equally, and many, including PACT, actively and positively welcome applications from the LGBTQ+ community. **In short: you do not need to be married or in a civil partnership to adopt as a same-sex couple.** You simply need to demonstrate that you are living together in a committed, long-term relationship and that you can offer a child the love, stability and care they need. ## **Can gay couples adopt in the UK?** Yes. Gay couples (whether in a marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship) can adopt jointly in the UK. Both partners become the child’s legal parents from the point of adoption. Single gay men and women can also adopt. There is no requirement to be part of a couple. The assessment process is the same for LGBTQ+ applicants as it is for anyone else. PACT’s social workers will look at your life experience, your support network, your home and your capacity to care for a child who has experienced trauma and loss. Your sexuality is not assessed as a factor, it simply isn’t relevant to whether you can be a good adoptive parent. ## **Adopting with PACT as an LGBTQ+ couple or individual** PACT is an [Ofsted](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/pact-ofsted-inspection/) Outstanding-rated independent adoption agency covering southern and central England. We’ve been supporting adoptive families for decades, and the LGBTQ+ community has always been part of who we are. Here’s what that looks like in practice: **We work with New Family Social.** PACT is a proud partner of New Family Social, the UK-wide network run by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers. This partnership means LGBTQ+ applicants can tap into a peer community of people who have been through exactly what you’re going through – and come out the other side with their families. **We run a dedicated LGBTQ+ support group.** Once you’re approved and your family is growing, you won’t be left to figure things out alone. PACT’s support group for LGBTQ+ adopters brings together LGBTQ+ families for peer support, shared experience, and connection with others who understand your journey. **We search nationwide.** As an independent agency, PACT isn’t limited to children from one local authority area. We work with local authorities and regional adoption agencies across England, Scotland and Wales to find the right match for you – which means more children, and a better chance of finding the right fit. **We offer exceptional post-adoption support.** Adoption doesn’t end when your child comes home – in many ways, that’s when the real work begins. PACT’s [Strengthening Families Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/), our [FACTS (Family And Children Therapeutic Support)](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/) service, and our online [Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH)](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) are all available to support your family long after placement. ## Frequently asked questions about gay and LGBTQ+ adoption ### Can two gay men adopt a child together in the UK?  Yes. Two gay men can adopt jointly in the UK under the Adoption and Children Act 2002. Both will be recognised as the child’s legal parents from the point the adoption order is granted. ### Can a single gay man adopt a child?  Yes. Single people (including single gay men and women) have always been able to adopt in the UK. Being in a couple is not a requirement. ### Do you have to be married or in a civil partnership to adopt as a same-sex couple?  No. You don’t need to be married or in a civil partnership. You need to show that you are living together in a committed, long-term relationship and are able to provide a stable home for a child. ### When was gay adoption legalised in the UK?  The Adoption and Children Act 2002 gave same-sex couples the legal right to adopt jointly for the first time. It came into full effect in December 2005. ### Will being LGBTQ+ affect which children I can be matched with?  No. Matching is based on the needs of the child and your ability to meet them – not your sexuality or gender identity. ### Is being LGBTQ+ treated any differently during the assessment?  No. The assessment process at PACT is the same for everyone. Your sexuality or gender identity will not be treated as a factor in your suitability to adopt. ### Are there support groups specifically for LGBTQ+ adopters at PACT?  Yes. PACT runs a dedicated support group for LGBTQ+ adopters, and through our partnership with New Family Social, you also have access to a wider peer network of LGBTQ+ adoptive families across the UK. ## **Find out more about LGBTQ+ adoption** If you’re thinking about adopting, the best first step is to come and hear more. PACT runs regular online information events where you can hear about the adoption process from our social workers and from adopters who have been through it themselves – including LGBTQ+ families. You can also call our friendly enquiries team on **0300 456 4800** or use our self-assessment tool to get a quick sense of where you stand. ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/)  ## Meet Heather, PACT’s LGBTQ+ Champion Meet Heather, PACT’s LGBTQ+ Champion. In this role, she works closely with the LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering support organisation, New Family Social, to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and best practice. She is also on hand to answer any questions about adopting if you’re LGBTQ+. [Read more!](https://www.pactcharity.org/heather/) ## Talking Adoption show Hear our team chat about what makes LGBTQ+ people such great adopters and learn more about the process. To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ## Karen’s story We have made this short film featuring Karen, one of our LGBTQ+ parents. ## Hear from LGBTQ+ families who adopted through PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [## Aidan and Julien adopted their son through PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/)Aidan\* and Julien\* adopted their son Casey\* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [## Sonya and Alison adopted Micah at 10 months old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/)Micah\* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya\* and Alison\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/) [## Adopting siblings as a same-sex couple: How Ellie and Andrea adopted three children under five with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/)Ellie\* and Andrea\* adopted two brothers and a sister. Their children came home to them when they were aged one, two and four years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [## Same sex adoption: Mel and Julia’s experience adopting two boys with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/)Julia\* and Mel\* are a lesbian couple who adopted two boys, aged 20 months and six months, through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/phil-and-gareth-adopted-ben/) [## NHS workers Phil and Gareth adopted Ben](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/phil-and-gareth-adopted-ben/)Phil\* and Gareth\* are a same sex couple who adopted their son Ben\* through PACT in 2019… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/phil-and-gareth-adopted-ben/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jonny-michael-harry-and-leyton/) [## Same sex couple Jonny and Michael adopted brothers Harry and Leyton](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jonny-michael-harry-and-leyton/)Jonny\* and his partner Michael\* approached PACT following the advice of New Family Social, the UK network for LGBT+ adoptive and foster families… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jonny-michael-harry-and-leyton/) --- ### [Online Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/online-privacy-notice/) **Published:** October 22, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Online privacy notice **1. Who we are** PACT is a charity that supports children, young people, women and families. This website is operated by PACT. We are a **data controller**, which means we decide how and why your personal data is used. **2. Who this notice applies to** This notice applies to people who use our website, including: - Service users - Supporters - Fundraisers - Customers (for example, people purchasing services or attending events) - Suppliers contacting us - Children (where information is provided through services or forms) - People applying for jobs with PACT 3\. What personal data we collect **3.1 Information you give us** We may collect: - Name and contact details - Information provided in forms or enquiries - Donation details - Event or fundraising information - Messages you send to us **3.2 Information collected automatically** When you use our website, we may collect: - IP address - Pages visited - Time spent on the website - Device and browser information **3.3 Children’s data** We may collect limited information about children where: - A parent or professional provides it - It is needed to deliver services - We take extra care when handling children’s data. **4. How we use your data** We use your data in the following ways: **4.1 Responding to enquiries** We use your data to: - Reply to your questions - Provide information about services Legal basis: Legitimate interests and consent **4.2 Providing services** We use your data to: - Manage access to services - Support service users and families Legal basis: Public task and legitimate interests **4.3 Donations and fundraising** We use your data to: - Process donations - Manage fundraising activities - Contact you about fundraising (if you agree) Legal basis**:** Contract, legitimate interests, and consent **4.4 Marketing and communications** We may send you information about: - Events - Fundraising campaigns - News and updates We only do this if you have agreed. Legal basis: Consent **4.5 Website improvement and analytics** We use data to: - Understand how people use our website - Improve content and services Legal basis: Legitimate interests and consent (for cookies where required) **4.6 Security and fraud prevention** We use data to: - Keep our website secure - Prevent fraud or misuse Legal basis: Legitimate interests and legal obligation **5. Cookies and tracking** We use cookies to: - Make the website work properly - Understand how it is used - Improve your experience You can control cookies through your browser settings. **6. Who we share your data with** We only share your data when necessary. This may include: - Payment providers (for donations) - Website and IT providers - Analytics providers - Email and marketing platforms - Professional advisers - Regulators or authorities (where required by law) We do not sell your data. **7. Safeguarding** We may share your data without consent if: - A child or vulnerable person is at risk - We are required by law **8. How we keep your data safe** We protect your data by: - Using secure servers and systems - Limiting access to authorised staff - Using trusted third-party providers **9. How long we keep your data** We keep your data only as long as needed. **Type of Data** **Retention Period** **What Happens Next** Website enquiries Up to 2 years Securely deleted Donation records 6 years (legal requirement) Securely deleted Fundraising data Up to 6 years Securely deleted Marketing preferences Until you withdraw consent Updated or deleted Website analytics data Short-term or anonymised Used for reporting only **10. International transfers** Your data is stored in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA). If data is transferred outside these areas, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place. **11. Your rights** You have rights under data protection law: - To know how your data is used - To access your data - To correct inaccurate data - To request deletion (in some cases) - To object to how your data is used **12. Contact us** If you have questions or want to use your rights: Email: dataprotection@pactcharity.org Address: PACT Head Office, 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading RG1 4QS Phone: 0300 456 4800 **13. Complaints** You can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): Website: [https://ico.org.uk](https://ico.org.uk/) Phone: 0303 123 1113 Individual privacy notices for each of our service areas area also available. Please use the links below to view our privacy notices for the following services: - [Adoption Services Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-Adoption-Services.pdf) - [Alana House Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-Alana-House.pdf) - [BB4K Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-BB4K.pdf "BB4K Privacy Notice") - [BB4K Privacy Notice – child-friendly format](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-BB4K-for-Children.pdf "BB4K Privacy Notice - child-friendly format") - [Recruitment Data Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-Recruitment-Data-1.pdf) - [Birth Family Matters Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-Birth-Family-Matters.pdf) ### Do you need extra help? If you would like this notice in another format (for example: audio, large print, braille) please [contact us](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/). --- ### [London Marathon 2027](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/london-marathon-2027-teampact/) **Published:** July 19, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # London Marathon 2027 – Team PACT Thank you for representing PACT at the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 25th April 2027. This world-famous event is the ultimate bucket-list challenge for many and will be an experience you will never forget! Please see our terms and conditions below for accepting a place with Team PACT. If you have any questions or would like any support, please get in touch at .  **Terms and Conditions** By accepting a place in the 2027 TCS London Marathon (TCSLM) I agree with PACT that: **Registration and participation** 1\. I will be aged 18 years or over on the date of the TCSLM. 2\. I will pay a non-refundable registration fee of £100 to secure my place. 3\. I will inform PACT immediately if I am unable to take part in the TCSLM. 4\. I acknowledge I cannot swap, sell or transfer my place in the TCSLM or allow anyone else to participate on my behalf. 5\. I understand that in order to take part in the TCSLM, I must complete my entry in the TCSLM console before 16:00 GMT on Thursday 18th March 2027. 6\. I understand that if my entry in the TCSLM console is not fully completed by the deadline, it will be void and I will not be able to take part in the 2027 TCSLM. **Minimum fundraising target** 7\. I pledge to raise a minimum of £2,000 for PACT (excluding gift aid and registration fee) through my participation in the 2027 TCSLM and understand that the aim is to raise as much above this amount as possible. 8\. If at any point I feel unable to raise the pledged amount, I will inform PACT immediately in order that they can have the opportunity to offer assistance with fundraising. 9\. PACT may ask for a fundraising plan at any point after registration in the event. **Donations and payment terms** 10\. I will regularly pay all money collected on behalf of PACT as soon as possible after receiving it to PACT directly by the following means: a. Via Enthuse, the TCSLM’s official online fundraising partner; b. To PACT’s bank account using the paying-in slips or banking details (these must be requested by the fundraiser); c. Via cheque, CAF vouchers and Charities trust vouchers made payable to ‘PACT’ and sent to Julie MacLean, Parents And Children Together, 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS; d. By credit or debit card donations made by calling PACT’s Fundraising Team directly on 0118 402 1696. When appropriate and feasible, the money collected in cash must be accompanied by a sponsorship form to enable PACT to reclaim the gift aid. 11\. I understand that if the sum of £2,000.00 has not been paid by the fundraising deadline date (six weeks after the TCSLM), I may have to pay the remainder from my own personal funds within one month of the fundraising deadline date or in instalments to be agreed in writing with PACT. 12\. I agree that if I withdraw for any reason prior to the TCSLM, any monies raised will be non-refundable and will be treated as a donation to PACT. 13\. I will only use sponsorship forms issued by PACT and not use any other type of sponsorship form (unless otherwise agreed with PACT). 14\. I agree that my sponsorship forms will make it clear that the money is not given subject to any conditions and that the monies will not be returned if the TCSLM is cancelled or I do not complete it. 15\. I will send PACT my completed sponsor forms with details of the names and addresses of and amounts donated or pledged by all sponsors no later than 4 weeks after the event. This will allow PACT to process gift aid on donations. **Fundraising** 16\. I will comply with any fundraising guidance or advice issued by PACT and abide by the Code of Fundraising Practice issued by the Fundraising Regulator. 17\. I will use only lawful means to fundraise for PACT and will not do anything that harms or is likely to harm PACT’s reputation. 18\. I will not use PACT’s logo without permission. 19\. My fundraising **will not** include: a. Raising funds by carrying out door-to-door or unsolicited collections; b. Collecting in any public place without obtaining PACT’s authorisation and a street collection licence from the local authority and/or any other licences or consent required; c. Collecting on private property (including shops, pubs, etc.) without obtaining PACT’s authorisation and permission of the owner of the private property; d. Conducting any raffle or lottery or putting on any public event without obtaining PACT’s authorisation; 20\. I agree that gift aid payments cannot count towards the fundraising pledge and instead will be considered as over and above the pledged fundraising total. **Personal data and images** 21\. I give permission for the free use of my name, picture, image, feedback, and comments in any future publicity, advertising, fundraising materials and/or promotion of PACT’s challenges. If I later decide that I no longer wish for my name, image, feedback or comments to be used in future materials, I can withdraw this permission by contacting PACT. Any withdrawal will apply to future use and will not affect materials already published or produced. 22\. I give permission for my personal information to be stored and used by PACT in connection with the organisation, promotion and administration of the 2027 TCSLM. 23\. I give permission for my personal information to be passed on to the TCSLM Organiser by PACT for the purposes of the organisation, promotion and administration of the event. **Health, safety and fitness** 24\. I will take part in the TCSLM at my own risk and will not hold PACT or any connected persons responsible for any accident, injury or illness sustained, to the fullest extent possible in law. 25\. I will fully prepare myself for the physical challenge of the TCSLM and I will check with my doctor to ensure that I am medically fit to participate in the TCSLM. 26\. I understand that the TCSLM is organised by London Marathon Events Ltd, who is solely responsible for the conduct and operation of the TCSLM, including all health and safety requirements. I will read the Event Organiser’s Terms and Conditions and will comply with them. --- ### [London Marathon individual places](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/london-marathon-individual-places/) **Published:** June 6, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # London Marathon 2027 Applications for PACT’s charity places for the 2027 TCS London Marathon have now closed. However, if you’ve been lucky enough to secure your own place through the public ballot, we’d love you to join Team PACT and support our life-changing work building adoptive families and supporting children, women and parents to embrace a positive future. There is no minimum fundraising requirement, but every pound you make will make a meaningful difference. Running the London Marathon for a charity is an incredibly rewarding experience. Knowing you are running for a good cause helps to motivate you throughout your training and gives you a strong sense of purpose. If you have any questions or would like to discuss running for Team PACT, please contact us: .  As part of Team PACT, you will be part of an experience you will never forget. You’ll receive dedicated support throughout your marathon journey, including: - A dedicated contact at PACT - Fundraising advice and resources, including promotion on our socials, website and newsletters - Encouragement and support throughout your training, including adding you to a Team PACT group chat where you can meet other runners and share tips - A PACT running top to wear on race day ## PACT were incredibly supportive and responsive. I felt well supported both with the practicalities as well as feeling like I had a team of people encouraging me along the way. 2026 Team PACT runner ## Thank you for giving me this opportunity! It’s been a privilege… Your support throughout the process has been hugely helpful. 2026 Team PACT runner ## A real sense of community across the group of runners… If you get the chance, sign up and run for PACT! 2026 Team PACT runner --- ### [Lily and Rose](https://www.pactcharity.org/lilyandrose/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Could you be the family these remarkable twins are waiting for? Lily and Rose are affectionate, curious twin sisters who enjoy listening to music and stories on their Toniebox and find comfort in familiar voices and routines. At 22 months old, they are looking for a loving and committed adoptive family who can help them grow, flourish, and experience the world around them. Both girls are registered blind and have additional needs. One of the twins also has epilepsy, which is well managed with medication. Lily and Rose respond well to sensory play, routine, and warm, consistent care. They will need parents who can offer patience, understanding, and encouragement, while celebrating every achievement and milestone along the way. We are seeking adopters who can embrace the girls for who they are, support their individual development, and advocate for their ongoing needs. Most importantly, they need a family who will provide the love, security, and sense of belonging every child deserves. PACT will be with you every step of the way, offering comprehensive preparation, specialist guidance, and lifelong therapeutic support through our adoption support service. You do not need to have all the answers today. If Lily and Rose’s story has resonated with you, we would love to hear from you. **To find out more, or to have a confidential conversation with our team, please get in touch today.**   PACT is particularly keen to hear from couples who can provide the patience, commitment and understanding the girls will need as they grow. As the sisters use specialist equipment, their adoptive family will need to have enough room to accommodate this alongside a spare room for them. **Please note that we can only accept enquiries from people from the UK.** ## Could you adopt Lily and Rose? If you believe you can offer a safe, loving and nurturing home, please contact PACT’s friendly enquiry team by completing our online form. [Get in touch](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Watch this short video about Lily and Rose ## “Many people assume they need specialist knowledge or experience to adopt children with additional needs, but that is not necessarily the case. What matters most is a willingness to learn, patience, resilience and a commitment to providing a loving, secure home. PACT will support adopters every step of the way.” Ana Billeness, Adoption Team Manager at PACT \*Names changed for confidentiality --- ### [Make A Donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Donate to PACT ## Make a one-off donation --- ### Your donations can change lives. We are grateful for every gift we receive. Your contribution, however small, will make a huge difference. A donation will help us to be there for our children, women and families when they need us the most. To make a donation today, please click the button below, choose an amount that suits you and help us achieve our mission of building and strengthening families. [ Donate now ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/one-off-donation/) ## Give regularly --- ### A regular gift to PACT can make a life-changing difference. By becoming a Friend of PACT and making a regular donation, you’ll be helping us provide ongoing support to the children, women and families who rely on us. Regular giving provide a steady, reliable source of income, enabling us to plan ahead with confidence and extend our reach even further. If you would like to become a Friend of PACT, please click the button below and set up a regular payment. You will receive regular updates about the impact of your donation. [ Become a Friend of PACT ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/become-a-friend-of-pact/)  Additionally, if you are a taxpayer, you can make your donation go further by ticking the Gift Aid declaration. This means PACT will receive 25p more for every £1 you donate – at no extra cost to you. ## What your donation could buy ### £5 a month for a year could pay for a PACT family with adopted children to attend one of PACT’s family fun days. ### £10 a month for a year could pay for two play therapy sessions for a child who has been affected by domestic abuse. ### £20 a month for a year could pay for a two hour crèche session once a week for a month at Alana House to enable vulnerable women with young children to access vital support services. ### £50 a month for a year could pay for 12 one-to-one support sessions at Alana House for a vulnerable woman with complex needs ### £80 a month for a year could pay for a child and their parent who has witnessed or been affected by domestic abuse to attend a 10-week BB4K children’s course to help them manage their feelings and ultimately break the cycle of domestic abuse. ### £120 a month for a year could pay for a PACT family with an adopted child to attend a 12-week attachment focused parenting course, equipping the family with specialist skills to support children who have experienced abuse and trauma in their early years with their birth families. ## Give a virtual gift ### *Are you ever stuck for original gift ideas?* You can help PACT continue its vital work with children and families by gifting a donation to charity on behalf of your loved ones. Purchasing a gift will contribute towards the life-changing support PACT provides to those who use their services. Your gift could support a woman to attend a course at Alana House to recover from trauma, allow a child to attend a specialist therapeutic activity session for adopted children, or fund a therapy session for a child affected by domestic abuse. We have a range of gifts, from virtual cards to recipe books to art prints! [Visit our shop](/shop)  ## Other ways to give ## Leave a gift in your will --- Writing a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. 💙 PACT has partnered with Octopus Legacy to make the process simple, secure, and free. In as little as 15 minutes, you can create a legal will, which will then be checked by their legal experts and sent to you for the required signatures. There is no obligation to leave PACT a gift in your will, the service remains free whatever you decide. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/wills/) ## Donate in memory of someone special --- Honour the life of your loved one by making a one-off donation in their memory, creating a living and lasting tribute, or simply give in lieu of flowers and cards. If you would like to consider supporting PACT’s work in this way you, can be reassured that any donation is gratefully received and contributes to supporting children, families and women when they need it most.  [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/remember-someone-special/) ## Give in celebration --- Share your special occasions with the gift of giving and make your memories last into the future.  Many people choose to mark their special occasions – birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, adoption days, etc – by inviting friends and family to celebrate by making a donation to PACT’s life-changing work. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/give-in-celebration/) ## More ways to support us… Reading Community Lottery is an exciting weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in the Reading area. PACT is one of the causes supported when you play the Reading Community Lottery. Play the lottery, support the families and women we help – it’s that simple! [ Enter the Reading Community Lottery >>> ](https://www.readingcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/parents-and-children-together) West Berkshire Lottery is a weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in West Berkshire. PACT is one of the charities in West Berkshire supported by this lottery. Tickets cost £1 per week and by playing not only are you supporting PACT, but you could win a top prize of £250,000! [ Enter the West Berkshire Lottery >>> ](https://www.westberkshirelottery.co.uk/support/parents-and-children-together) Wokingham Borough Community Lottery is a weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in Wokingham Borough. PACT is one of the charities in Wokingham Borough supported by this lottery. Tickets cost £1 per week and by playing not only are you supporting PACT, but you could win a top prize of £25,000! [ Enter Wokingham Borough’s Community Lottery >>> ](https://www.wokinghamboroughcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/parents-and-children-together-pact) [Give As You Live](https://www.giveasyoulive.com/) is a free way to raise money when shopping online at more than 4,500 retailers as well as providers of insurance, energy and broadband. It’s free to join the scheme and, if you select PACT as your chosen charity, every time you shop, PACT will receive a donation at no cost to you. [ Set up Give as you Live >>> ](https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/pact) --- ### [Become a Friend of PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/become-a-friend-of-pact/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Become a Friend of PACT #### *Our vision is a world where no one is defined by the trauma they’ve survived, where every child, woman and family has the chance to recover, rebuild and belong.* Every day, people turn to PACT at some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Children recovering from trauma, families facing complex challenges, and women rebuilding their lives after abuse need compassionate, specialist support to move forward with confidence and hope. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, understanding and expert help. By becoming a Friend of PACT, you’ll help ensure that support is there when it’s needed most, helping people feel safer, stronger and more hopeful about the future. Your regular gift can help provide life-changing support for as long as it takes. [Become a Friend of PACT today and help change lives](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/friend-of-pact/)  ## I honestly cannot think of a more worthwhile cause to support. I’ve been a supporter of PACT for nearly ten years \[…\] I’ve chosen to give monthly \[…\] as this provides the charity with more stability and helps them plan their vital work more effectively \[…\] I would wholeheartedly encourage others to support PACT. Friend of PACT  ## The difference your support makes When someone reaches out to PACT, they are often facing circumstances that feel overwhelming and isolating. Thanks to our supporters, people can access specialist services that help them recover from trauma, strengthen relationships, build resilience and create more stable futures for themselves and their families. Regular donations are especially powerful because they allow us to provide ongoing support, giving people the time and space they need to heal, grow and thrive. [Make a difference to people’s lives](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/friend-of-pact/) ## It’s incredible how you change lives. As victims and service users, we truly wouldn’t be where we are today without the support you provide. Kate, supported by PACT ## What your regular gift can do 1. **£5 a month** helps ensure that people can access practical advice, guidance and emotional support when they need it most. 2. **£10 a month** helps provide specialist resources and activities that support recovery, wellbeing and resilience. 3. **£25 a month** helps families and individuals receive ongoing support that enables lasting positive change. 4. **£50 a month** helps ensure that children and adults recovering from trauma can access specialist support in a safe and nurturing environment. **Every gift, whatever the amount, helps create brighter futures.** ## Why give regularly? A regular gift gives more than financial support. It gives reassurance that help will be there tomorrow, next month and next year for people who need it. Regular donations help PACT plan services, respond to emerging needs and continue providing consistent, expert support to children, families and adults facing life’s toughest challenges. [Start your regular giving today](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/friend-of-pact/)  ## Being a Friend of PACT and making a regular donation each year was our way of giving something back to the charity that supported our family through the adoption process and beyond. We have been very happy to support PACT’s work with all kinds of families. Phil and Ginnie  ## Join the Friends of PACT As a Friend of PACT, you’ll be part of a community of people who believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a safer, happier future. You’ll receive updates about the difference your support is making and hear how, together, we’re helping people overcome challenges and create lasting change. Most importantly, you’ll know that every month you’re helping someone access the support they need to move forward with hope. ## Become a Friend of PACT today Your regular gift can help ensure that children, families and people recovering from trauma receive the support they need, when they need it most. [Become a Friend of PACT ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/friend-of-pact/) ## Find out the difference PACT makes to people’s lives: [Impact report](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) --- ### [Careers](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/) **Published:** August 10, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Careers at PACT ## Who we are Our culture delivers excellence through energy and professionalism. PACT values innovation, creativity, and a positive attitude to drive our commitment to make a difference. We aim to support all our colleagues to thrive in an inclusive environment; one that also encourages learning and development. Our new wellbeing strategy helps enable our colleagues to manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Where possible, we offer a variety of flexible working options to support our colleagues to achieve a good work life balance.  ## Find out what makes PACT a great place to work… [ Why work for PACT? ](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/why-work-for-pact/) [ Why volunteer with PACT? ](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/)  ## Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed. [Download our Equality and Diversity policy >>>](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-policy-2023.pdf) [Read more equality, diversity and inclusion at PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/black-lives-matter/) ## Careers at PACT To work for our collaborative team and join our inspirational organisation where people are genuinely passionate about what we do, see our current job vacancies here. [ Job opportunities ](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/current-opportunities/) ## Contractors See our current opportunities for contractors across the south east of England. Caseloads are flexible and can be arranged to fit around other commitments. [ Contractor opportunities ](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/contractors/) ## Volunteering PACT is enormously grateful for the time, skills and talents given freely by the range of volunteers working with us today. Find out about our latest volunteer roles and apply to join our team. [ Volunteer opportunities ](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteers/)  ## Our Values Our shared values drive everything that we do. - We are PROFESSIONAL in our service delivery. - We are committed to maintaining a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. - We are INNOVATIVE in the way we approach our work. - We genuinely DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS. [Our Values](/about-us/visions-and-values/) ## How to apply To apply for any of our roles, please fill in the online application form below the role description. For further information about any of our opportunities please email [PACT\_HR@pactcharity.org](mailto:PACT_HR@pactcharity.org) or telephone [0118 402 1681](tel:01184021681). Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards. We expect all employees/volunteers, both current and prospective, to uphold and share this commitment and we value everyone’s engagement and co-operation with our safeguarding processes to ensure that these are completed without delay. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These enquiries include providing documentation to evidence the right to work in the UK, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check (if applicable), references covering at least 5 years, a complete previous education and employment history timeline and the completion of mandatory safeguarding training. See PACT’s [Safeguarding policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/), [Safer Recruitment procedure](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Safer-Recruitment-procedure.docx "Safer Recruitment Procedure 2024") and [Code of Conduct](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Code-of-conduct.docx "Code of Conduct 2023").  PACT is a data controller for the purposes of data protection legislation and collects and processes personal data relating to applicants for employment, volunteering and contracting opportunities as part of our recruitment process. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data. Our [Recruitment Data Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Privacy-Notice-Recruitment-Data.pdf) explains what personal data we will hold about you, how we collect it, and how we will use and may share information about you during the application process. No agencies please. Thank you for considering PACT as an employer.          --- ### [Alana House](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/) **Published:** August 4, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:**  # Alana House #### Alana House is PACT’s flagship community project that uses a holistic approach to support and empower women. We offer a confidential, women-only, non-judgemental space and welcome all women who feel they need help and support. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/) #### To access support services at Alana House, you will need to make a referral. ## Are you looking for support for… [ …yourself? ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-yourself/) [ …someone else? ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-a-client/) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   ## Watch this short film to find out more about Alana House ## Celebrating the Alana House community  ## The Alana House gallery --- See how Alana House has developed over the years and transformed the lives of hundreds of women seeking support [Read More](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/) ## Alana House Community Café --- Alana House runs a community café to help women who attend the project to learn and practice valuable new skills [Read More](https://www.pactcharity.org/community-cafe/) ## Painting with Purpose --- Alana House service users took part in the Painting with Purpose project to learn how to create unique and meaningful artwork using an expressive, intuitive artistic process. [Read More](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/painting-with-purpose/) ## Buy our recipe book --- Recipes, poetry and artwork from the women and team who work with them, capturing the passion, hope and vision of Alana House [Read More](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/recipe-book/) ## Find out what’s on at Alana House Women who have been referred to our services can access a range of groups and activities [View calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/) ## Helplines ## Domestic Abuse Help --- Berkshire Women’s Aid: [0118 9504003]() National helpline (run by Women’s Aid): [0808 2000 247]() [ See more helplines  ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/alana-house-helplines/#helplines) ## Debt Advice Support --- Stepchange Debt Remedy, advisors: [0800 138 1111]() Reading Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): [0845 071 6379]() [ See more helplines  ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/alana-house-helplines/#helplines) ## Health and Wellbeing --- Crisis Team: [0845 9000075 ]() NHS Direct: [0845 4647]() [ See more helplines  ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/alana-house-helplines/#helplines) ## Housing & Homeless Services --- Shelter – advice and support: [0844 515 1414]() St Mungo’s, Reading office: [0118 9595992]() [ See more helplines  ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/alana-house-helplines/#helplines) ## Alana House stories Read the stories of some of the many women who have been supported by Alana House [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-stories/) ## Alana House stories Read the stories of some of the many women who have been supported by Alana House [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-stories/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/assias-story/) [## Assia’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/assias-story/)Assia\* was referred to Alana House by her Brighter Futures Family Worker. Since attending Alana House, her feelings of isolation have reduced. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/assias-story/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/gemmas-story/) [## Gemma’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/gemmas-story/)Gemma\* was referred to Alana House by a midwifery team from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. With support from an Alana House key worker, Gemma has been able to make positive changes to her life… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/gemmas-story/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kates-story/) [## Kate’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kates-story/)Kate\* was referred by Liaison and Diversion after being seen in custody on charge of Intent to Supply Class B Drugs. An Alana House key worker built up trust with Kate and put support in place to help her make positive changes to her life… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kates-story/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/bellas-story/) [## Bella’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/bellas-story/)Bella\* was referred to Alana House after being arrested. An Alana House support worker built up trust with Bella and put support in place to help her make positive changes to her life… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/bellas-story/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/christys-story/) [## Christy’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/christys-story/)Christy\* was referred to Alana House after being arrested. An Alana House support worker created a support plan which gave Christy a starting point to be able to make sense of what support she needed…. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/christys-story/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kaylas-story/) [## Kayla’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kaylas-story/)Kayla\* was referred to Alana House in 2021. She needed support for her physical and mental health, her financial situation and her attitudes, thinking and behaviour… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kaylas-story/) ## Alana House Gallery ### July’s Fareshare table ### Cakes made by the baking group! ### A visit to The MERL as part of Alana House’s summer picnic ### Drawing on pebbles at Alana House’s summer picnic! ### Drawing on pebbles at Alana House’s summer picnic! ### Six of our Alana House women attended John Lewis Reading for afternoon tea! It was a wonderful afternoon of chatting, laughing and good food, followed by perfume and hand cream testing. The ladies went away with a candle and goodie bag. [See More](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/) ## I couldn’t recommend Alana House enough, since working with you all I have felt so supported which has helped me manage my situation. I’m able to rationalise my thought processes and accept that this time of my life will pass as long as I continue to be self-sufficient. It has helped me accept that life is full of ups and downs but it’s the way you respond to them that makes the difference. I will continue to recommend Alana House to my friends that are having a difficult time because I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t linked in with you. Thank you so much for everything. Katie, Alana House service user ## If you’d asked me where I would have been two years ago, I’d probably have hit the deck by now. But I haven’t, I’ve turned my life around and actually made something of myself. And I would recommend anyone to come here with anything they want help with. It’s changed my life for me. Maxine, Alana House service user ## Alana House is a really good use of resources and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for. ……. Her Honour Judge Zoe Smith, Reading Crown Court ## Alana House is highly regarded and valued by a range of professional agencies as it achieves impressive results for these women that can often be life changing. The fact that there is no other service of its kind in the area makes it even more vital and a service that I feel plays a key role in tackling crime prevention in both the immediate and longer term. Suzanna Rose, High Sherriff Berkshire 2013/14 ## Whenever I have a problem, I know I can come to Alana House and they can help me and let me know what to do. They are like family and I am proud to be a service user. When I am with Alana House, I feel free. Amira, Alana House service user ## Without Alana House I would have found it hard to build on my confidence and make my circumstances better. Alana House has given me the tools to live independently and to better manage my finances. Malisa, Alana House service user ## (Alana House) is a really good use of resources… and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for. Her Honour Judge Zoe Smith, Reading Crown Court ## Since my seven months of support, Alana House has boosted by confidence and supported me through many activities that have been provided. I do not know what I would do without them. Thank you so much for your support. Lorraine, Alana House service user ## I have hope again now, which I didn’t have before. Alice, Alana House service user ## Coming to Alana House has made me feel safer, and that I am not alone. If there’s something I need help with I know I can have someone to talk to or to support me. I have recently put up my own Christmas tree in my own home for the first time even, and I feel like it’s a dream come true. I know I am on a positive path now because of the support I have, which I have never had before. Jenny, Alana House service user ## To be honest, the way I was, if I hadn’t found Alana House I think something very bad would have happened. Everything was going wrong and I couldn’t see a way out, but I was determined and I got the help I needed to rebuild. Through doing that it has actually made me realise how strong I am and I am determined to do great things. Leona, Alana House service user ## With anxiety, the more support you have the better. No one should be alone, at Alana House there are people there. Helpful smiley people. Alana House is somewhere I can come at my saddest and at my happiest. Ruth, Alana House service user ## I feel safe knowing that Alana House is always on the other end of the phone… You have helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. Beverley, Alana House service user  ## Our partners We aim to help women take control of their lives by making informed decisions, and can provide information, support and advice. Here are just some of the partner agencies we work with to support women.         ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Visions and Values](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/visions-and-values/) **Published:** September 6, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # PACT vision and values PACT’s vision: > *A world where no one is defined by the trauma they’ve survived, where every child, woman and family has the chance to recover, rebuild and belong*.” This vision shapes everything that we do, and is reflected in our hallmarks of quality, expertise and innovation. We have achieved leadership in the voluntary adoption sector, both in quality, endorsed by an outstanding Ofsted judgement, and also quantity, by growing the number of adoptive families and loving homes for children. We apply the same vision to shape, and grow, our communities projects providing quality services and successful outcomes for women and children in need of support. We know that our reputation is only as good as our workforce, and place great emphasis on training and developing our staff, including introducing a coaching culture. This ensures that quality is maintained through our investment in the continuing professional development of our employees in all areas of the organisation. The role of volunteers is also highly important and significant in the support and delivery of our services. Our goal is to ensure that we can continue to deliver additional and improved services in the future, and therefore we continue to ensure a sound financial platform, to achieve this. We know that our evolving vision has guided us well over the years and will do so for the future so that we can continue to build and strengthen the families we work with.  ## **Our values** ### Our shared **values** drive everything that we do.  We are **PROFESSIONAL** in our service delivery. This is demonstrated by: - the results we deliver for PACT, for the children and families we support and for our partner organisations - the respect we show to our service users and to our internal and external colleagues, irrespective of differences - the energy we show in delivering quality services to our high standards for all our different professions  We are committed to maintaining a **POSITIVE ATTITUDE** that sets us apart. We achieve this by: - keeping an open mind and choosing to see the good possibilities of a situation - accepting change as vital to our efficiency and growth - actively seeking to recruit and reach individuals from diverse backgrounds in both our workforce and service users - doing what we say we will do and supporting each other with care and with confidence  We are **INNOVATIVE** in the way we approach our work. For us this means: - we encourage and support our colleagues in identifying and developing opportunities to try out new things - we continuously work to ensure all staff and volunteers play an important part in influencing the culture and practice of PACT, valuing input from diverse backgrounds and communities - we consistently take actions that ensure PACT remains a pioneering organisation, always at the forefront in our areas of expertise - we develop and extend PACT’s influence into new areas  We genuinely **DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS.** We strive to make a positive difference for the people whose lives we influence by: - seeking to place children in safe and caring family environments through our adoption service - working closely with our adopters to provide lifelong support - empowering and supporting women through Alana House women’s community project - supporting families who have been affected by domestic abuse through our Bounce Back for Kids programme - working in partnership with those who use our services and being honest and open in all we do - listening and responding flexibly to the individual needs of service users and colleagues ## Download and read our culture and values statements [Download](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Culture-values-combined-poster-August-2021-A3.pdf) ## See the impact of our work “Without the support from Alana House and support from [my support worker], I know that I probably would not be here right now and I certainly wouldn’t have my daughter with me.” – Alana House service user [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)   --- ### [Milton Keynes family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/milton-keynes-family-fun-day/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** ## Milton Keynes family fun day at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes 📅 **Saturday 26th September 2026, meet at 10.15am, Gulliver’s Land, Livingstone Drive, Newlands, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT** Dear PACT family, You are invited to attend this year’s PACT Family Fun Day! Our fun days are a free day for PACT adopters and children to enjoy activities, share experiences, catch up with friends and meet other families. PACT staff will also be there to join in the fun! The Milton Keynes based event will be held on Saturday 26th September 2026 at Gulliver’s Land, Livingstone Drive, Newlands, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT. We will meet at 10.15am, ready to go in when it opens at 10.30am. Join us for a fun, memorable day at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes, and enjoy thrilling rides and entertaining activities! This is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other PACT families, build friendships and enjoy time together. Families are welcome to stay until 5pm, but equally you can leave at any time. **Parking** There is free parking at Gulliver’s Land. Further information can be found here on Gulliver’s Land website [here](https://www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk/plan-your-visit/getting-here). **Lunch** We will not be providing lunch so would advise you bring some with you or you can get some there. We will all get together for lunch at 12.30pm. We advise bringing sun protection, wellies and water with you, and also some wet weather clothes, just in case. Places are offered on a first come first served basis. **Please RSVP by Tuesday 1st September at the latest to secure your place.** Although this event is free for PACT families, please be aware that if you no longer require any, or all, of your tickets, it is important that you cancel them at your earliest convenience, as PACT does incur a cost for each place. **Important booking information** Please enter your PACT office and social worker on your booking form. You only need to enter this once. You will also need to select, ‘enter details of previous registrant’ for each child on your booking to avoid entering the names of your childre/ren. We hope you can join us for a day of fun. Please feel free to email if you have any questions, . --- ### [How we make a difference (BB4K)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-bb4k/) **Published:** June 29, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # How we make a difference ## Bounce Back 4 Kids ### In 2024-25 at Bounce Back 4 Kids… ### We supported ### 158 ### children and ### 284 ### parents recovering from the trauma of domestic abuse through group programmes, individual support and play therapy  Sand jar, feelings mask, worry box and head full of emotions created by children during BB4K groups ### **67** ### families were supported through the Foundations research programme ### 10 ### children received play therapy ### **902** ### hours of group support were provided ### **1116** ### hours of individual support were provided ### We received ### 269 ### child referrals, a decrease of**16%**compared to last year Change in referrals year on year Ages of children referred ### Percentage of parents who recorded a positive or sustained improvement in each outcome area: Emotion and affection Play and enjoyment Empathy and understanding Control Discipline and setting boundaries Pressures Self acceptance Learning and knowledge ### More achievements from Bounce Back 4 Kids… - **552** children supported directly and indirectly - **9** volunteer placements provided a total of **1880 hours** supporting BB4K activities - **40%** of referrals came from Oxfordshire, **27%** from West Berkshire, **25%** from Reading and **8%** from Wokingham. [View our annual report](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BB4K-2025-2026-Report-1.pdf) **“The children are all achieving incredible things at school and doing after school activities, but most of all they’re just enjoying every minute of their childhood in such a more relaxed and happy environment.”** [Read Jade’s story](/bb4k-story/jade-and-her-three-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) **“For the first time, \[child\] recognises that a ‘feeling’ in his tummy can mean he’s worried, scared etc. He has been able to vocalise this to me which has helped as I can comfort him.”** – BB4K parent **“We have found the support received from BB4K to be invaluable especially for Troy’s mental wellbeing… With the continued support, we are all confident Troy will go from strength to strength.”** [Read Troy’s story](/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k/) ## Feedback from children This short film contains feedback from children who attended BB4K group programmes. *(To protect identities, feedback has been read out by volunteers and voices are not those of children participating in the programme.)* ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to help children affected by domestic abuse to understand their emotions and heal from trauma [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   [Return to all services](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) --- ### [How we make a difference (Alana House)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-alana-house/) **Published:** June 29, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # How we make a difference ## Alana House ### In 2024-25 at Alana House… ### We supported ### 242 ### women through groups, courses, café drop-in sessions or one-to-one support --- ### 53 ### café drop-in sessions were held Artwork created by women through the Painting with Purpose project ### **754** ### keywork sessions were attended by ### 168 ### women ### **3**89 ### group sessions were attended by ### 120 ### women ### **143** ### counselling sessions were attended by ### 17 ### women ### **308** ### women were supported to access alternative services ### The highest needs of women at the time of referral were ### Experience with domestic abuse and rape (86%) --- ### Mental health (80%) --- ### Children and families (55%) Highest needs at referral ### Percentage of women who recorded a positive or sustained improvement in each area of need: Accommodation Attitudes thinking and behaviour Children families and relationships Domestic abuse and rape Drugs and alcohol Employment training and education Finance debt and benefits Mental health Physical health Sex work only 4 women presented with this need ### More achievements from Alana House… - **266** days was the average length of time a woman engaged with Alana House - **88** women received support through donations, food parcels and referrals to foodbanks - **805** hours of group support - **308** women were supported through signposting - **984** hours given to one-to-one work [View our annual report](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AH-Impact-Report-20252026.pdf) **“Since working at Alana House, I have attended a number of groups which have helped me learn new skills in coping with my personal life struggles and situations.”** [Read Kayla’s story](/alana-house-story/kaylas-story/) **“It is hard to describe the amount of support \[my support worker\] has given me over the past year. I had a deep mistrust of professionals when first engaging with Alana House and it is to \[her\] credit that she is one of the few professionals that I trust.”** [Read Christy’s story](/alana-house-story/christys-story/) **“Without the support from Alana House and support from \[my support worker\], I know that I probably would not be here right now and I certainly wouldn’t have my daughter with me.”** [Read Bella’s story](/alana-house-story/bellas-story/) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to support women facing disadvantages to heal from trauma and make positive changes to their lives [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   [Return to all services](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) --- ### [About Alana House](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # **About Alana House** ### Alana House is a community project run by PACT that uses a holistic and trauma-informed approach to support and empower women facing multiple disadvantages. ## We offer a confidential, women-only, non-judgemental space and welcome all women who feel they need help, support and advice. Alana House has a women-only centre in Reading but we also provide outreach services across Berkshire. Alana House Reading opened in April 2010, adopting the recommendations from the Corston Report, which identified nine pathways of support and the trauma-informed approach needed to support women. Initially established to support women who had committed offences but were often victims of trauma themselves, Alana House has developed over the years to support *all* women with multiple or complex needs who are looking for support to help make positive life changes.  ## Watch this short film to find out more about Alana House ## The Nine Pathways Women are offered information and support in line with the nine pathways to help empower them to make positive life changes, develop new skills and create new opportunities. ### Accommodation ### Attitudes, thinking and behaviour ### Children, families and relationships ### Domestic abuse, violence and rape ### Drugs and alcohol ### Education, training and employment ### Finance, benefits and debt ### Health and well-being ### Sex working ## **Our Aims** We explore these pathways to bring about positive change by: - Empowering women to reflect on their lives and make a plan to address their needs, increasing their independence and facilitating their access to mainstream services. - Addressing the individual barriers to employment, education and training. - Diverting women from custody by addressing the causes of crime and therefore reducing the impact on the community. - Providing opportunities to access benefit and welfare advice, NHS sexual health treatment, housing and specialist drug and alcohol advice, in one safe place. ## **How do we help?** Alana House meets women at their point of need and supports them to identify and work towards individual goals. We support women through individual keywork, group work, drop-in sessions, outreach, partnership with specialist agencies and partner agency-led courses and information sessions. Alana House also enables women to access practical help with washing, food supplies and computer use. To access our services, women need to be referred to Alana House. Voluntary or community-based organisations can refer women to our services or women can choose to refer themselves. [ Refer yourself ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-yourself/) [ Refer someone else ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-a-client/) Once someone has been referred to Alana House and our team has accepted the referral, they can begin accessing support. We run a programme of groups and sessions to best meet the needs of those who use our services. Details of which groups are currently running for service users can be found in our calendar. To book onto any group or session, women will need to speak to their assigned Alana House support worker. ## IDVA and ISVA qualified staff Here at Alana House, we are proud to have IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) and ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) qualified staff. Having had this training by [Safer Places](https://www.saferplaces.co.uk/training/qualifications/level-3-independent-domestic-violence-advocate-idva) means our team brings a wealth of specialist skills to Alana House, strengthening our support for women who have been subjected to domestic abuse and sexual violence. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/idva-and-isva/)  ## Find out what’s on at Alana House Women who have been referred to our services can access a range of groups and activities [View calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/)  ## See the impact of our work “When I started working with \[my support worker\], I was in a really bad place in my life… I really didn’t know what to expect from yet another professional coming into my space. In time I learnt to trust her. I knew that she was genuinely there for me and she was giving me a voice.” – Alana House service user [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-alana-house/) ## I couldn’t recommend Alana House enough, since working with you all I have felt so supported which has helped me manage my situation. I’m able to rationalise my thought processes and accept that this time of my life will pass as long as I continue to be self-sufficient. It has helped me accept that life is full of ups and downs but it’s the way you respond to them that makes the difference. I will continue to recommend Alana House to my friends that are having a difficult time because I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t linked in with you. Thank you so much for everything. Katie, Alana House service user ## If you’d asked me where I would have been two years ago, I’d probably have hit the deck by now. But I haven’t, I’ve turned my life around and actually made something of myself. And I would recommend anyone to come here with anything they want help with. It’s changed my life for me. Maxine, Alana House service user ## Alana House is a really good use of resources and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for. ……. Lorem ipsum, Lorem ipsum ## Alana House is highly regarded and valued by a range of professional agencies as it achieves impressive results for these women that can often be life changing. The fact that there is no other service of its kind in the area makes it even more vital and a service that I feel plays a key role in tackling crime prevention in both the immediate and longer term. Suzanna Rose, High Sherriff Berkshire 2013/14 ## Whenever I have a problem, I know I can come to Alana House and they can help me and let me know what to do. They are like family and I am proud to be a service user. When I am with Alana House, I feel free. Amira, Alana House service user ## Without Alana House I would have found it hard to build on my confidence and make my circumstances better. Alana House has given me the tools to live independently and to better manage my finances. Malisa, Alana House service user ## (Alana House) is a really good use of resources… and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for. Her Honour Judge Zoe Smith, Reading Crown Court ## Since my seven months of support, Alana House has boosted by confidence and supported me through many activities that have been provided. I do not know what I would do without them. Thank you so much for your support. Lorraine, Alana House service user ## I have hope again now, which I didn’t have before. Alice, Alana House service user ## Coming to Alana House has made me feel safer, and that I am not alone. If there’s something I need help with I know I can have someone to talk to or to support me. I have recently put up my own Christmas tree in my own home for the first time even, and I feel like it’s a dream come true. I know I am on a positive path now because of the support I have, which I have never had before. Jenny, Alana House service user ## To be honest, the way I was, if I hadn’t found Alana House I think something very bad would have happened. Everything was going wrong and I couldn’t see a way out, but I was determined and I got the help I needed to rebuild. Through doing that it has actually made me realise how strong I am and I am determined to do great things. Leona, Alana House service user ## With anxiety, the more support you have the better. No one should be alone, at Alana House there are people there. Helpful smiley people. Alana House is somewhere I can come at my saddest and at my happiest. Ruth, Alana House service user ## I feel safe knowing that Alana House is always on the other end of the phone… You have helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. Beverley, Alana House service user  ## **Endorsements** ### Howard League for Penal Reform Award Alana House has twice won a prestigious national ‘Howard League for Penal Reform’ award, acknowledging the positive impact it has on the women it supports and their wider communities. In 2017 the award was for the Enrich Project, a partnership programme run with Thames Valley Police, ‘Change, Grow, Live’ drug and alcohol service and Reading Borough Council’s ‘Troubled Families’ service. Alana House was also nominated for the Howard League award in 2019 for its ‘Job Skills’ course, which works with women to build confidence and give practical advice as they seek employment.   ### The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service In 2022, Alana House was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Queen’s Award is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. The award recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.  ## Our partners We aim to help women take control of their lives by making informed decisions, and can provide information, support and advice. Here are just some of the partner agencies we work with to support women.        [ Find out more about our partners ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/partner-agencies/)  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Adopter support groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/) **Published:** September 13, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adopter support groups PACT runs events designed to meet the needs of adoptive parents. We listen to your feedback and do our best to create events in response to the most common challenges adopters are facing. You can access further support and advice by getting in touch with our [Adopter Champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/ "Adopter Champions") or visiting the [Children And Trauma Community Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/). If you need the help of our therapeutically-trained social workers or you think your child may need therapy, take a look at our [Strengthening Families Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/ "Strengthening Families") and our [Family and Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/ "FACTS"). We also run events for families, such as our annual [Family Fun Days](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/ "/adoption-support/family-fun-days/"). ## Current support groups  ## Bite-sized learning workshops --- Our online bite-sized learning workshops are perfect for parents who are time-short but want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/bitesized-learning-workshops/) ## Support group for adoptive fathers --- A space for dads and dads-to-be to meet together and share support, encouragement and advice. [Find out more](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/being-dad-groups/) ## Support group for adoptive mothers --- A space for mums and mums-to-be to meet together and talk through challenges, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/support-group-for-adoptive-mothers/) ## Time for you sessions --- Chat online to a FACTS therapist about how your family is getting on and discuss any concerns you may have, in a relaxed and informal setting. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/time-for-you/) ## Buddy support for parents with children with additional needs --- Are you are a parent of a child or children with additional needs? Would you like to speak to other parents with similar families for support? We can arrange to link you with another family for buddy support. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/additional-needs-support/) ## Support group for Black and mixed heritage adoptive parents --- A safe, empowering space to share experiences, build connections, navigate the unique joys and challenges of adoption and celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-for-black-and-mixed-heritage-adopters/) ## Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters --- A peer support group sessions for LGBTQ+ adopters to ask questions, talk through challenges, and share support, encouragement and advice. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/lgbtq-support-group/) ## Partner agency events --- We work closely with partners to give our adoptive families access to specialist events and workshops in addition to the training and support provided by PACT. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/partner-agency-support/) ## Family Fun Days --- We hold events each year for PACT families to meet up with our team and each other for a picnic, activities and mutual support. [Find Out More](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/) --- ### [LGBTQ+ support group](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/lgbtq-support-group/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # LGBTQ+ Support Group: for LGBTQ+ adopters This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet together online, to talk through challenges, ask questions, and share support, encouragement and advice. The group is for parents and parents-to-be. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking.) To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.*  ## Dates and times Current Month October 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-lgbtq-adopters/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*thu08oct8:00 pm**9:00 pm*Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters*8:00 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters. This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet ### Event Details Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters. This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet together virtually, to talk through challenges, ask questions, and share support, encouragement and advice. The group is for parents and parents-to-be. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* ### Time October 8, 2026 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14035_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Support%20group%20for%20LGBTQ%2B%20adopters&dates=20261008T190000Z/20261008T200000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Support%20group%20for%20LGBTQ%2B%20adopters&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") January 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-lgbtq-adopters/var/ri-2.l-L1) [*thu07jan8:00 pm**9:00 pm*Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters*8:00 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters. This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet ### Event Details Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters. This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet together virtually, to talk through challenges, ask questions, and share support, encouragement and advice. The group is for parents and parents-to-be. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* ### Time January 7, 2027 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14035_2/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Support%20group%20for%20LGBTQ%2B%20adopters&dates=20270107T200000Z/20270107T210000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Support%20group%20for%20LGBTQ%2B%20adopters&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") April 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-lgbtq-adopters/var/ri-3.l-L1) [*thu15apr8:00 pm**9:00 pm*Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters*8:00 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters. This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet ### Event Details Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters. This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet together virtually, to talk through challenges, ask questions, and share support, encouragement and advice. The group is for parents and parents-to-be. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* ### Time April 15, 2027 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14035_3/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Support%20group%20for%20LGBTQ%2B%20adopters&dates=20270415T190000Z/20270415T200000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Support%20group%20for%20LGBTQ%2B%20adopters&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar")  ## Register your interest Once you have registered your interest, you will be sent an email containing the meeting login and password so that you can join the meeting safely and securely. You are very welcome to attend all, or any number of the sessions. To register your interest please complete this form stating which session(s) you would like join. *Sessions are only available to people who have adopted with PACT or are in the process of adopting and have a DBS check completed with PACT.* ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Change lives this summer](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/change-lives-this-summer/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Your generosity makes lasting change possible Every day, children, families and women rebuilding their lives after trauma turn to PACT for specialist support, helping them feel safer, strengthen relationships and move forward with confidence. When a child is struggling after experiencing domestic abuse, when an adoptive family faces challenges that threaten stability, or when a woman needs support to recover from trauma, expert help can make all the difference. At PACT, that support is always free, accessible and grounded in evidence-based practice. We believe that no-one should be prevented from getting the help they need because of their financial circumstances. But providing expert support comes at a cost. **That’s why your generosity matters.** Every donation helps fund the specialist services that enable children, families and women to access life-changing support when they need it most. Support that helps families stay strong, relationships heal and people build safer, more hopeful futures. Demand for these services continues, and we need your help to ensure that everyone who turns to PACT can access the support they need. This summer, your donation can help provide expert care, guidance and therapeutic support to people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Together, we can ensure that more children, families and women find the safety, stability and support they deserve. **Please donate today and help make lasting change possible.** [Donate to PACT’s life-changing summer appeal](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/summer-appeal/)  After experiencing domestic abuse, Caitlin\* and her children rebuilt confidence, connection and hope through BB4K. [Caitlin’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/caitlins-story1/) --- ## **Helping children bounce back from trauma** Our Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) programme supports children and families recovering from domestic abuse, helping them understand their emotions, rebuild confidence and feel safe again. Because even when the abuse has stopped, the impact of trauma doesn’t simply disappear. As one parent shared: *“Spending dedicated time together through the programme and using the strategies at home has helped us feel closer as a family… A lot more feels possible than it did before and I feel hopeful about the future.”* **PACT supported more than 430 children last year and this year, due to growing demand, we’re expanding BB4K to reach more families across our communities. But we can’t do it without you.** Adam\* and Jan\* built a thriving adoptive family with ongoing specialist support, training and community with PACT. [Adam’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/adams-story/) --- ## **Supporting our adoptive families for life** Through PACT’s range of in-house support we are committed to meeting the needs of our adoptive families, at any stage, for life. Through advice, training, workshops, support groups and activities we meet families and children where they are. Adopter Adam said: *“Contacting PACT for support is easy and you are quickly put in touch with the right team to assist with your query to get advice or progress any support you need.”* **Last year PACT supported over 200 children and families just like Adam and Jan’s across its range of trauma recovery activities.** **With your generous help we can support every one of our families that need us.** Laura\* escaped abuse and receives ongoing support from Alana House to rebuild safety and recover from trauma. [Laura’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/lauras-story/) --- ## **Empowering women to create positive change** --- The Alana House team bring their extensive experience and knowledge and wide range of support help each woman navigating multiple disadvantages to a brighter future. Alana House attendee Melanie told us: *“It is hard to describe the amount of support \[my support worker\] has given me over the past year. I had a deep mistrust of professionals when first engaging with Alana House and it is to \[her\] credit that she is one of the few professionals that I trust.”* With your support we can help even more women access expert trauma-informed support. **Last year 218 women received support from Alana House and 89% recorded a positive improvement across all needs**. **Help us turn our expert support into lasting change.** \*All names have been changed for confidentiality  ## Your support makes it possible Your donation helps turn expert knowledge into accessible, lasting support for families, so we can: - Provide free, in-house specialist support to families - Remove barriers to accessing help - Create safer, stronger futures ## **How your donation can change lives** **this summer** - **£50** could help a child who has experienced trauma and abuse to feel safe and supported as they begin to understand their feelings and start their journey to recovery. - **£25** could provide adoptive parents with expert guidance and support to help them understand and respond to their child’s past trauma with compassion. - **£10** could help a woman access life-changing therapy, empowering her to move forward from domestic abuse, homelessness and substance abuse with strength and hope. - **£5** could buy craft materials for a child affected by domestic abuse, helping them to express their feelings and reconnect with their family through creative play. **Together, we can create safer, stronger futures.** [Donate today](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/summer-appeal/) --- ### [Early permanence](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/fostering-for-adoption/) **Published:** September 1, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Early permanence Early permanence (sometimes referred to as Fostering for Adoption) involves placing children with potential adopters who are also approved as temporary foster carers while decisions are made about the child’s future within the family court process. PACT encourages all prospective adopters to be open and consider the option of early permanence. Last year, **19%** of the children we placed in loving, permanent homes was through early permanence. Early permanence has many and profound benefits for children; the main being avoiding unnecessary moves and disruption for a child or children in their young lives. It also has many advantages for carers, including the possibility of early bonding between carers and the child or children; creating a secure and loving family life. However, we recognise this may not be right for everyone and therefore we will discuss it throughout the assessment process to ensure everyone is making an informed decision. The main principle is that early permanence carers are child-centred and manage the risks and uncertainties so that children do not have to bear the weight of uncertainty. ## What are the roles and responsibilities of an early permanence carer? Early permanence carers look after babies and young children where the likelihood of them returning to their birth family is low and assessments suggest that adoption is the most realistic long term permanence option. In each case, it is carefully considered by all professionals involved (the child’s team) whether the child should be placed in a traditional adoption or early permanence placement. As well as ensuring excellent day to day care of the child, early permanence carers work with professionals in supporting the child’s birth family to maintain contact with their child. While the court makes decisions about the child’s future, early permanence carers must be willing to invest in the short and long term needs of the child with an understanding that if the child cannot return home, they will adopt them. Becoming an early permanence carer is not suitable for all prospective adopters. You will need to be emotionally resilient, flexible and able to manage uncertainties. ## Advice guide: Understanding adoption via early permanence PACT has joined forces with voluntary adoption agencies across the UK to create a guide for anyone interested in exploring early permanence as a route to parenthood. The guide draws on the lived experience of adoptive parents who have provided early permanence care. The advice shared comes directly from people who have been early permanence carers themselves, offering honest, first-hand insight into the realities of the journey. These families reflect openly on the challenges, emotions and rewards of welcoming a child into their homes at such a crucial stage. [Download the guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CVAA-Advice-Guide-Understanding-Adoption-via-Early-Permanence-01.07.2026.pdf)  ## Talking Adoption show Hear adopter Lillian talk about her experience of early permanence (fostering for adoption) and learn more about the process from the PACT team. To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ### Advantages for the child - A child benefits from stability and continuity of care from the earliest possible stage in their lives with fewer major changes to cope with (see [Solihull Approach](http://www.solihullapproachparenting.com/) particularly in relation to early trauma) - It allows for early attachment needs to be met and early bonding to begin, avoiding the damage of terminating a child’s relationship with birth parents, then foster carers before going on to be placed for adoption - Potentially it allows for a permanent home to be found for a child as early as possible, with research showing that risks of developmental and behavioural difficulties lessen the earlier a child is placed with permanent carers ### Advantages for you - You may get a very young baby placed with you, potentially straight from hospital, although these children can come with complex needs which we might not know about when they are placed with you - You get to know a child sooner and if you do go on to adopt them, will be able to share those earliest memories with them - You will have a better understanding of a child’s birth family and history, being able to talk more meaningfully to a child about their birth family when they get older ### Things to consider - There are lots of uncertainties with an early permanence placement, can you deal with these? - A child may be returned to their birth parents or another member of the birth family if the court decides this is best for the child. How will you cope if this happens? - Can you manage the role of a foster carer, which includes attending regular meetings and facilitating contact with birth family? ## Frequently asked questions about early permanence ### How does early permanence/fostering for adoption work with the adoption process?  Once each prospective adopter has, after discussion with their social worker, confirmed that they could consider early permanence, they will work together on additional elements of the assessment. Adding this to the assessment will look like a few extra hours. The prospective adopter’s report (PAR) will reflect the work each person does together around this; looking at the practical and emotional aspects. We will ask prospective early permanence carers to discuss this option with their support network so that they also understand the difference between adoption and early permanence. Social workers will also discuss this with prospective early permanence carer’s referees to ensure they will be able to support the carers throughout their journey. When prospective early permanence carers go to the approval panel all elements of their report will be considered and they will be recommended for approval to adopt and to be considered for early permanence placements. Having been recommended for early permanence alongside adoption will mean that applicants will be able to see the profiles of children waiting for adoption as well as children with plans that include early permanence/fostering for adoption. Once it has been agreed that someone will provide an early permanence placement for a specific child or children, the local authority will temporarily approve them as foster carer/s for this child or children. ### How often do children in early permanence placements return to their families?  Historically the number of children who return to the care of their families is low. However, each child’s circumstances are unique, and it is important to consider whether you can support a child or children as a foster carer through a period of increased uncertainty. Taking the weight of that uncertainty on behalf a child or children is not for everyone and it takes people to be emotionally robust and resilient. If you think you can consider being a positive part of a child’s life by giving them the best start in life and/or a period of nurture and stability, our adoption social workers will prepare and support you through the uncertainty. If it is decided that a child or children can safely return to the care of their family, early permanence carers understand that they have provided vital stability to a child or children who need it the most. Having already been approved to adopt, applicants will be able to continue their journey towards adoption with the support of their social worker. ### How long are children in early permanence placements before they are adopted?  Courts should make final decisions about care plan for children within 26 weeks, though it can sometimes take longer. ### How does early permanence affect adoption leave?  It is advisable for early permanence carers to check with their employer’s (if applicable) fostering and adoption leave policy. Usually, however, adoption leave begins once the child or children are placed in their care. ### How quickly are children placed with early permanence carers?  Each child’s circumstances are unique and therefore their journey into care differs. For some it can be very quick, within days of being born, and others may take a little longer. It may be useful to consider how flexible current work commitments are. ### Is it only babies who are considered for early permanence?  No, early permanence is increasingly being considered for older children, as well as sisters and/or brothers. ### What is the role and responsibilities of an early permanence carer?  As well as being approved as a PACT adopter, early permanence carers are also approved by local authorities a as a foster carer who will have the legal care of the child or children. Foster carers will need to keep regular notes (daily logs) on the wellbeing and care of the child or children as well as attend frequent meetings with their social worker. Maintaining the children’s relationship with their family is important while their care plans are formalised through the courts. This is particularly significant as the child or children may return to the care of their birth family. Foster carers play a vital role in enabling children to attend direct family time and supporting them afterwards. Research has shown family time is incredibly important for children in care as it impacts on the development of their identity and gives them a better understanding of their personal history. ### Early permanence carers support children to have family time with their birth families. What does that look like?  The amount of family time is agreed by the court. Each child’s plans are individual. Some may have family time up to 4-5 times a week so it is important that foster carers are able to support children with these opportunities. ### Do carers receive any financial support?  Yes, foster carers receive an allowance from the local authority to help with childcare costs. ### Are foster carers able to disagree with plans for a child to be reunified with their family?  Foster carers may have a view on what is the best outcome for the child or children in their care. However, early permanence carers do not have any rights in relation to the child or children until the plan for adoption has been approved. ### When can foster carers apply for the adoption order?  Once the placement order has been granted (the child is freed for adoption), foster carers will become the child or children’s prospective adopters. As soon as they are matched with the child, they can apply for the adoption order, providing the child or children have been living with them for over 10 weeks. ## What support will early permanence carers receive? PACT has a dedicated children and family support worker for early permanence and a team of experienced social workers ready to help guide applicants through the early permanence process. You will also be invited to attend a training workshop, support groups and linked up with experienced adopters as part of a buddy scheme. We also provide access to our online support platform [CATCH ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/)and our specialist post-adoption therapeutic support service, [FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/ "FACTS"). The placing local authority will pay you a fostering allowance while the child is placed under fostering regulations. You may be entitled to adoption allowance, although this is a means tested allowance. The government made changes to adoption leave and pay in April 2015, recognising Foster for Adoption in these changes and allowing early permanence carers to take adoption leave and pay (if entitled) from the point a child is placed with them. ## Read some of our case studies about parents who adopted through the early permanence (Foster for Adoption) process [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/) [## Chloe and Dan adopted baby Megan through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/)Chloe\* and Dan\* adopted Megan\* through PACT following a Foster for Adoption placement. Megan was five weeks old when she was placed with them… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/michelle-phil-mia-charlie/) [## Michelle and Phil adopted their second child Charlie through the early permanence process](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/michelle-phil-mia-charlie/)Michelle\* and Phil\* have a five-year-old adopted daughter, Mia\*, and are now applying to adopt 21-month-old Charlie\* who they have been fostering… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/michelle-phil-mia-charlie/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) [## Emma adopted Josh through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/)Emma\* adopted Josh\* through PACT in 2018 when he was nine-and-a-half months old following a Foster for Adoption placement… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) ## Find out more If you are considering early permanence or have any questions about our services please [contact us](/adoption-enquiry/) or telephone PACT’s dedicated enquiries officers on 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [BB4K newsletters](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-positive-newsletters/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # BB4K Positive Newsletters Our BB4K team produce regular newsletters with lots of advice and tips to help families bond and have fun together. We started the newsletters during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to help parents feel safe and supported during lockdown but the response was so positive, we have continued them ever since! Take a look at our library of back issues here for positive steps to support yours and your children’s wellbeing. If you’d like to receive new issues to your inbox get in touch with the BB4K team by emailing .  ## Very thought-provoking with lots of good ideas for how to help get children through these difficult times. ## Very uplifting and really enjoyable to read. ## They are fantastic and have so many great resources. ## So positive and much needed at this time. ## My clients are really appreciating the content. ## My children love the ideas. ## Some really effective and impactful messages that are really well pitched. ## The simple way you are creating a safe space for parents who are going through tough times is very much appreciated. ## 2026 newsletters --- ## Newsletter – Summer 2026 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BB4K-Positive-Newsletter-Summer-2026.pdf) --- ## 2025 newsletters --- ## Newsletter – Summer 2025 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/BB4K-Newsletter-Summer-2025.pdf) --- ## 2024 newsletters --- ## Newsletter – Summer 2024 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BB4K-Newsletter-Summer-2024.pdf) --- ## 2023 newsletters ## Newsletter – Summer 2023 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BB4K-newsletter-Summer-2023.pdf) --- ## Newsletter – Winter 2023 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BB4K-newsletter-Winter-2023.pdf) ## 2022 newsletters ## Newsletter – April 2022 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BB4K-newsletter-April-2022.pdf) ## Newsletter – July 2022 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/BB4K-newsletter-July-2022.pdf) ## Newsletter – December 2022 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BB4K-newsletter-Winter-2022.pdf) ## 2021 newsletters ## Newsletter – January 2021 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-January-2021.pdf) ## Newsletter – March 2021 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-March-2021.pdf) ## Newsletter – July 2021 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-July-2021.pdf) ## Newsletter – December 2021 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BB4K-newsletter-December-2021.pdf) ## 2020 newsletters ## Newsletter 1 – 26/03/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-1.pdf) ## Newsletter 2 – 01/04/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-2.pdf) ## Newsletter 3 – 09/04/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-3.pdf) ## Newsletter 4 – 16/04/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-4.pdf) ## Newsletter 5 – 23/04/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-5.pdf) ## Newsletter 6 – 29/04/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-6.pdf) ## Newsletter 7 – 06/05/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-7.pdf) ## Newsletter 8 – 14/05/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-8.pdf) ## Newsletter 9 – 27/05/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-9.pdf) ## Newsletter 10 – 04/06/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-10.pdf) ## Newsletter 11 – 11/06/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-11.pdf) ## Newsletter 12 – 23/06/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-12.pdf) ## Newsletter 13 – 09/07/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-13.pdf) ## Newsletter 14 – 23/07/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-14.pdf) ## Newsletter 15 – 14/08/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-15.pdf) ## Newsletter 16 – 03/09/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-Newsletter-16.pdf) ## Newsletter 17 – 01/10/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-17.pdf) ## Newsletter 18 – 22/10/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-18.pdf) ## Newsletter 19 – 10/11/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-19.pdf) ## Newsletter 20 – 03/12/20 --- [ View ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BB4K-newsletter-20.pdf)  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Board of Trustees](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/executive-board/) **Published:** September 21, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Board of Trustees ### **Wes Cuell – Chair** Wes has more than 40 years of experience working in social care, primarily in services for children and young people as a qualified social worker. He worked for many years in local authorities including Luton, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire as the head of services and was director of services for children and young people at the NSPCC until 2011. He has a special interest in the support of vulnerable children and families and in safeguarding which included chairing a local children’s safeguarding board and being a board member of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Service (CEOP). Wes chairs the Hertfordshire Adoption Panel and, having been adopted as a child, has a lifelong interest in and commitment to the role of adoption in transforming the lives of children. He lives with his wife in Woburn and has two grown up children and grandchildren who live in the USA. Wes is a keen long distance walker, sailor, trombone player and fly fisherman and loves to travel.  ### **Maggie Jones – Vice-Chair** Maggie qualified as a social worker in the 1980ies and has a long career working with children, young people and families in both the statutory and voluntary sector. She recently retired as CEO of the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK and has extensive experience of working with national government to achieve change for children. Maggie has held a wide range of non executive positions on charity boards and quangos, including the National Lottery Community Fund, and is currently an advisor on governance within the voluntary sector. Maggie also ran a charity providing homes and support to people leaving prison and women fleeing domestic abuse, so has a special interest in the work of Alana House. Maggie has two grown up daughters and four grandchildren. She sings in a choir, loves gardening and going to the theatre in her spare time.  ### **Kate Elliot – Lead Trustee for Education and Training** Kate is driven by her commitment to inclusion and social justice. A lifelong educationalist, Kate taught English and Drama in secondary schools before becoming a head teacher. Adopting 2 children through PACT, Kate became a Virtual School headteacher, working in West London to support the education of care experienced children and young people. Now 13 years down the line, Kate’s children continue to make her proud and Kate is a strong advocate for adoption through PACT. Kate is a qualified mediator and the chair of a Disability network group. Kate believes that the world would be a much better place if we could all try to be more empathetic. Her favourite quote from literature is: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view — until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” – To Kill a Mockingbird Kate sings and plays the ukulele, enjoying local gigs around her West Oxford home. A Francophile and a lover of the arts, Kate indulges her interests through theatre and cinema. She’s thrilled to become a Trustee at PACT where she’ll lead on education and training.  ### **David Camburn – Lead Trustee for Communication and Media** David has over thirty years’ experience in journalism in particular in radio and television broadcasting. Following a ten-year career at the BBC in news and current affairs, he became a freelance producer for CNN and directed news content for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. More recently he set up his own video production agency. The process of adoption is something David passionately believes in, having been adopted himself. In joining PACT, he hopes to share his experiences, which he believes will be valuable to the role of trustee. David lives in Oxfordshire with his wife and their Labrador. He has served on his village’s parish council for the past three years. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and mountain biking.  ### **David Villa-Clarke BEM – Lead Trustee for Income Generation** David is the CEO of the Aleto Foundation whose purpose is to empower young people from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the necessary skills and opportunities to progress in their careers by providing mentoring and leadership training. He is also passionate about giving back to society and runs charitable projects in Botswana and Kenya for Project Volunteer; a charity that he founded in 2006. David has had a career in Financial Services for over 25 years and is the founder and director of DVC Wealth Management Ltd, based in Leatherhead. He is an avid sports enthusiast, having played most sports and at weekends is a football referee in the Surrey leagues.  ### **Edgars Smatovs – Treasurer** Ed is originally from Riga, Latvia and currently lives in London. He has been in the UK for the best part of 10 years and studied at the University of York and the University of Padua in Italy as part of his ERASMUS exchange programme. Ed is a CIMA qualified accountant and has spent the last seven years in various finance roles, including financial reporting, business partnering and FP&A. His current role is in the financial services sector, working as an FP&A Manager in the largest private-sector pension scheme in the UK. He has been involved with charitable organisations mostly in a fundraising capacity and is looking forward to his role as a trustee at PACT. In his free time, Ed enjoys playing football, cycling, running and snowboarding.  ### **Rev Judith Sumner – Lead Trustee for Communities** Rev Judith Sumner was ordained in 2016 and is an associate minister at Reading Minster. Before ordination, she was a primary school teacher and has experience in mental health chaplaincy. Judith’s faith is deeply rooted in inclusivity and a commitment to each and every person’s value and worth and as part of the Minster team, she has responsibilities for safeguarding and pastoral care. She said: “Through my role at the Minster, I have recognised the importance of charities who support the most vulnerable in Reading. I have worked with PACT, particularly Alana House and seen the difference they can make and it is a great privilege to have become a trustee.” Judith and her husband Andy have grown up children and a dog and have lived in the Reading area for 30 years.  ### **Chris Foote – Lead Trustee for Adoption** Chris qualified as a social worker in 1974 and has specialised in the field of adoption and fostering for most of her social work career. Between 2002 and 2013, she was a member of PACT’s adoption service as a social worker and team manager. Following her retirement, from 2013 to 2021, she continued to work part-time for PACT as a contract social worker and adoption panel member. For the past eight years, Chris has been Safeguarding Governor and latterly Chair of Governors at a local primary school. The school has a strongly pastoral ethos which has chimed with Chris’s commitment to improving life chances for all children. Chris strongly supports PACT’s inspirational and innovative work with children and families within both birth and adoptive families. During her time at PACT, she was privileged to undertake the initial steps to expand PACT’s adoption support service, which has now developed into the FACTS therapeutic service, Strengthening Families service and Adopter Champions team. Chris is keen to continue to serve PACT in her role as the lead trustee for adoption. Since 1986, Chris has been stepmother to her husband’s three children and also has one birth daughter, so has first-hand experience of blended families. She now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband, a retired Anglican clergyman, and has eight grandchildren. In her spare time, Chris enjoys walking, playing in a recorder band and orchestra, folk dancing and travelling with her husband in their caravan.  ### **Grace Roper – Lead Trustee for Business Strategy** Grace is an experienced strategy and transformation business leader within a FTSE 100 retailer. She has 20 years of experience leading teams to solve complex and strategic business challenges and has a successful track record in delivering transformational change. She is passionate about giving back and feels privileged to be taking on the trustee role at PACT where she can truly see how essential their services are in making such a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable children and adults. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, two children and dog and enjoys walking, cooking and travelling to new places in the UK and beyond.  ### **Vicki Badham – Trustee (Lead for HR)** Vicki has just over 25 years’ experience in advising a wide range of organisations on developing and implementing robust and tailored people solutions that align with business strategies and cultures. She has worked across multiple sectors, with her clients ranging from SMEs to FTSE-listed companies and from small not-for-profit organisations to large Government Departments. She has also worked with many charities. In addition, Vicki is a senior accredited psychotherapist with specialisms in grief and trauma. Vicki grew up in a family impacted by domestic violence and so is particularly interested in PACT’s work in Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids. Vicki loves being outdoors and is a keen runner/walker.  --- ### [Adoption and finance](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-and-finance/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Adoption and finance #### Money matters, of course it does, but not in the way that a lot of people think it does when it comes to adoption. One of the top things that people tell us is a barrier to thinking about adoption is finance and we want to reassure you that it doesn’t have to be. Here you will find our [latest blog about adoption and finance](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-how-much-does-adoption-cost/) to help you think about the practicalities of growing your family through adoption. Every family’s circumstances are unique. When you are ready our friendly enquiries team are happy to answer any questions you may have about adoption, what it could look like for you and ways to plan. We understand personal finances are, well, personal. The enquiries team will treat every call with respect, sensitive and without judgement: [0300 456 4800](). Here’s our [free guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) to adopting with PACT.   Take our self-assessment quiz to see what strengths you could bring as an adoptive parent. [Take our self assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) ## Talking Adoption: Money matters and the cost of living Hear PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer Grace Gomez talk to Mandy Davies, PACT’s Assistant Service Director about Money Matters: Adoption and the cost of living. ## Come to an information event to find out more Book on to one of our online information events [See upcoming events](/adoption/information-events/) ## Take the next step… ## Read our FAQs Our frequently asked questions answer some of the most common questions we receive about adopting with PACT. [ See FAQs ](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adoption Records](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoption-records/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoption Records If you were adopted through one of the following adoption agencies, PACT may be able to help you obtain information about your adoption files and family history. - Childlink Adoption Society, formerly Church Adoption Society (Please note this is not the Church of England Children’s Society) - Church of the Latter Day Saints - Oxford Diocesan Council for Moral Welfare - Oxford Diocesan Council for Social Work - PACT (Parents And Children Together) Please fill out the form below to make an enquiry. If your adoption search is for records *not* held by the organisations named above, [find out how](http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/Channels/) to locate other adoption agencies’ records, including for those adoption agencies that have now closed.  ## Adoption records request "\*" indicates required fields Name\* First name Last name Email\* Phone no.\* Date of birth\*Please enter your date of birth I am\* An adopted person Birth relative Other Name of agency through which the adoption placement was made:\*Please choose from the list belowPACT (Parents And Children Together)Oxford Diocesan Council for Social WorkOxford Diocesan Council for Moral WelfareChildlink Adoption Society, formerly Church Adoption Society (Please note this is not the Church of England Children’s Society)Church of the Latter Day SaintsOther/not known What are you hoping to find out from this enquiry?\* Submit  ## Searching and Tracing If you want to search for, and make contact with, a relative lost through adoption, you will need to ask a registered intermediary agency such as: Your own local authority’s adoption support team may provide this service, or you can try: - [PAC-UK’s services for adopted adults](https://www.pac-uk.org/our-services/adopted-adults/) - you can also email them at - [Father Hudson’s Origins service](https://www.fatherhudsons.org.uk/adults/origins/7.htm) - you can email them at - [Joanna North Adoption](https://www.joannanorth.co.uk/) – adoption tracing and intermediary services For adopted adults who want to conduct their own search please visit For general information on post adoption services, news, locating records etc. then please visit [www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk](http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/) --- ### [Adoption Support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) **Published:** July 19, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoption support #### At PACT, we understand that all adopters and their children will need support from time to time. We are here to help our PACT adoptive parents help your children develop to their full potential, so we provide a range of support services for PACT adopters and their children. Our specialist support services include our online Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH), our Strengthening Families Team of therapeutically-trained social workers, our FACTS therapeutic support service, specialist education support for families and schools and an extensive range of adoption training courses, workshops and activity sessions for PACT parents and children. To view our full range of support services, see our Adoption Support Passport [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Adoption-support-passport-June-2024.pdf). If you are unsure which support service is right for you, please email our team on or call 0300 456 4800 and select option 3.  [Training courses](/adoption-support/training/) [Adopter support groups](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/) [Children and family events](/adoption-support/events-children-families/) [I am adopted](/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/) ## Calendar of events We run regular support and training events for parents, children and teens. [View upcoming events](/adoption-support-calendar/)  Our Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) is dedicated to providing online support, learning opportunities and information for both adopters and professionals working with adoptive families. [Learn more about CATCH](/adoption-support/catch) ## FACTS Therapeutic Support Some children have experienced complex trauma prior to being placed for adoption. PACT’s specialist Family and Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service is tailored to meet the needs of individual children and young adults traumatised by their early experiences. The FACTS service supports children and their families to help them achieve their full potential. [ Find Out More ](/adoption-support/facts/) ## Strengthening Families The Strengthening Families team is made up of PACT’s in-house therapeutically-trained social workers who can offer a speedy response to adoptive families who need support. This can include support with preparing for placement, managing difficult behaviours, assisting with adoption support fund applications, assessing support needs and liaising with other professionals. [ Find Out More ](/adoption-support/strengthening-families/) ## Adopter Champions PACT has a team of adoptive parents trained to provide mentoring and support for families during the adoption process and after placement. Our adopter champions have a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the adoption process the joys and challenges of raising adopted children. [ Find out more ](/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) ## Education Support PACT’s specialist education service supports families to help them meet their child’s unique educational needs. Our PACT Education Lead can provide support, advice and training to parents and to any type of school and its professionals who have a PACT adoptive child on roll. [Find out more](/adoption-support/education-support/)   ## Children’s guides PACT has created booklets to help adopted children understand what support is available to them, how PACT fits in to their adoption journey and where to go if they ever need help. There are two guides available depending on the child’s age group. [Download children’s guides](/adoption-support/childrens-guides/) ## Hear from families supported by PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [## Finn attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/)Finn\* was adopted when he was three years old along with his older brother. He is now 16 and attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [## Olivia attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/)Olivia\* was adopted through PACT when she was just over a year old. She is now 18 and attends PACT’s Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/samuel-naomi-and-their-three-children-enjoy-pacts-family-fun-days/) [## Samuel, Naomi and their three children enjoy PACT’s family fun days](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/samuel-naomi-and-their-three-children-enjoy-pacts-family-fun-days/)Each year, PACT runs family fun days for all its adoptive families. Naomi and Samuel began coming to family fun days in 2014 after they adopted their eldest two daughters and have been to every fun day since… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/samuel-naomi-and-their-three-children-enjoy-pacts-family-fun-days/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/) [## Lisa’s family was supported by PACT’s Adopter Champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/)Lisa\*, Paul\* and their adopted son Timmy\* are a family of three. They brought Timmy home when he was 15 months old and he is now nearly eight years old. When Timmy first came home with them it a was a big shock for him. He had lived with his foster carers since he was… [Continue reading Lisa’s family was supported by PACT’s Adopter Champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/) [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [## Same sex adoption: Mel and Julia’s experience adopting two boys with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/)Julia\* and Mel\* are a lesbian couple who adopted two boys, aged 20 months and six months, through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) [## Zena and Jamie adopted Rico when he was two-and-a-half](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/)Zena\* is of mixed white New Zealand and Maori heritage and Jamie\* is white British. They adopted Rico\*, who is also mixed heritage, at age two and a half… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) ## See the impact of our work “[The Adopter Champion service] has truly saved my family! We now have a wonderful little boy who enjoys spending time with his family, and comes to us for comfort. At home now we are not just surviving, we are thriving.” – Adoptive parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption-support/)   --- ### [Events for children and families](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/) **Published:** September 13, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Events for children and families We support children and young people who have been adopted through PACT in every way we can. We hold fun activity days, provide [therapeutic support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/ "Strengthening Families") and have a dedicated education worker to provide [education support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/ "Education Support"). We also run a programme of events and activities throughout the year for children and families. ## Events for adopted children and families  ## Family Fun Days --- We hold events each year for PACT families to meet up with our team and each other for a picnic, activities and mutual support. [Find out more](/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/) ## Adoptee Voices groups --- Our Adoptee Voices get-togethers provide a supportive space for teens and young adults who were adopted through PACT to meet our team and connect with other young people. [Find out more](/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/) ## Community Socials --- PACT’s Strengthening Families Team is running monthly, informal meetups for PACT adoptive families to meet others, make friends and share experiences. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/community-socials/) --- ### [Change lives this summer - Caitlin's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/caitlins-story1/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Change lives this summer ## Caitlin’s story #### After leaving an abusive relationship, Caitlin was deeply worried about the emotional and psychological impact it may have had on her children, Evie\* and Luna\*. Referred to Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) by their social worker, both children attended supportive group sessions where they could explore their feelings through play and gentle, age-appropriate activities. For the first time, they began to understand and express what they had experienced. “Both of my children absolutely adored coming to the BB4K programme,” Caitlin shared. “They would always skip in and genuinely looked forward to it every week, which said a lot about how safe and comfortable they felt in that environment.” Caitlin also received support herself, gaining practical tools to help her children and rebuild her confidence as a parent. Being alongside other families with similar experiences helped them all feel less alone. Since taking part, Caitlin has seen a real change: “Spending dedicated time together through the programme and using the strategies at home has helped us feel closer as a family. There is more patience, understanding and reassurance in our relationship now, which has made a really positive difference to our day-to-day lives.” Caitlin has found the whole experience of BB4K to have been incredibly valuable and life-saving for her family: “A lot feels more possible than it did before and I feel hopeful about the future.” *\*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.* [Donate to change lives today](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/summer-appeal/)  **Together, we can create safer, stronger futures.** [Read more about the lives you could change this summer](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/change-lives-this-summer/) --- ### [Change lives this summer - Adam's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/adams-story/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Change lives this summer ## Adam’s story #### Adam\* and his wife Jan\* adopted brother and sister, Mark\* and Grace\*, in 2016, when the children were both under 4 years old. The children had experienced many moves in their short lives before mum and dad and children became a family of four. Adam said that he and Jan felt prepared to meet the needs of their children, with thanks to PACT’s support and training which Adam described as: “in-depth and highlighted a lot of the needs and opened our eyes wide. It was clear that every child would have some sort of need.” In the last ten years, the family have accessed a variety of free and expert support through PACT and said it’s important to be open to accepting support when needed, to continue to build the strongest family through the years. The couple’s family and friends accessed training before the two became four to learn about the challenges the family may face and how best they could support them all in the initial stages of placement. The family have attended the family fun days which the couple said, ‘are a great opportunity to mingle with other adoptive families in similar position in a safe environment without judgement!’ “PACT’s education specialist Amy has been our saviour over the last four years,” said Adam. “Amy was there with me for meetings with the local authority and schools, offering her advice and assistance on what was needed for the placement to work.” Turning to PACT’s team of Adoption Champions was really valuable. Adam said: “To offload and get advice from people who have been through a similar situation or have professional experience from their day jobs is like gold.” The family have also accessed formal therapy for both children which was arranged through PACT who deal the adoption support fund process and arranged a therapist. “Contacting PACT for support is easy and you are quickly put in touch with the right team to get advice or progress any support you need. ‘Adopting through PACT has been the best decision we made on our adoption journey. Knowing you always have a contact for advice and support when you need it is priceless; there is a wealth of support and knowledge available from them and PACT go the extra mile to ensure both you and the children are supported until they are at least 18 years and sometimes beyond.” Last year PACT supported over 400 children and families, just like Adam and Jan’s, across its range of trauma recovery activities. *\*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.* [Donate to change lives today](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/summer-appeal/)  **Together, we can create safer, stronger futures.** [Read more about the lives you could change this summer](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/change-lives-this-summer/) --- ### [Change lives this summer - Laura's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/lauras-story/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Change lives this summer ## Laura’s story #### Laura\* was referred from the local hospital safeguarding officer to PACT’s Alana House. Laura has experienced controlling and coercive behaviour throughout her relationship with her abusive husband, and this continued after they separated. He continued to stalk and harass Laura and assaulted Laura’s daughter from her previous relationship. Laura reported this to the police and he was arrested and put on police bail as a safety measure. Previously, with the support of the National Centre for Domestic Violence, Laura applied for a non-molestation order, which was granted only in an emergency, and an occupation order which was refused. Alana House’s independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA) worked with Laura and appealed the decision the previous judge had made in respect of the occupation order and wrote a report to support the legal process that should have been applied and addressed the Judge to give their professional opinion on Laura’s safety and why the orders were necessary to protect her and this resulted in the orders being granted for 12 months, giving Laura safety and protection. The judge made the order enforceable and advised her husband he would be arrested and imprisoned if he breached the orders. Together Laura and the team’s IDVA made sure that Laura has a safety plan and increased security measures and alarms were installed in her home through another organisation. Laura’s husband immediately breached his non-molestation order and refused to give a plea at his hearing and was placed on remand which has meant that Laura and her daughter will be required to attend a criminal trial as witnesses. The Alana House IDVA and team will continue to support Laura throughout the trial and work to get the family support through PACT’s BB4K programme and Alana House’s Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit programme and their Healing Trauma programme. Sarah, Laura’s Women’s Community Project Key Worker, said: “Working with Laura it was clear that our priority was ensuring the physical safety for her and her children and to do that we had to navigate the police and legal systems which can be overwhelming for victims. “This process can repeatedly keep victims in the initial trauma and can protract recovery. “Alana House has so many groups and initiatives for Laura to access when her family’s safety is secured. “From groups to help eliminate any potential feelings of isolation, to counselling in order to understand the impact of trauma on her and give her a safe forum to express her response. “We also have person-led and trauma-informed key working sessions to help Laura decide what she wants her future to look like and how to make it a reality. “I am confident that with our support, in time, Laura will be moving to a much safer, stronger, and brighter future.” *\*Names have been changed for confiden**tiality.* [Donate to change lives today](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/summer-appeal/)  **Together, we can create safer, stronger futures.** [Read more about the lives you could change this summer](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/change-lives-this-summer/) --- ### [PACT's summer appeal](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/summer-appeal/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** **Together, we can create safer, stronger futures** --- ### [Our Story](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/) **Published:** September 6, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Our story PACT – Parents And Children Together – is an adoption and trauma support charity helping hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and inspirational community projects across southern and central England. Established in 1911, PACT is now one of the UK’s leading charities in its field and is dedicated to the placement of children with secure and loving families and continued support through therapeutic services. Our adoption support services include our online trauma support platform [CATCH](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/), our [Strengthening Families](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/ "Strengthening Families") Team of therapeutically trained social workers, our [Adopter Champion](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/ "Adopter Champions") team of ‘experts by experience’, our [education support service](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/ "Education Support") and our [FACTS service](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/ "FACTS") which provides therapeutic support to help children to overcome difficulties in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood resulting from early trauma and neglect. PACT also runs community projects supporting vulnerable children and adults facing a range of issues including domestic abuse, homelessness and debt. Our current community projects include the [Alana House](/alana-house/) women’s community programme and [Bounce Back 4 Kids](/bb4k) domestic abuse recovery programme. Our vision is to help even more families and to initiate and provide quality services where there is currently unmet need. ## ## See the impact of our work “The children are all achieving incredible things at school and doing after school activities, but most of all they’re just enjoying every minute of their childhood in such a more relaxed and happy environment.” – BB4K parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)   ## **The history of PACT: A century of building and strengthening families** PACT was founded more than 100 years ago when the then Bishop of Oxford, Bishop Francis Paget, held a passion to address the vulnerabilities of needy families living in the Oxford Diocesan area in 1910. He shared his concerns with other like-minded people to establish an organisation that would provide guidance and protection for children of tender years. ## **The founding work** A rescue worker, Miss Sharpe, was immediately appointed by the Diocesan Council and she began visiting unmarried mothers to help them build a better life for their children. Her first report recorded visits to 52 parishes, many by bicycle, within the first six months. She helped 97 women and girls, placing some in maternity homes, houses of mercy and refuges. The Council’s remit identified the importance of education and community support to help families to escape poverty and uphold Christian family values. Parents, teachers and youth leaders were all involved to ensure social wellbeing. In those early years the organisation worked in partnership with multiple external agencies, as it still does today. ## **PACT today** The focus of the charity—to support families and provide services not available locally— remains constant. The reputation and experience of the organisation has grown over the years and PACT is now an independent adoption and trauma support charity with strong partnerships with many different sectors, faith organisations, statutory bodies, corporate organisations and charities, promoting an inclusive and supportive culture. PACT retains its affiliation with the [Diocese of Oxford](https://www.oxford.anglican.org/ "Diocese of Oxford"). PACT continues to respond to unmet need by listening to its service users, supporters and stakeholders and developing innovative services that deliver high quality. This painting was commissioned for PACTs 100 year centenary celebration in 2011 to capture the impact of PACTs work building and strengthening families over the last century## **Timeline** #### 1911 Bishop Paget established the Diocesan Council for Prevention and Rescue Work #### 1953 Organisation approved as an adoption society and starts placing babies directly with adoptive families #### 1960 The Oxford Moral Welfare Association (the name of the Council at that time) opens a home to support unmarried mothers, thus influencing PACT’s community projects today #### 1980s Now called the Oxford Diocesan Council for Social Work, the organisation was restructured to find adoptive families for particularly vulnerable children #### 1990s Became known as Parents And Children Together and registers to approve adopters for children from overseas as well as in the UK #### 1997-2010 Training courses provided through PACT for care sector staff seeking National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) #### 2001 Fostering service started #### 2005 PACT Parent House in Bracknell opens #### 2010 PACT merges with Childlink (London), Alana House women’s community project opens in Reading and Bounce Back 4 Kids starts in Oxfordshire #### 2011 Centenary Year celebrating 100 years of supporting families #### 2013 PACT’s family therapy room opens in Reading #### 2014 PACT opens an office for its adoption services in Brighton #### 2017 Launch of The Adopter Hub, PACT’s online support platform for the adoption community #### 2019 Alana House Community Café opens #### 2020 Service at Reading Minster to mark International Women’s Day and 10 years of Alana House #### 2021 Alana House recipe book *Love, Trust, Hope* published and Alana House coffee created with Anonymous Coffee and Girls Gotta Run #### 2022 The Adopter Hub changes its name to the Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) to reflect the wide range of people it now supports #### 2025 Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) service shows “promising outcomes” as part of Government-funded research into effective support for child victims of domestic abuse. ## Learn more about PACT  ## Our vision and values --- At PACT, our shared vision and values drive everything we do. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/visions-and-values/) ## How we make a difference --- Find out how PACT changes lives through its adoption services, support services and community projects. [Read more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) ## Our leadership team --- Meet our Senior Management Team and our Executive Board of trustees. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/) ## Equality, diversity and inclusion --- PACT is committed to creating a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/black-lives-matter/) ## Ofsted inspection --- PACT’s adoption services were rated as outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/pact-ofsted-inspection/) ## Safeguarding children --- PACT is committed to fulfilling its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/) --- ### [Support group for adoptive mothers](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/support-group-for-adoptive-mothers/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # ‘Being Mum’: support group for adoptive mothers This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet together virtually to talk through challenges, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. A link will be provided to attend virtually via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* *\*Mothers of 11 year-old children, please attend the session that matches your child’s school setting – primary or secondary*  ## Dates and times Current Month October 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-mum-mothers-and-mothers-to-be-with-children-with-children-aged-11-17/) [*mon05oct12:30 pm**1:30 pm*Being Mum: Mothers and mothers to be with children with children aged 11\*-17*12:30 pm – 1:30 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet ### Event Details Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet together online to talk through challenges, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* *\*Mothers of 11 year-old children, please attend the session that matches your child’s school setting – primary or secondary* ### Time October 5, 2026 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13976_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Being%20Mum%3A%20Mothers%20and%20mothers%20to%20be%20with%20children%20with%20children%20aged%2011%2A-17&dates=20261005T113000Z/20261005T123000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Being%20Mum%3A%20Mothers%20and%20mothers%20to%20be%20with%20children%20with%20children%20aged%2011%2A-17&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") January 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-mum-mothers-and-mothers-to-be-children-under-11/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*mon18jan12:30 pm**1:30 pm*Being Mum: Mothers and mothers to be with children under 11*12:30 pm – 1:30 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet ### Event Details Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet together online to talk through challenges, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* *\*Mothers of 11 year-old children, please attend the session that matches your child’s school setting – primary or secondary* ### Time January 18, 2027 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13808_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Being%20Mum%3A%20Mothers%20and%20mothers%20to%20be%20with%20children%20under%2011&dates=20270118T123000Z/20270118T133000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Being%20Mum%3A%20Mothers%20and%20mothers%20to%20be%20with%20children%20under%2011&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") February 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-mum-mothers-and-mothers-to-be-with-children-with-children-aged-11-17/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*mon01feb12:30 pm**1:30 pm*Being Mum: Mothers and mothers to be with children with children aged 11\*-17*12:30 pm – 1:30 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet ### Event Details Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet together online to talk through challenges, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* *\*Mothers of 11 year-old children, please attend the session that matches your child’s school setting – primary or secondary* ### Time February 1, 2027 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13976_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Being%20Mum%3A%20Mothers%20and%20mothers%20to%20be%20with%20children%20with%20children%20aged%2011%2A-17&dates=20270201T123000Z/20270201T133000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Being%20Mum%3A%20Mothers%20and%20mothers%20to%20be%20with%20children%20with%20children%20aged%2011%2A-17&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") ## Register your interest Once you have registered your interest, you will be sent an email containing the meeting login and password so that you can join the meeting safely and securely. You are very welcome to attend all, or any number of the sessions. To register your interest please complete this form stating which session(s) you would like join. *Sessions are only available to people who have adopted with PACT or are in the process of adopting and have a DBS check completed with PACT.* ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit ## Parents who attended these sessions before have said: ## I was so encouraged to hear the stories from the others in the group and hear similar experiences. ## Really grateful for the opportunity and look forward to the next one. ## Thank you so much for last night, I found it so useful listening to all the stories! --- ### [Senior Management Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/senior-management-team/) **Published:** September 21, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Senior Management Team ### **Natausha van Vliet – Chief Executive** Natausha became CEO for PACT in April 2021. She originally joined PACT in June 2013 as head of communities, becoming director of business development in 2015. In 2018 she took on the role of chief operating officer with a broad portfolio including finance, business development, innovation, marketing and communications, digital services and fundraising. Her skillset gained through her experience in the commercial and charity sectors enables her to drive, support and improve business and service developments and to identify opportunities for innovation. She is motivated by empowering people to help themselves, with a passion for improving the outcomes for vulnerable women, families, children and young people. She is married with two young adult children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, music and time in the great outdoors walking with her dogs. Qualifications: Mont. Dip. Early Years 3-6, Certified Prince 2 Practitioner, CTI Co-Active Coach  ### **Lorna Hunt – Adoption Service Director** Lorna has worked in children’s social care for the past 32 years, including as a social worker in four different local authorities within Berkshire. Before joining PACT in October 2018 she had worked as assistant director for children’s services within Berkshire. Lorna’s roles have covered child protection, youth offending and children in care, but her passion has always been to ensure that children have a future where they can grow and flourish. Lorna is married to Ian and they adopted two children through PACT, both of whom are now young adults. She enjoys going to the theatre, having friends round for supper or walking their dog Nelson in the woods near their home. She is also an active member of Greyfriars Church in Reading.  ### **Kathryn Warner – Director of Community Services and Development** Kathryn joined PACT in 2013 having worked for more than 20 years in both the statutory and voluntary sector. Previous roles include social worker in safeguarding teams, managing a young person’s homeless hostel and providing early intervention support to families, all of which built a passion for empowering women and children to reach their full potential. Kathryn likes to run, walk and travel which she has more time to indulge in since her children are now young adults (although one boomerangs back home in uni holidays!) Qualifications: BA Psychology, Sociology and Social Anthropology, DipSW and MSW  ### **Gillian Nickless – Head of People and Operations** Gillian joined PACT in 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in human resources across a range of industries, including legal, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and most recently, education. Her career has included recruitment, learning and development, generalist roles, and HR leadership. Throughout, her passion has remained consistent: helping people thrive and enabling organisations to get the very best out of their teams. Gillian is passionate about building and nurturing inclusive workplaces where people feel genuinely supported, encouraged to grow, and connected to a shared purpose. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and two young adult children. Outside of work, Gillian enjoys travelling — especially to UNESCO World Heritage sites — and is currently working on building a habit of keeping fit, mostly through (reluctant) running. Qualifications: MA Human Resources Management, CIPD, Mental Health First Aider and IOSH  ### **Emma Owen – Head of Communications and Engagement** Emma trained as a journalist and worked on local and regional newspapers for nine years. She has worked in the charity sector for 25 years and held PR, events management and fundraising positions at two national charities before coming to PACT in 2008. Emma lives in north Hampshire with her husband, two young adult children and their greyhound. Outside of work she enjoys running, baking and reading. She is co-chair of the organising committee of her town’s annual music festival and a member of the core volunteer team for her local parkrun. Qualifications: NCTJ NCE in Newspaper Journalism.  ### **Nick Dyer – Head of Finance** Nick joined PACT in 2010. He has more than 30 years’ experience working 19 years for a local firm in audit, eight years in industry and now for PACT. Nick is a chartered accountant and is a Fellow of the Institute. Nick has three children. He was once very much involved with the speedway side in Reading, wrote for a local paper and even had a hand in managing the side – and hopes very much the sport will return having ended in 2008. Nick also is an avid new music fan.  ### **Mandy Davies – Assistant Adoption Service Director** Mandy qualified as a social worker in 1994 and prior to this worked in residential homes for adults and children with learning disabilities. Once qualified as a social worker, she worked in a local authority for 19 years, initially working in child protection and with children in care. In 1998 she moved into the areas of fostering, adoption and kinship care, working as a social worker and then a manager. In 2013, Mandy joined PACT where she focused on adoption, initially as a senior social worker and then as a team manager soon after. Mandy is a parent to two children, one adult and one almost! She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, eating out, going to the theatre and walking in the local area.  ### **Natalie Derkatsch – Executive Assistant** Natalie has been with PACT since 2012 as the executive assistant to the CEO and the senior team. Natalie also supports the chair and board of trustees. Natalie keeps a tightly running ship for us and also has a wealth of experience and knowledge, having previously worked as a PA across the voluntary sector for 15 years. Natalie studied for a degree and masters in theatre studies. The arts make up a big part of her free time, whether it’s watching plays, going to gigs or exhibitions. She also loves to travel as much as possible with her partner Dyson. When she does put her feet up at their home in Caversham she dedicates her time to looking after their cat, Tilly – and trying not to buy too many dresses.  --- ### [Time for you sessions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/time-for-you/) **Published:** April 4, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Time for you sessions Chat online to a FACTS therapist about how your family is getting on and discuss any concerns you may have, in a relaxed and informal setting. ☕ Baljit, our FACTS therapist is highly experienced in adoption work and has a background in psychotherapy, social work, training and groupwork and is also trained in Theraplay and DDP. **To book your private 50-minute session, email and you will be sent the full details and joining link.** Dates to book your 50-minute private session can be seen below.  Current Month --- ### [Strengthening Families](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/) **Published:** September 14, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Strengthening Families Team The Strengthening Families Team is a service for PACT adopters, made up of PACT’s in-house therapeutically trained social workers for adoption support. Some families may need adoption support initially after the placement to enable bonding and attachment, some families may just need adoption advice and reassurance at the end of the phone or via email as and when they need it. Others may refer themselves at times of crisis throughout their adopted child’s life such as after a house move, family bereavement and difficulties at school. Our Strengthening Families Team can also provide help pre-placement when adopters are considering a match to create their forever family. PACT is proud to say that a PACT adoptive family is a PACT family for life and therefore families have access to the adoption support service whenever they need it.  ## Talking Adoption show In this episode of our Talking Adoption series, we spoke to PACT adoptive mum Cathryn and PACT social worker Catherine about the importance of being able to access support along your adoption journey. Mum Cathryn said: “*It would have been really tricky if I’d had no one to call, I think, during the last year, during the Covid crisis. When things got really tricky I just knew that people were there and I could pick up the phone.*“ To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) At PACT, we know that adoptive families sometimes experience difficulties and we offer enhanced support services to make sure you can always access the support you need. The Strengthening Families team works closely alongside the FACTS team who provide longer term, more specialist intervention and adoption support. If you want to find out more about accessing PACT adoption support from the Strengthening Families Team or FACTS please contact us at [adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org](mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org "mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org") or call [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Current Month September No Events --- ### [About Us](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/) **Published:** July 19, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** ### About us # We are PACT #### PACT – Parents And Children Together – changes lives by building and nurturing adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. Established in 1911, PACT is now one of the UK’s leading charities in its field and is dedicated to finding secure and loving families for children waiting to be adopted, continued support through therapeutic services, supporting and empowering women facing multiple disadvantages and the recovery of children affected by domestic abuse. [Read our story](/about-us/our-story/)   ## Our Values Our shared values drive everything that we do. - We are PROFESSIONAL in our service delivery. - We are committed to maintaining a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. - We are INNOVATIVE in the way we approach our work. - We genuinely DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS. [Our Values](/about-us/visions-and-values/) ## ## Last year at PACT… ## 81 ## children were placed in loving, permanent families ## 218 ## women were supported through Alana House ## 134 ## number of children directly supported by Bounce Back 4 Kids ## children were placed in loving, permanent families ## women were supported through Alana House ## number of children directly supported by Bounce Back 4 Kids [How we make a difference](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   ## Check out PACT’s latest news [](https://www.pactcharity.org/welcoming-emma-to-the-early-education-pathways-project-eep/) Latest News | 28th September, 2026 [## Welcoming Emma to the Early Education Pathways Project (EEP)](https://www.pactcharity.org/welcoming-emma-to-the-early-education-pathways-project-eep/)PACT has welcomed a new team member to help drive its innovative new project to provide adoptive parents with education support. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/welcoming-emma-to-the-early-education-pathways-project-eep/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/this-september-is-free-wills-month/) Latest News | 7th September, 2026 [## This September is Free Wills Month](https://www.pactcharity.org/this-september-is-free-wills-month/)PACT has partnered with Octopus Legacy to make creating your will quick, free and easy. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/this-september-is-free-wills-month/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-a-day-in-the-life-of-the-alana-house-team-leader/) Latest News | 2nd September, 2026 [## Blog: A day in the life of the Alana House Team Leader](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-a-day-in-the-life-of-the-alana-house-team-leader/)What makes Alana House special? Team Leader Lynda shares her experience of supporting women, leading a passionate team, and celebrating the life-changing progress that women make every day. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-a-day-in-the-life-of-the-alana-house-team-leader/)        --- ### [Bite-sized learning workshops](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/bitesized-learning-workshops/) **Published:** September 29, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Bite-sized learning workshops Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. If you are an approved PACT adopter with or without children placed, or if you are currently in the assessment process with PACT and have completed your DBS check, these sessions are for you. Please email to book a place on these sessions We have four workshops running throughout the year! See the calendar below for details.  ## Next sessions: Current Month October 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/monthly-stay-and-play-drop-in/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*tue06oct10:00 am**11:30 am*Monthly stay and play drop-in*10:00 am – 11:30 am(GMT+01:00)* *Milton Keynes**](#) ### Event Details Starting in September 2026, our Milton Keynes adoption team will be running monthly stay and play sessions. These sessions will be for ### Event Details Starting in September 2026, our Milton Keynes adoption team will be running monthly stay and play sessions. These sessions will be for PACT families to drop in for a play, meet and chat with other PACT families, and have a coffee. Join us on the first Tuesday of every month in Milton Keynes. For further information, please contact: **Michelle Finan**: 07787834871 **Aaliyah McClean**: 07845 659465 ### Time October 6, 2026 10:00 am – 11:30 am(GMT+01:00) ### Location Milton Keynes Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14580_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Monthly%20stay%20and%20play%20drop-in&dates=20261006T090000Z/20261006T103000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Monthly%20stay%20and%20play%20drop-in&location=Milton%20Keynes "Add to your Google calendar") [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/navigating-contact/) [*fri23oct11:00 am**12:00 pm*Navigating contact*11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you’ve got any questions about contact and just want a space to chat things through with others who ‘get it’, then come along and join us. **What’s included?** Together, we can look at things like: - Letterbox and direct face-to-face contact with birth family members, foster carers and others - How to keep all contact safe, positive and child‑focused - Ideas to use if things feel a bit tricky - Hearing and learning from others about their own experiences To request the joining link, please email ### Time October 23, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13862_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Navigating%20contact&dates=20261023T100000Z/20261023T110000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Navigating%20contact&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") November 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/childrens-identity/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*fri27nov11:00 am**12:00 pm*Boundaries and therapeutic parenting*11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you have any questions around boundaries and therapeutic parenting that you would like to raise with us or if you would just like to try out some new ideas, then please feel free to come along and join us in our conversations. To request the joining link, please email ### Time November 27, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13715_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Boundaries%20and%20therapeutic%20parenting&dates=20261127T110000Z/20261127T120000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Boundaries%20and%20therapeutic%20parenting&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") December 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/the-power-of-therapeutic-play/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*fri18dec11:00 am**12:00 pm*The power of therapeutic play*11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you have any questions about therapeutically‑informed playtime with your child and would like a space to talk things through and gather some creative, innovative ideas you can use at home, we’d love for you to join us. **What’s included?** Together, we can look at things like: - What therapeutic play can look like and consist of - Why therapeutic play is so important - What tips and techniques you can take away and use in your parenting at home and outside of home To request the joining link, please email ### Time December 18, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14547_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=The%20power%20of%20therapeutic%20play&dates=20261218T110000Z/20261218T120000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=The%20power%20of%20therapeutic%20play&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") January 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/navigating-the-adoption-and-special-guardianship-support-fund-asfg/var/ri-2.l-L1) [*fri29jan11:00 am**12:00 pm*Navigating the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund*11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** Do you have questions about funding for therapeutic services such as how to access services and/or how the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund funding works? If so, then please come along and join us so we can talk things through together. **What’s included?** Together, we can look at things like: - What amount of funding is available for your child - How is funding applied for and secured – what are the processes - What services can the funding actually be used for To request the joining link, please email ### Time January 29, 2027 11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13713_2/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Navigating%20the%20Adoption%20and%20Special%20Guardianship%20Support%20Fund&dates=20270129T110000Z/20270129T120000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Navigating%20the%20Adoption%20and%20Special%20Guardianship%20Support%20Fund&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") February 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/navigating-contact/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*fri26feb11:00 am**12:00 pm*Navigating contact*11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you’ve got any questions about contact and just want a space to chat things through with others who ‘get it’, then come along and join us. **What’s included?** Together, we can look at things like: - Letterbox and direct face-to-face contact with birth family members, foster carers and others - How to keep all contact safe, positive and child‑focused - Ideas to use if things feel a bit tricky - Hearing and learning from others about their own experiences To request the joining link, please email ### Time February 26, 2027 11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13862_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Navigating%20contact&dates=20270226T110000Z/20270226T120000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Navigating%20contact&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") March 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/childrens-identity/var/ri-2.l-L1) [*fri26mar11:00 am**12:00 pm*Boundaries and therapeutic parenting*11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who ### Event Details Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you have any questions around boundaries and therapeutic parenting that you would like to raise with us or if you would just like to try out some new ideas, then please feel free to come along and join us in our conversations. To request the joining link, please email ### Time March 26, 2027 11:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13715_2/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Boundaries%20and%20therapeutic%20parenting&dates=20270326T110000Z/20270326T120000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Boundaries%20and%20therapeutic%20parenting&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") ## I was so encouraged to hear the stories from the others in the group and hear similar experiences. ## Really grateful for the opportunity and look forward to the next one. --- ### [Our strategy](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/our-strategy/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  --- ### [Adopt a Child in Surrey](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-surrey/) **Published:** September 30, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Surrey ## You can adopt If you live in Surrey and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. Last year, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Camberley, Guildford, Farnham, Leatherhead, Redhill, Weybridge and Woking.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Hampshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-hampshire/) **Published:** September 30, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Hampshire ## You can adopt If you live in Hampshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/26, we found secure and loving homes for 81 children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Farnborough, Fleet, Petersfield, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Odiham, Alton, Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-hampshire/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [PACT Ofsted Inspection](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/pact-ofsted-inspection/) **Published:** September 16, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # PACT Ofsted inspection PACT’s adoption services were rated as outstanding across all areas by Ofsted at an inspection in March 2026. This is the fourth consecutive inspection that PACT has been rated as outstanding. The inspection found that PACT’s adoption services continue to deliver “exceptionally high-quality support” for children, adoptive parents and birth families. PACT’s adoption services were also rated outstanding in previous inspections in 2014, 2017 and 2023. Ofsted inspectors awarded the “outstanding” rating across all three inspection areas and concluded that PACT provides “highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good and contributes to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children, young people and adults.” The inspectors noted that adoptive parents consistently described the service as “exceptional”, praising staff for “going the extra mile” and describing social workers as “incredible”, “brilliant” and “meticulous yet non-judgemental”.  2014 2017 2023 ## The agency provides a consistently high-quality service to children and adults alike and this has a very positive impact for children. Excerpt from Ofsted inspection report ## Adopters are consistently positive about the service they receive, with many saying that they felt well prepared and informed about both pre and post‑adoption expectations and the children’s needs. Excerpt from Ofsted inspection report ## Social workers are described as ‘incredible’ and ‘brilliant,’ with adopters highlighting that staff routinely go the ‘extra mile’ in the support they provide. One adopter shared, ‘They were 100% brilliant and I don’t know how to offer any constructive comments on how to improve their service, as from our perspective, it was seamless.’ Excerpt from Ofsted inspection report ## Initial enquiries made to the agency are responded to promptly, giving prospective adopters a positive and reassuring first impression. Excerpt from Ofsted inspection report ## Support is carefully tailored to individual needs, ensuring families receive the right help at the right time. This leads to consistently positive outcomes for families. Excerpt from Ofsted inspection report ## The support package available from the agency is substantial, providing invaluable resources that help families navigate the uncertainties of pre and post adoption life. Excerpt from Ofsted inspection report ## Download the full Ofsted inspection report here [Download](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ofsted-inspection-2026.pdf) ## Contact Ofsted To contact Ofsted you can: - Call [0300 123 1231](tel:03001231231) between 8am and 6pm Monday – Friday - Email - [Visit the Ofsted website here](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted) Or write to their offices at: Ofsted Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester M1 2WD --- ### [Contact us](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/) **Published:** August 4, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** ## Contact us ### What is your enquiry about? Please choose an option… [ Adoption enquiries ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) [ All other enquiries ](#form) ## Contact Page Form "\*" indicates required fields Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ## Please fill in the form with your enquiry and we’ll be in touch. This form is for enquiries about **anything other than adoption**. If you are interested in adopting with PACT, please use our dedicated [**adoption enquiry form here.**](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) First Name\* Last Name\* Email Address\* Phone number\* I am interested in…\*Please selectAdoption Support (not adoption enquiries)Alana HouseBounce Back 4 KidsCareersFundraisingCorporate partnershipCommissioning PACTMarketingCATCHVolunteeringGiving feedbackGeneral enquiry Please choose an option and we will direct your enquiry to the most relevant person. Please note: this form is not for enquiries about adopting through PACT. If you are interested in adopting, please use the link at the top of this page to fill our adoption enquiry form. Reason for your enquiry ## Your information is safe with us. You can find out more in our [online privacy notice](/online-privacy-notice/"). Submit # Our locations ## Our head office ## PACT Reading 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS Call us on [0300 456 4800]() Please note our adoption enquiries line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. ## Other locations ## PACT Brighton Projects The Lanes Nile House Nile Street Brighton BN1 1HW ## PACT London (Vauxhall) The Foundry 17 Oval Way London SE11 5RR ## PACT Milton Keynes Acorn House 381 Midsummer Boulevard Milton Keynes MK9 3KP  ## Our community projects Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids are based in Reading but have outreach services in some locations in Berkshire and the Thames Valley ## Alana House Reading Tel: [0118 9217640](tel:01189217640) Email: [Learn more about Alana House >>>](/alana-house/about-alana-house/) ## Bounce Back 4 Kids Tel: [0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733) Email: [Learn more about BB4K >>>](/bb4k/about-bb4k/) ## We value your feedback. We want to know whether our services are being provided effectively and meeting your needs.. [Visit our feedback page](/feedback/)  --- ### [London family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/london-family-fun-day/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** ## London family fun day at Battersea Children’s Zoo 📅 **Saturday 19th September, 10am to 2pm, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park, London (SW11 4NJ)** Dear PACT family, You are invited to attend this year’s PACT Family Fun Day! Our fun days are a free day for PACT adopters and children to enjoy activities, share experiences, catch up with friends and meet other families. PACT staff will also be there to join in the fun! The London based event will be held on Saturday 19th September from 10aam to 2pm and will be held at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ. Join us for a fun and memorable day at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, where children and families can get closer to animals, nature, and adventure in the heart of London. This is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other PACT families, build friendships and enjoy time together in a relaxed setting. You’re very welcome to enjoy Battersea Children’s Zoo from 10am, when the park opens. If you prefer you can arrive later and join us from 12pm-2pm in the cabin. You can then stay until the it closes at 5pm. Parking There are three council-run Pay and Display car parks within Battersea Park. The closest car park to the zoo is Chelsea Gate car park. Further information can be found here on Battersea Children’s Zoo website [here](https://www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk/). Play at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo The zoo boasts an impressive adventure playground, ideal for children of all ages and abilities to learn, discover and play. Imaginations will run wild in the great outdoors whilst exploring the real- life tractor, fire engine and helicopter as well as the giant climbing web and sensory sandpit. Lunch Please note that lunch will be not provided. The Zoo’s Café will be open during the event, serving refreshments and light bites for families to enjoy together. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy during the event. There is limited indoor space at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, but as always with a British day, please bring wet weather clothes and/or water and sun protection. Capacity is limited so we can only offer families space at one event. Places are offered on a first come first served basis. Please RSVP by Friday 11th September at the latest, to secure your place. Although this event is free for PACT families, please be aware that if you no longer require any, or all, of your tickets, it is important that you cancel them at your earliest convenience, as PACT does incur a cost for each place. Important booking information Please enter your PACT office and social worker on your booking form. You only need to enter this once. You will also need to select, ‘enter details of previous registrant’ for each child on your booking to avoid entering the names of your childre/ren. We hope you can join us for a day of fun. Please feel free to email if you have any questions, . Best wishes Grace Gomez Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer --- ### [Thames Valley family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/thames-valley-family-fun-day/) **Published:** March 3, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** ## Thames Valley family fun day at Camp Mohawk 📅 **Saturday 27th June, 10am to 2pm, Camp Mohawk, Highfield Lane, Crazies Hill, Reading (RG10 8PU)** Dear PACT family, You are invited to attend this year’s PACT Family Fun Day! Our fun days are a free day for PACT adopters and children to enjoy activities, share experiences, catch up with friends and meet other families. PACT staff will also be there to join in the fun! All the details of the event are below, but if you have any questions please do get in touch. Please note that lunch will be not provided. We will be packing our sandwiches and invite you to bring your own picnics and blankets. Please note that there are no catering facilities at Camp Mohawk. Free tea, coffee, squash and water will be available. Event Time: 10am-2pm Address: Highfield Lane, Crazies Hill, Reading RG10 8PU Getting there by car Camp Mohawk is situated in 5 acres of ancient woodland near Wargrave, Berkshire. It is relatively secluded but is well sign posted from the centre of Wargrave, which is situated on the A321 between Twyford and Henley. As well as the map below, we advise that you follow the directions provided. The postcode for your SatNav is RG10 8PU. A word of warning; ‘Sat Navs’, both old and new, have been known to lead people to the wrong location so please double check before heading off. If you get lost, then please do not hesitate to call 0118 940 4045 and someone will be able to direct you. Getting there by public transport Please see information on Camp Mohawk’s website here for further information. Event details: Upon your arrival at Camp Mohawk, please make your way to the reception. Members of PACT staff will be there to welcome you and register your family before you enter the venue. You are free to enjoy Camp Mohawk from 10am to 4pm. We will be gathering together at 12pm until 2pm approximately for lunch, games and cake. Our meeting place will be dependent upon the weather on the day. The exact meeting place will be given to you upon your arrival at Camp Mohawk. Running order - 10am to 12pm arrival and registration - 12pm meet for lunch - 12.20pm speech by Lorna Hunt - 12.25pm cake cutting and sharing - 12.30pm to 2pm mingling, family games and crafts - 2pm close There are also lots of other facilities and activities at Camp Mohawk that you can enjoy your leisure until it closes at 4pm. We will have exclusive use of Camp Mohawk, for more information please visit their website [here](https://www.campmohawk.org.uk/). Important booking information Please enter your PACT office and social worker on your booking form. You only need to enter this once. You will also need to select, ‘enter details of previous registrant’ for each child on your booking to avoid entering the names of your childre/ren. If you would like to book a swimming pool session for your family, please indicate this on your booking form. This activity will depend on the weather and subject to availability. As always, please have your fingers crossed for sunshine but do come prepared in case of wet weather as the activities are mostly outside. In the event of adverse weather conditions being forecast for the day, we will notify you by email if the event is cancelled. There will be tables and seating available but do feel free to bring a picnic blanket or a camping chair along with you. If you have any questions, please email or call 07824 095333. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 27th June. Best wishes Grace Gomez Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer --- ### [Brighton family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/brighton-family-fun-day/) **Published:** March 3, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** ## Brighton family fun day at Washbrooks Family Farm 📅 **Saturday 9th May, 10am to 2pm, Washbrooks Family Farm, Brighton Road, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex (BN6 9EF**) Dear PACT family, You are invited to attend this year’s PACT Family Fun Day! Our fun days are a free day for PACT adopters and children to enjoy activities, share experiences, catch up with friends and meet other families. PACT staff will also be there to join in the fun! All the details of the event are below, but if you have any questions please do get in touch. We will have exclusive use of the chalet for our families from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. The chalet is opposite the jumping pillow and PACT staff will be there to welcome you. Please feel free to make use of the farm between 9.30am and 12.30pm when our event starts, and from 2.30pm until the farm closes. Please note that lunch will be not provided. We will be packing our sandwiches and invite you to bring your own lunch on the day. Alternatively, you can purchase food at the tearoom, should you choose to do so. There you will find a selection of hot meals and sandwiches for adults and children, a range of hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks and confectionery too. You can find further information along with the menus on the Washbrooks Farm website. Event Time: 10am to 2pm Address: Washbrooks Family Farm, Brighton Road, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9EF Getting there Please see information on Washbrooks Family Farm’s website [here](https://washbrooks.co.uk/). Running order - 9.30am Washbrooks Family Farm opens - 9.30am to 12.30pm free use of the farm - 12.30pm to 12.50pm event opens and lunch together in chalet - 12.50pm to 1.00pm speech, cake cutting and sharing - 1pm to 2.30pm family games and craft with families and PACT staff - 2.30pm close There are also lots of other facilities and activities at Washbrooks Family Farm that you’re free to enjoy at your leisure until 5pm when the farm closes. For more information, please visit their website. Socks and long sleeves are recommended for indoor play to keep children safe and comfortable. Long sleeves protect against scrapes and friction burns from slides or climbing equipment. We are hoping for good weather but do come prepared for rain or sunshine on the day. In the event of adverse weather conditions being forecast for the day, we will notify you by email if the event is cancelled. Although this event is free for PACT families, it is important if you no longer require any, or all, of your tickets that you cancel them at your earliest convenience using the contact details below, as PACT does incur a cost for each place. Important Please select ‘use a previous registrant’ for each child registered to avoid entering your children/ren name on the registration form. Please enter your PACT office and social worker on your booking form. You only need to enter this once. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch . Many thanks again and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 9th May. Best wishes Grace Grace Gomez Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer --- ### [Looking for support?](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Looking for support? ## Make a referral To access any of the support offered by our BB4K programme for yourself or someone else, you will need make a referral. We are currently accepting referrals for children and parents living in **Reading, West Berkshire, Wokingham, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire, Cherwell and Vale of White Horse**. You can make a referral for yourself or on behalf of a client you work with. This programme is free for families. The BB4K team will be able to advise you on future support groups for children and parents or set up a new group for domestic abuse help if there is a wider need. If you need help making a referral, please contact our team at . [Make a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/)  ## Support helplines There are many other organisations offering support for children and adults affected by domestic abuse. Visit our helplines page to see more. [View other support helplines](/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/support-helplines/) ## The programme has had a huge impact on (my child). He is reflecting more on the choices he makes and he understands how to manage his feelings. BB4K parent ## Doing this Bounce Back course with my daughter has been one of the best things I’ve done. I was unsure at first, as I didn’t want to admit it had affected my girls so much. But I am so happy I did as it has opened my eyes and given me and my daughter the tools to move forward. BB4K parent ## Thank you for letting me come to talk about my feelings, play games and have lots of fun. I wish we could all come again! BB4K child ## I have learnt a lot and feel that I am more confident as a parent and in myself generally. BB4K parent ## Mr B noticed that as a result of Jack attending BB4K it has especially helped with his anger. If someone annoys him he has a mature attitude and approach and is able to walk away from the situation, or take a deep breath. After attending the group he received an award at school, this was for his work but also his mature attitude. Feedback from school ## During the course she became more confident and outgoing. She stood up in assembly and read out a paragraph which she hadn’t done before. Her behaviour at home improved and she became more settled. BB4K parent ## Emily is more reflective and thoughtful than she used to be and is far more able to discuss her feelings objectively. Feedback from school ## My relationship with Scott has strengthened and I am beginning to understand what my children’s behaviour is communicating. BB4K parent   ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [BB4K Referral Form](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) **Published:** November 16, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Refer yourself or someone else for BB4K support We are currently accepting referrals for **Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Oxford City, West Oxfordshire, Cherwell and Vale of White Horse**. To refer children and parents/guardians who may benefit from attending a BB4K programme, click the button below to start the referral process. Before making a referral, please read our [further information](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BB4K-groups-information-1.pdf) about what to expect from BB4K groups and please make sure the family meets our referral criteria. **Has my family experienced domestic abuse?** [Domestic abuse](https://refuge.org.uk/what-is-domestic-abuse/) can take many forms, including emotional, economic, or coercive and controlling behaviour – not just physical harm. If you’re unsure, we can talk this through during your assessment call to see if our programme is right for you. Children can still benefit from Bounce Back 4 Kids even if they didn’t witness abuse but were affected by the family situation. This programme is free for families.  ## Please make sure the following referral criteria are met before you fill out the referral form: - The family must be impacted by domestic abuse for this programme to be relevant to their recovery. Children do not need to have directly witnessed or experienced abuse to attend the programme. - Children must be aged between **3 and 11 years old**. - Children and parent/carer must be able to acknowledge the hurt that has happened in their family and be able to talk about it. - Children and parent/carer must want to attend a BB4K programme; they cannot be forced to attend. - Parents/carers must be willing to support the child throughout the BB4K programme. - The perpetrator must have left the family home and be out of the relationship. --- [Click to begin referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/bb4k-referral-eligibility-checker/) ---  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Bounce Back 4 Kids](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/) **Published:** August 15, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Bounce Back 4 Kids Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) is a support programme developed by PACT that uses therapeutic techniques to support children who have been affected by or witnessed domestic abuse. The programme works with children and their parents or carers to heal from trauma through a series of therapeutic support sessions. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/)  ## See our groups --- We run groups for children aged 3-11 and their parent or carer who have been referred to BB4K. We also offer courses for parents on topics such as confidence, self-esteem and mental health. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/) ## Refer yourself or someone you know --- To access any of our groups or services, families need to be referred to our BB4K team. [ Make a referral ](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) ## The programme has had a huge impact on (my child). He is reflecting more on the choices he makes and he understands how to manage his feelings. BB4K parent ## Doing this Bounce Back course with my daughter has been one of the best things I’ve done. I was unsure at first, as I didn’t want to admit it had affected my girls so much. But I am so happy I did as it has opened my eyes and given me and my daughter the tools to move forward. BB4K parent ## Thank you for letting me come to talk about my feelings, play games and have lots of fun. I wish we could all come again! BB4K child ## I have learnt a lot and feel that I am more confident as a parent and in myself generally. BB4K parent ## Mr B noticed that as a result of Jack attending BB4K it has especially helped with his anger. If someone annoys him he has a mature attitude and approach and is able to walk away from the situation, or take a deep breath. After attending the group he received an award at school, this was for his work but also his mature attitude. Feedback from school ## During the course she became more confident and outgoing. She stood up in assembly and read out a paragraph which she hadn’t done before. Her behaviour at home improved and she became more settled. BB4K parent ## Emily is more reflective and thoughtful than she used to be and is far more able to discuss her feelings objectively. Feedback from school ## My relationship with Scott has strengthened and I am beginning to understand what my children’s behaviour is communicating. BB4K parent   ## Other support available As well as our groups, families seeking support can download our positive newsletters or request to be added to our private Facebook group. Parents who have been referred to BB4K can also request to borrow books from our lending library. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/) ## BB4K stories Read the stories of some of the many children and parents who have been supported by Bounce Back 4 Kids [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-stories/) ## BB4K stories Read the stories of some of the many children and parents who have been supported by Bounce Back 4 Kids [See all](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-stories/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/caitlin-and-her-two-children-received-support-from-bb4k/) [## Caitlin and her two children received support from BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/caitlin-and-her-two-children-received-support-from-bb4k/)Caitlin\* and her two children, Evie\* and Luna\*, were referred to PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids programme after leaving her ex-partner following domestic abuse. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/caitlin-and-her-two-children-received-support-from-bb4k/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/laura-and-her-four-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) [## Laura and her four children were supported by BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/laura-and-her-four-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/)Laura\* and her four children received support from BB4K after experiencing sustained emotional abuse, economic abuse and coercive abuse from the children’s father. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/laura-and-her-four-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/jade-and-her-three-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) [## Jade and her three children were supported by BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/jade-and-her-three-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/)Jade\* received support from BB4K for herself and her three children after leaving her abusive ex-partner. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/jade-and-her-three-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/hayley-and-her-daughter-attended-bb4ks-group-programmes/) [## Hayley and her daughter attended BB4K’s group programmes](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/hayley-and-her-daughter-attended-bb4ks-group-programmes/)Hayley\* and her two children were referred to BB4K after experiencing abuse from the children’s father. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/hayley-and-her-daughter-attended-bb4ks-group-programmes/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k-2/) [## Millie and her mum Flora received support from BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k-2/)Millie\*, aged 9, was referred to the Bounce Back 4 Kids team for support in 2020 after experiencing an environment of domestic abuse from her mum’s previous relationships. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k-2/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k/) [## Troy received play therapy from BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k/)Troy\*, aged 7, received play therapy from Bounce Back 4 Kids after experiencing domestic abuse from his birth mother. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k/) ## BB4K Gallery  BB4K’s group for 3-5-year-olds has been exploring the ‘Colour Monster’ book. Inspired by the story, children explored their own emotions through a paint-flicking activity. They reflected on how feelings can sometimes get mixed up and by taking time to untangle them, this can help us feel better.  Recently, they explored the book ‘Hands are not for Hitting’, where the group thought about what hands are for instead. Parents and children practised painting each other’s hands to encourage bonding and practise being gentle.  Feedback from a BB4K parent after completing a 3-5s group.  Trusting each other to paint their hands this was a sensory bonding moment where mums and children connected through touch, play and love.  BB4K’s graffiti wall of group rules, created by the group, for the group! Each scribble, doodle and word reflects how we want to feel in our space: safe, kind and free to be ourselves.  BB4K’s growing tree of words. Each leaf holds a feeling or a moment from our sessions.  Using oobleck, playdough and gelli barf, children express emotions, build confidence and make sense of their world. Sensory play like this supports emotional regulation, encourages curiosity and creates a safe space for healing.  Calm jars! We reflect that our busy brains can look like the jar when it’s just been shaken up but as the glitter begins to settle, we invite the children to slow their breath and focus only on the jar. As it begins to ‘calm down,’ we encourage them to feel calm with it.  Take a look at these ‘Owl Babies’ that BB4K’s group for children aged 3-5 made together. This is a story about owl babies who worry where their mother has gone, but find joy and relief when she flies back to the nest. Through reading the story and creating their own owl puppets and nest, the children explored themes such as separation anxiety and parental attachment, and were encouraged to explore these feelings through play.  BB4K’s ‘heart to heart tree’. Heart to heart is an attachment-based group that focuses on building child and parent relationship. Written on the leaves are evaluation words of how the parent and child felt at the end of the session. Each colour resembles a different week of the programme and each leaf echoes one parent and their child.  Child’s worry box  Masks showing different emotions  Head full of emotions created by child attending BB4K group sessions  Iceberg showing feelings hidden under the surface  Drawings created by children attending BB4K groups  Sand jar representing different emotions, completed during a group session  Feedback after a group session  Playdough art from our Oxford group  ‘What’s in your heart/shield’ drawings from our Oxford group  Volcano feelings  Playdough family art by our under 5s  Parent steps exercise from the parent group that runs alongside the children’s group  Parent-child hand prints and playmobile families  Puppets and animals to play with [See more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/the-bb4k-gallery/)  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [BB4K FAQs](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-faqs/) **Published:** December 18, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # BB4K FAQs ### What if I have a child over the age of 11?  Our programme is designed for children aged 3–11, but we’re happy to signpost you to organisations that can help. Support helplines can be found [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/support-helplines/). ### What if I don’t think my child can cope in a group setting?  We understand some children find groups difficult. We’ll talk through this during your assessment and consider the best way to support your child. One-to-one sessions are available where appropriate. Find out more [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-121/). ### I’m worried about my child missing school.  BB4K will, with your permission, contact the school on your behalf to ensure that they are aware of the benefits of the programme and ask them not to count attending our sessions against your child’s attendance record. Most schools are incredibly supportive of children receiving this recovery programme. ### Do you support men?  Yes, our programme is for all parents and carers, regardless of gender. ### Do you support children with additional needs?  Absolutely. We’ll discuss your child’s needs during the assessment to make sure the programme is suitable and supportive. ### Can my children still have contact with the other parent and attend this programme?  Yes, children can attend even if they have ongoing contact, as long as it’s safe for them to do so. ### Can I still participate if I’m not their biological parent? (e.g., step-parent, grandparent)  Yes, any parent or carer with responsibility for the child can take part even if they have not experienced abuse themselves. ### Does the parent have to attend the programme?  Yes, parent sessions are an essential part of the programme to help you support your child effectively. ### I don’t have childcare for my other children, can they come?  Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate additional children during sessions. We’ll work with you to find a solution. ### I don’t drive.  We’ll do our best to find a venue that’s accessible by public transport or discuss alternative arrangements. ### Do I need evidence of domestic abuse to attend this programme?  No formal evidence is required. We trust your experience and will talk through your family’s needs during initial assessment. ### How long is the programme?  The programme typically runs 8-12 weekly sessions, with breaks over school holidays. Each session lasts 90 minutes for both parent and child. ### Do both parents need to give consent?  If you’d like to refer to us but this question concerns you, it’s best to contact us first and we can discuss it with you. Our first goal is keeping the parents and children referred to us safe, and we don’t want to do anything that could change that. ### My child didn’t directly witness any abuse, can they still attend?  Yes, children can still benefit even if they didn’t witness abuse but were affected by the family situation. ### Will I receive a report at the end?  Yes, a general report on all topics covered will be sent to both the referred parent and the school on completion of the programme. ### Can siblings be a part of the same group session?  Siblings are usually kept separate from each other. One child will normally be offered a group whilst the other will be offered either a 121 or wait until a new group starts. ### What sort of topics do you cover in the children’s sessions?  In the 3-5’s sessions, we cover topics such as identifying and expressing feelings in appropriate ways, safe touch through nurturing and sharing, and different sorts of families. In the BB4K and [one-to-one sessions](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-121/), we cover topics such as understanding feelings, awareness about fighting and hurting, emotional and physical safety, blame, worries and self-esteem. ### Can a programme be repeated for a child in the future? (i.e, can they be put onto 3-5s and in the future a BB4K group?)  It is unlikely that a child will be placed in another group as we have a waiting list, but we are able to help you find further support. ### What happens if I miss a session?  We ask that you attend all the sessions for the 8 or 12 weeks, but appreciate sometimes life gets in the way. Normally, if more than 2 sessions are missed we would ask that you attend a different group in the future and withdraw from the current one. This is because it’s important for both parents and children to attend regularly to gain the most out of the programme, and we have a limited capacity to catch up on any missed sessions. ### How many staff members usually run the group sessions?  In the parent’s group, there are usually 2 members of the BB4K team. The children’s group usually have 2-3 but additional staff members may join to help out during some sessions. ### How much information do I have to share during the sessions?  There is no pressure on anyone to share anything that they don’t want to. Our groups provide a safe space to talk without any judgement, and we aim to give people the chance to discuss anything they want to without any expectation or pressure. ### Do I need to pay for this programme?  No, the BB4K programme is free for families. PACT fundraises to ensure that families who need support can take part at no financial cost to themselves.  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [About BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # About Bounce Back 4 Kids ## What is BB4K? Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) is a support recovery programme developed by PACT that uses therapeutic techniques to support children who have survived or witnessed domestic abuse. The programme works with children aged 3-11 and their parents who live in Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire, Cherwell and Vale of White Horse. This programme is free for families. Support is tailored to be responsive to the needs of families but could include individual support, groupwork, online workshops and courses, play therapy, other therapeutic sessions, access to wellbeing newsletters and a private Facebook group. To access any of our support services for yourself or someone you know, you will need to make a referral to our team. [Make a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/)  ## Aims of BB4K The BB4K programme has a number of key aims: - To help break the cycle of domestic abuse - To understand and heal from trauma - To provide families with the tools to enable them to keep safe - To validate and empower children and their parent / main carer - To improve children’s school attendance, learning and development - To give parents the opportunity to see domestic abuse through the eyes of their child - To strengthen positive and healthy attachments between children and their parent / main carer - To raise children’s self-esteem whilst giving them an opportunity to explore and express their feelings through fun, child-focused activities in a safe therapeutic way #### [Groups for 3-5 year olds](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-under-5s/)  ## [Groups for 5-11 year olds](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-children-aged-5-11/) ## How we work Watch the short film below to find out more about how we work. ## Feedback from parents BB4K receives positive feedback from many parents who have attended the programme with their children. *“Doing this Bounce Back course with my daughter has been one of the best things I’ve done. I was unsure at first, as I didn’t want to admit it had affected my girls so much. But I am so happy I did as it has opened my eyes and given me and my daughter the tools to move forward.”* *“I have seen Sarah increasing in confidence, more able to share her concerns with me, and understanding that she is not responsible for others’ behaviour.”* *“Becky has loved coming and I can see a big difference in her confidence.”* *“My relationship with Scott has strengthened and I am beginning to understand what my children’s behaviour is communicating.”* *“It has made our home much happier and calmer. We speak more and have special time together.”* *“I have learnt a lot and feel that I am more confident as a parent and in myself generally.”* ## Feedback from schools Many schools support BB4K and teachers have noticed the positive changes in their pupils who have taken part in the group. *“Very worthwhile and enjoyable for a very confused girl.”* *“Mr B noticed that as a result of Jack attending BB4K it has especially helped with his anger. If someone annoys him he has a mature attitude and approach and is able to walk away from the situation, or take a deep breath. After attending the group he received an award at school, this was for his work but also his mature attitude.”* *“Bobby doesn’t shout out as much on carpet. He seems far more settled and ready to learn.”* *“Emily is more reflective and thoughtful than she used to be and is far more able to discuss her feelings objectively.”* ## Read about the difference BB4K made in 2024-2025 [Download our impact report](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/BB4K-202425-Impact-report-.pdf) ## Feedback from children This short film contains feedback from children who attended BB4K group programmes. *(To protect identities, feedback has been read out by volunteers and voices are not those of children participating in the programme.)* ## Find out more about our BB4K groups and courses We run groups and courses for children and parents/carers who have been referred to BB4K. These include groups for children aged 3-5, children aged 5-11 and parents. [See our groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/)   ## See the impact of our work “The children are all achieving incredible things at school and doing after school activities, but most of all they’re just enjoying every minute of their childhood in such a more relaxed and happy environment.” – BB4K parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-bb4k/)  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Ashley](https://www.pactcharity.org/ashley/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  ## Ashley is looking for a loving permanent family Ashley\* is a bright and engaging two-year-old boy who is an absolute joy to be around. We’re seeking an adoptive family who will celebrate Ashley’s strengths, understand his needs and give him the permanent home he truly deserves. Ashley has Down’s syndrome and associated health needs. He needs a family who can understand and prioritise his health and developmental needs. His adoptive parents will need to provide him with an extra level of care and able to advocate for him as he grows. PACT provides full training and ongoing support through its specialist team, including access to therapeutic services, peer support groups and its online platform CATCH to ensure Ashley’s family feels prepared and supported at every stage. 💛 **Please note, we can only accept enquiries from prospective adopters in the UK.** ## Meet Ashley 👋 - Ashley loves playing with his toys, being outside, going to the park and playing on the swings. - He also really enjoys being around other children and adults. - Ashley is a content and smiley child, who has a lovely little giggle.  ## Could you be the family that Ashley is waiting for? If you believe you can offer a safe, loving and nurturing home, please contact PACT’s friendly enquiry team by clicking the button to complete an online form. [Get in touch](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) **Please note that depending on the number of enquiries we receive, it may take a little bit of time for our team to respond to everyone.** ## Watch this short video about Ashley \*Name changed for confidentiality ## Ashley is a joyful, resilient little boy who brightens the day of everyone he meets. We are committed to finding a family who can celebrate his strengths, understand his needs and give him the permanent home he truly deserves. Mandy Davies, Assistant Director of Adoption Services at PACT --- ### [Adopt a Child in Wiltshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-wiltshire/) **Published:** October 28, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Wiltshire ## You can adopt If you live in Wiltshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. Last year, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Swindon, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Melksham, Devizes and Warminster.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## “To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done!” Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Family fun days](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/) **Published:** September 13, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Family fun days ## PACT runs family fun days for our adoptive families each year. These events are provided as a chance for adoptive families to get together and have a fun day out with other adoptive parents and adopted children. Children enjoy meeting new friends and parents share their stories of adoption, with families often building life-long support networks based on their shared experiences. It is also a great opportunity for families to catch up with PACT social workers in a relaxed setting. Details of our upcoming family fun days and how to book are below. ☀️  ## Upcoming dates Current Month No Events  ### PACT families often feedback how beneficial they find family fun days. Samuel and Naomi (names changed) have been attending PACT’s fun days since they adopted their first two children in 2014. [Read their story](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/samuel-naomi-and-their-three-children-enjoy-pacts-family-fun-days/) ### Below are some quotes from more families who have attended previous family fun days. ## Events like these Family Fun Days are really important. In your day to day life you’re usually only in contact with people raising their birth children so to see and speak to other adopters and see so many happy adopted children and families can give you a great feeling. PACT adopter ## We loved the Fun Day. It came at just the right time for us and hearing other adopters’ stories was just brilliant. We came away feeling a whole lot better after being in the thick of it for two and half months. PACT adopter ## It was an absolutely wonderful day which we enjoyed so much. It was just a fantastic opportunity to mix with other adopters and I know in particular our older son loved the idea of playing with other adopted children. PACT adopter ## Having the space to have fun, relax and not be conscious of our every move and conversation in a safe and protective environment is priceless. PACT adopter ## We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was such a wonderful chance to meet other adopters and their families, as well as catch up with PACT staff. PACT adopter                   --- ### [HOLLOWAY Friends of PACT tickets](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/holloway-tickets-friends-of-pact/) **Published:** April 14, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Book your Friends of PACT tickets for HOLLOWAY **📅** Wednesday 20th May, Doors open 5.30pm, film 6pm, Q&A 7.30pm 📍 Palmer Theatre, Reading University, RG6 6UR --- ### [Meet our London Marathon 2026 runners](https://www.pactcharity.org/london-marathon-runners/) **Published:** April 10, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # London Marathon 2026 ## Meet our London Marathon 2026 runners… ## Gemma Gemma Curran, aged 50, is a giving advisor from London. Gemma said: “I am running in the 2026 London Marathon for PACT because I’ve just turned 50 and need to keep fit! More importantly, thanks to PACT, I have three little people living with me who keep me on my toes!” [ Read more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/gemma/) ## Jonathan Jonathan, aged 40, is a deputy headteacher. He said: “I’m most looking forward to raising money for a great charity, and experiencing the thrill and atmosphere of running around London on the big day; the feeling of accomplishment when I pass the finish line, knowing I have raised much-needed funds for a fantastic charity.” [ Read more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/jonathan/) ## Sarah Sarah Morris is a 40-year-old assistant headteacher from Reading. She said: “Working in a secondary school, I felt very strongly that I wanted to raise money for a local charity that can make a difference to children and young families.” [ Read more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/sarah/) ## Cormac Cormac, aged 45, will run both the Manchester Marathon and the London Marathon just one week apart in support of PACT! He said: “In 2021, after a long and emotional journey, PACT matched my wife Kate and me with two incredible daughters, making our dream to be parents a reality.” [ Read more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/cormac-2026/) Have you been lucky enough to get an individual ballot place for the 2026 TCS London Marathon, taking place on Sunday 26th April? We’d love you to join Team PACT and support our life-changing work building adoptive families and supporting children, women and parents to embrace a positive future. There is no minimum fundraising requirement with individual ballot places. Running for a charity is an amazing way to take part in the marathon. Knowing you are running for a good cause helps to motivate you throughout your training and gives you a strong sense of purpose. If you have any questions or would like any support from us, please get in touch at . ## Here’s some of our previous London Marathon runners… ### Jez Ran the London Marathon in 2025 ### David Ran the London Marathon in 2025 ### Jay Ran the London Marathon in 2025 ### Ciara Ran the London Marathon in 2025 ### Craig Ran the London Marathon in 2025 ### Cormac Ran the London Marathon in 2025 ### Oli Ran the London Marathon in 2024 ### Nick Ran the London Marathon in 2024 ### Rosie Ran the London Marathon in 2024 ### Jason Ran the London Marathon in 2024 ### Wendy Louca Ran the London Marathon in 2022 ### Marie Gratton Ran the London Marathon in 2023 ### Simon Heudebourck Ran the London Marathon in 2022 ### Kim Gelling Ran the London Marathon in 2023 ### Lisa Pitt Ran the London Marathon in 2022 ### Chrissie Cairns Ran the London Marathon in 2023 ### Ed Stephenson Ran the London Marathon in 2022 ### Harry Routledge Ran the London Marathon in 2021 ### Peter Sutton Ran the London Marathon in 2023 ### Debbie Herridge Ran the London Marathon in 2022 ### Radley Vickery-Biddulph Ran the London Marathon in 2023 --- ### [Cormac](https://www.pactcharity.org/cormac-2026/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Cormac Cormac Doyle, aged 45, will run both the Manchester Marathon and the London Marathon just one week apart for PACT. Cormac and his wife Kate adopted their two daughters through PACT in 2021. Cormac said: “In 2021, after a long and emotional journey, PACT matched my wife Kate and me with two incredible daughters, making our dream to be parents a reality. This year’s challenge will mark Cormac’s second and third full marathons. He completed his first London Marathon in 2025, raising an impressive £2,716 for PACT. Cormac said: “I did say never again after crossing the finishing line last year but, after letting it all soak in and reflecting on the amazing atmosphere of the day, I’m back to do it all again!” Despite that vow, Cormac says he’s excited to take on the two-race challenge. When asked what he’s most looking forward to on the race days, Cormac said: “Proving I can do it. The girls know I am doing it for them, so I’m looking forward to seeing them cheering me on. Doing two marathons in eight days is a crazy challenge to set myself, but the support from friends and family as well as the crowd cheering me and all the other participants on is amazing!” [Donate to Cormac’s fundraiser](https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/cormac-doyle)  ## “The PACT team have always been there with guidance, care, and unwavering support. Anything we can do to support this cause and help PACT to do what they do is the reason for this challenge and a great way to give something back.” --- ### [HOLLOWAY tickets](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/holloway-tickets/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Book your tickets for HOLLOWAY **📅** Wednesday 20th May, Doors open 5.30pm, film 6pm, Q&A 7.30pm 📍 Palmer Theatre, Reading University, RG6 6UR --- ### [Marathon in May](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/marathon-in-may/) **Published:** February 22, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Marathon in May ### Can you complete a marathon in a month? **Marathon in May is a challenge anyone can do.** The aim is to clock up the miles over the 31 days of May. Run, walk, hike, cycle, wheel, with children, with your dog, with friends or on your own; it’s your challenge, your way! Go as fast or slow as you like and complete the distance all at once, or break it down into chunks. Take part individually or join together as a family or group of colleagues or friends. **This year the challenge is free to join!** But we encourage you to make a donation or raise sponsorship, then every mile you cover will be helping the families, women and children PACT supports every day through adoption services, therapeutic support, our women’s community project Alana House and our domestic abuse recovery programme Bounce Back 4 Kids. Everyone taking part, including dogs, will receive: - Welcome pack and printable colouring sheets to track your miles ✏️ - Digital certificate - Raise or donate £26 or more and you will get a Marathon in May medal! That’s the equivalent of just £1 per mile 🏅 - Additional medals for participating pets and children can be purchased if required [Register today](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/MarathoninMay26) ## Four fun ways to get involved… ### Marathon in May This is our much-loved traditional event, where you cover 26.2 miles throughout May, in any way you like! ### Mini Marathon This fun event is for little legs and challenges you to complete 10 miles in the month of May. Anyone under 16 can take part in the Mini Marathon. ### Walkiethon Human’s best friend can take part in their own category this year. Can your furry friend complete a Marathon in May? ### Marathon in May Ultra For those of you who like a challenge, why stop at 26.2 mile? There is no limit here to how many miles you can cover over May! And what’s more, compete on our leaderboard for top spot! ## Want to take part as a group? If you would like to take part as a school, or a guide or scout group, please contact Julie to find out about our tailored packages. [Email Julie](mailto:julie.maclean@pactcharity.org) ## Thank you to everyone who took part in 2025! [Register today](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/MarathoninMay26) ## I loved the tracking sheet. My five-year-old son did the challenge with me and really enjoyed colouring in each day. Marathon in May participant ## The challenge got us out and about as family and we made some amazing memories. Marathon in May participant ## Moving every day keeps me active and gives me a daily goal to achieve something positive that’s great for my wellbeing. It could be 10 minutes or it could be an hour, whatever I can fit in! Marathon in May participant ## Marathon in May was great fun and it encouraged me to improve my fitness. I surprised myself by completing almost twice the distance in the month and having a great time doing it. Marathon in May participant ## I loved having something to work for and knowing we get a little bit of bling is always a bonus! Marathon in May participant ## Register today and share the challenge with friends and family! [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/marathon-in-may) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/marathon-in-may) [Share via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/marathon-in-may) --- ### [Welcome to Marathon in May 2026](https://www.pactcharity.org/marathon-in-may-materials/) **Published:** March 24, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Welcome to Marathon in May 2026 You’ve signed up for PACT’s Marathon in May 2026! We’re so glad you’re taking part in this fun and life changing challenge. Before you get your trainers on and your pooch gets their collar on, you’ll want to check out the materials on this page. They are for anyone taking part in this year’s Marathon in May. Please download and use them as you wish. If you need any support, you can get in touch with our team [here](mailto:Julie.MacLean@pactcharity.org). ## Download your Marathon in May welcome pack Please click the button below to download your welcome pack. The pack includes useful information such as how to add your miles to your fundraising page, how to join our Facebook group plus many more FAQs about the challenge. [Download your welcome pack](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MiM-welcome-pack-2026-1.pdf)  ## Standard mile chart [ Download ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MiM-Mile-chart-colour.pdf) ## Star mile chart [ Download ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Star-track-your-miles.pdf) ## Sports equipment colour chart [ Download ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MiM-Colour-by-mile-chart-objects.pdf) ## Mini Marathon fantasy quest [ Download ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mini-MiM-fantasy-quest-sheet.pdf) ## Walkiethon colour chart [ Download ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Walkiesthon-colouring-sheet.pdf) ## Join our Facebook community 💙 Join our 2026 Marathon in May community group on Facebook for ideas, motivation and to share how you are getting on! We’re all in this together! [Join now!](https://www.facebook.com/groups/547220618377792/) --- ### [Our locations](https://www.pactcharity.org/our-locations/) **Published:** June 26, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** [](https://www.pactcharity.org/our-locations/) # Our locations PACT’s adoption services cover a wide area across the south of England. We have offices in Reading (our headquarters), London and Brighton, as well as teams located in Milton Keynes and Devon.  ## Our head office ## PACT Reading 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS Call us on [0300 456 4800]() Please note our adoption enquiries line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. ## Other locations ## PACT Brighton Projects The Lanes Nile House Nile Street Brighton BN1 1HW ## PACT London (Vauxhall) The Foundry 17 Oval Way London SE11 5RR ## PACT Milton Keynes Acorn House Midsummer Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HP  ## Our community projects Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids are based in Reading but have outreach services in some locations in Berkshire and the Thames Valley ## Alana House Reading Tel: [0118 9217640](tel:01189217640) Email: [Learn more about Alana House >>>](/alana-house/about-alana-house/) ## Bounce Back 4 Kids Tel: [0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733) Email: [Learn more about BB4K >>>](/bb4k/about-bb4k/) ## Get in touch To get in touch with our team, you can call us on the numbers above or use our contact form to send us a message. [Contact us](/contact-us/) --- ### [Adoption Enquiry](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) **Published:** November 2, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Thinking about adoption? Would you like to speak to one of PACT’s friendly enquiries team to find out more about what’s involved, download our full adoption information pack, or book on to one of our [information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/)? Please complete this form and we will call or email you back in 3-5 working days. You will also be able to download our full adoption information pack after submitting this form. Alternatively, you can call us on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800) (option 2). Please note our adoption enquiries line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. **We welcome adoption enquiries from prospective adopters living in southern or central England. If you live elsewhere in the UK, you are welcome to contact us regarding the specific children we are currently family-finding for.**  ## Charms Enquiry Form "\*" indicates required fields Instagram This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ## Please fill in the form with your enquiry and we’ll be in touch. First Name\* Last Name\* Phone number\* Mobile number\* Date of birth\*DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Are you over 21 years of age?\* Yes No Sorry, you must be aged 21 or over to start the adoption process. Please come back once you have turned 21 and we will be happy to receive your enquiry. Email address\* Your ethnicity\*Open dropdown menu to search for and select ethnicityWHITE: BRITISHWHITE: IRISHWHITE: ANY OTHER WHITE BACKGROUNDMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK CARIBBEANMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK AFRICANMIXED: WHITE AND ASIANMIXED: ANY OTHER MIXED BACKGROUNDASIAN: INDIANASIAN: PAKISTANIASIAN: PAKISTANI BRITISHASIAN: BANGLADESHIASIAN: ANY OTHER ASIAN BACKGROUNDBLACK: CARIBBEANBLACK: AFRICANBLACK: ANY OTHER BLACK BACKGROUNDOTHER: CHINESEOTHER: JEWISHOTHER: ANY OTHER ETHNIC GROUP Partner's first name (if applicable) Partner's last name Partner’s ethnicityOpen dropdown menu to search for and select ethnicityWHITE: BRITISHWHITE: IRISHWHITE: ANY OTHER WHITE BACKGROUNDMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK CARIBBEANMIXED: WHITE AND BLACK AFRICANMIXED: WHITE AND ASIANMIXED: ANY OTHER MIXED BACKGROUNDASIAN: INDIANASIAN: PAKISTANIASIAN: PAKISTANI BRITISHASIAN: BANGLADESHIASIAN: ANY OTHER ASIAN BACKGROUNDBLACK: CARIBBEANBLACK: AFRICANBLACK: ANY OTHER BLACK BACKGROUNDOTHER: CHINESEOTHER: JEWISHOTHER: ANY OTHER ETHNIC GROUP What is the name of the local authority where you live?\*Open dropdown menu to search for and select local authorityBarnsley Metropolitan Borough CouncilBath & North East Somerset CouncilBedford Borough CouncilBexley CouncilBirmingham City CouncilBlackburn with Darwen CouncilBlackpool Borough CouncilBlaenau Gwent CouncilBolton Metropolitan Borough CouncilBournemouth Christchurch & Poole CouncilBracknell Forest Borough CouncilBridgend County Borough CouncilBrighton & Hove County CouncilBristol City CouncilBuckinghamshire County CouncilBury Metropolitan Borough CouncilCaerphilly CouncilCambridgeshire County CouncilCardiff CouncilCarmarthenshire Local AuthorityCentral Bedfordshire CouncilCheshire County CouncilCheshire East CouncilCity of Bradford Metropolitan CouncilCity of LiverpoolCity of Newcastle upon TyneCity of SunderlandCity of Wakefield District CouncilCity of York CouncilCornwall County CouncilCoventry City CouncilCumbria County CouncilDarlington Borough CouncilDenbighshire County CouncilDerby City CouncilDerbyshire County CouncilDevon County CouncilDoncaster Metropolitan Borough CouncilDorset County CouncilDudley Metropolitan Borough CouncilDundeeDurham County CouncilEast Riding of Yorkshire CouncilEast Sussex County CouncilEdinburghEssex County CouncilGateshead Metropolitan Borough CouncilGlasgow City CouncilGloucestershire County CouncilHalton Borough CouncilHampshire County CouncilHarringeyHarrow CouncilHartlepool Borough CouncilHereford & Worcester County CouncilHerefordshire CouncilHertfordshire County CouncilIsle of Wight County CouncilKensington And ChelseaKent County CouncilKingston upon Hull City CouncilKirklees Metropolitan CouncilLancashire County CouncilLeeds County CouncilLeicester City CouncilLeicestershire County CouncilLincolnshire County CouncilLondon Borough of Barking & DagenhamLondon Borough Of BarnetLondon Borough of BrentLondon Borough of BromleyLondon Borough of CamdenLondon Borough of CroydonLondon Borough of EalingLondon Borough of EnfieldLondon Borough of GreenwichLondon Borough of HackneyLondon Borough of Hammersmith & FulhamLondon Borough Of HaringeyLondon Borough of HaveringLondon Borough of HillingdonLondon Borough Of HounslowLondon Borough of IslingtonLondon Borough of LambethLondon Borough of LewishamLondon Borough of MertonLondon Borough of NewhamLondon Borough of RedbridgeLondon Borough of Richmond upon ThamesLondon Borough of SouthwarkLondon Borough of SuttonLondon Borough of Tower HamletsLondon Borough of Waltham ForestLondon Borough of WandsworthLuton Borough CouncilManchester County CouncilMedway CouncilMetropolitan Borough of CalderdaleMetropolitan Borough of KnowsleyMetropolitan Borough of OldhamMetropolitan Borough of SeftonMetropolitan Borough of SolihullMetropolitan Borough of South TynesideMetropolitan Borough of St HelensMetropolitan Borough of WirralMiddlesborough County CouncilMid-LothianMilton Keynes CouncilNeath Port TalbotNewbury District Council AuthorityNewport City CouncilNorfolk County CouncilNorth East Lincolnshire CouncilNorth Lincolnshire CouncilNorth Somerset District CouncilNorth Tyneside CouncilNorth Yorkshire County CouncilNorthamptonshire County CouncilNorthumberland County CouncilNottingham City CouncilNottinghamshire County CouncilOxfordshire County CouncilPeterborough City CouncilPlymouthPoole Borough CouncilPortsmouth City CouncilReading Borough CouncilRedcar & Cleveland Borough CouncilRochdale Metropolitan Borough CouncilRotherham Borough CouncilRoyal Borough of Kensington & ChelseaRoyal Borough of Kingston upon ThamesRoyal Borough of Windsor & MaidenheadRutland CouncilSalford City CouncilSandwell Metropolitan Borough CouncilSheffield Metropolitan City CouncilShropshire County CouncilSlough Borough CouncilSomerset County CouncilSouth Gloucestershire CouncilSouthampton City CouncilSouthend CouncilStaffordshire County CouncilStockport Metropolitan Borough CouncilStockton on TeesStoke on Trent County CouncilSuffolk County CouncilSurrey County CouncilSwindon Borough CouncilTameside Metropolitan Borough CouncilTelford & Wrekin CouncilThurrock CouncilTorbay Borough CouncilTrafford Metropolitan Borough CouncilTrowbridge Children's ServicesVale Of GlamorganVale, Valleys & CardiffWalsall Metropolitan Borough CouncilWarrington Borough CouncilWarwickshire County CouncilWest Berkshire CouncilWest Sussex County CouncilWestminster City CouncilWigan CouncilWiltshire County CouncilWokingham Borough CouncilWolverhampton Borough CouncilWorcestershire County CouncilWrexham County Council This could be your county council or unitary authority. If you aren’t sure you can find out here: [www.gov.uk/find-local-council](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council). To find out which areas PACT covers, [see our area map here](/adoption/you-can-adopt#areamap). Are there any children living in your household?\* Yes No Children DetailsIf you are already a parent, ideally any existing children will be aged five years or older to reflect a sufficient age gap between them and any adopted child. Do you have a spare bedroom for an adopted child?\* Yes, I have at least one spare bedroom No, I do not have a spare bedroom You need to have at least one spare bedroom as it is important that adopted children have their own space. To proceed with the adoption process you will need to consider either adapting your home or moving to a different property. Where did you hear about PACT?\* Online search Word of mouth TV/Radio Social media Referral Online/Print media Event AI Other (please state) Second adoption application Online search Google Other search engine Referral CVAA website First4Adoption website You Can Adopt website Home for Good New Family Social Diocese of Oxford Other agency Other website Word of mouth Friend/family member who has adopted Friend/family member who hasn’t adopted Other Online/Print media Online article/interview Print article/interview Poster/flyer Advert TV/Radio TV Radio Podcast Event PACT-hosted event PACT stall at an event Social media Facebook Linked In Instagram TikTok Other Other Other Other Other Other Please choose a time when it would suit you for us to contact you.\* Weekday morning Weekday afternoon Weekday evening Saturday morning Please choose all that apply. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that we only have limited availability for callbacks at evenings and weekends and you may have to wait longer if you are unable to select weekday mornings or afternoons. Please let us know if you have any access needs, or if there’s anything else you’d like to discuss. Our friendly Enquiries Team will be happy to help when we call you. If you’re enquiring about specific children we are family-finding for, please mention this here. By submitting this form, you consent to the information you give being recorded for the purposes of adoption enquiry monitoring. Please ensure you have read and understood PACT’s Adoption Services Privacy Notice which can be found [here](/online-privacy-notice/) before submitting your enquiry. Submit enquiry --- ### [Safeguarding Children](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Safeguarding children PACT is committed to fulfilling its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. This applies to staff involved in adoption services, our community projects and all support staff and volunteers. PACT ensures its staff are trained and supported in meeting their safeguarding responsibilities. PACT promotes continuous learning and uses good practice and monitoring functions to support the prevention of harm and promote well-being.  All PACT employees and volunteers have a duty under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and Children Act 2004 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers go through rigorous pre-employment checks and receive training so that they can respond quickly to children, young people and adults at risk. - [Download PACT’s Safeguarding Leaflet](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Safeguarding-Oct25.pdf) - [Download PACT’s Safeguarding Guide for adoptive parents](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Safeguarding-guide-for-adopters.pdf "Download PACT's Safeguarding Guide for adoptive parents") --- ### [Leadership Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/) **Published:** September 21, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Leadership team ## Trustee board PACT’s Board is made up of trustees who play a vital role in ensuring the charity is well-run, legally compliant and focused on delivering its charitable purposes. All of the trustees are volunteers and take a lead responsibility for a different service or support team within PACT. [View the members of PACT’s Trustee Board](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/executive-board/)   ## Senior Management Team PACT’s Senior Management Team plays a crucial role in steering the organisation strategically, operationally and culturally. [View the members of the Senior Management Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/senior-management-team/) --- ### [Chris and Des’ Ruby Wedding Anniversary](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/chris-and-des/) **Published:** February 27, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Chris and Des’ Ruby Wedding Anniversary Thank you so much for choosing to support PACT with a gift in celebration of our ruby wedding anniversary. Both Des and I are delighted to be able to support PACT in this way. I began working with PACT in 2002 within the adoption team, later becoming a team manager before retiring. Since then, I have continued my involvement as a contract social worker and panel member/advisor, and am now PACT’s Adoption Trustee, a role which I love. Des was also a panel member for several years. Supporting adopted children and their families has been very close to my heart since I was Team Manager for Adoption Support services. For this reason, we have asked that any donation you generously make to PACT should be put towards PACT’s [adoption support](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2Fadoption-support%2F&data=05%7C02%7CBecs.Lees%40pactcharity.org%7C5cb282381cc24adf28bc08de72ea05d1%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C639074546995856230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fWibN2OvKBqFAqQmH2n%2FDG40yA0CFavVkT80AR0rIw0%3D&reserved=0) and [FACTS therapeutic services](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2Fadoption-support%2Ffacts%2F&data=05%7C02%7CBecs.Lees%40pactcharity.org%7C5cb282381cc24adf28bc08de72ea05d1%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C639074546995893753%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=L1WqOXtGktu%2F%2BoQJj76JiEXPBYrgNan3PSJP9Ut8KhA%3D&reserved=0). Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity and support – for PACT and for us. It means so much.  --- ### [Children And Trauma Community Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) **Published:** September 30, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Children And Trauma Community Hub – CATCH CATCH (formerly The Adopter Hub) is an online platform offering practical, trusted support to adopters, foster carers, special guardians and the professionals that work alongside them. Developed by PACT in 2018, CATCH was created by listening closely to the experiences of families and carers and working with them to design accessible tools that empower them to find the support they need, when they need it. The platform hosts hundreds of resources including videos, audio and written content plus live webinars, webchat and a dedicated forum. CATCH is a safe, knowledgeable space for anyone parenting or caring for a child who has experienced early life trauma. Our team is dedicated to providing tailored support, learning opportunities and information for families, schools and practitioners. All PACT adoptive families have free access to CATCH once they begin the process to become approved adopters. Other adoption agencies and local authorities can also purchase subscriptions to CATCH for their own adopters and practitioners. If you are a PACT adopter and you have not logged in before, please click here to [request a login and set up your account](https://www.catchconnect.org). [Visit CATCH](https://www.catchconnect.org/)  ## How you can partner with CATCH Are you an organisation interested in gaining access to CATCH for your schools, adopters, foster carers or special guardians? Please get in touch to find out how CATCH can support you and your families. CATCH enables consistent, 24/7 support and information. Contact us to find out more. [Contact CATCH](https://www.catchconnect.org/contact-us/) ## Watch this short video to find out what CATCH offers adopters: ### **All adopters and special guardians who log in to CATCH are able to access:** - One-to-one live **webchat** – online peer support from our trained Adopter Peer Supporters - A private **forum** for adopters to chat anonymously to one another or ask questions to our team of experts ### **All users have access to:** - Our specially developed 12 module **eLearning** course, ‘Introduction to Attachment’ - Frequent live **webinars** from experts such as Louise Bomber covering important topics requested by users such as trauma, attachment, behaviour, race, parenting and more, as well as a library of past webinar recordings - **Resources** covering a wide range of subjects and advice on a variety of key topics for adopters such as education, behaviour and physical and mental wellbeing ### **In addition, we offer specialist resources for schools and practitioners such as:** - Dedicated **webinars** for practitioners on topics to support their work with adopters - An **eLearning** package specifically for education professionals working with adopted children in the classroom - **Resources** on a wide range of topics to support adoptive families such as support around trauma and transitions - (Education professionals and practitioners do not have access to the forum or the webchat service as these are confidential services for adopters only) ### **We have also created tailored resources for special guardians, who often face similar challenges to adoptive parents. Special guardians who have subscriptions to CATCH can access:** - Tailored **resources** about key topics such as finance, wellbeing, support in school and how to approach contact with birth families - Specialist **webinars** from our experts and a library of past webinar recordings - A private special guardian **forum** to provide the opportunity to chat anonymously to other special guardians --- ### [Alana House Helplines](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/alana-house-helplines/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Alana House Helplines Please note that charges may apply to calls made from mobile phones for some of these numbers. If you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency, please contact NHS Direct on 111. In an emergency dial 999 for the ambulance service. If you are feeling that you are at imminent risk of harming yourself, you can: - Contact the **Samaritans**: 08457 909090 - Present yourself to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital - Call the ambulance service on 999 if you are unable to get to the hospital  ## Helplines ### Domestic Abuse Help  All domestic abuse helplines are completely confidential. Because of this, they can be a good source of support for women who aren’t yet ready to report their abuse or wish to be anonymous. They can also provide help and advice to friends, family, and workers. - **Berkshire Women’s Aid**: 0808 801 0882 - **National Domestic Abuse helpline** (run by Women’s Aid): 0808 2000 247 - **Childline**: 0800 1111 (Freephone) - **Crimestoppers** (to give anonymous information on crimes): 0800 555 111 - **LGBT Helpline**: 0300 999 5428 / 0800 999 5428 - **Respect** (for perpetrators of abuse): 0808 8024040 - **National Rape Crisis Centr**e: 0808 500 2222 - **Police**: 101 (999 in an emergency) - **Opoka:** 0300 365 1700 (free helpline for Polish women who experience domestic abuse in the UK) ### Debt Advice Support  - Stepchange Debt Remedy, expert debt advisors: 0800 138 1111 (Freephone, including mobile phones) - Reading Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): 0845 071 6379 ### Health and Wellbeing  - **Crisis Team**: 0845 9000075 - **NHS Direct**: 0845 4647 - **Anxiety UK**: 08444 775 774 (Monday – Friday, 9:30am–5:30pm) - **Anxiety Alliance**: 0845 296 7877 - **National Self Harm Network**: 0800 622 6000 (Freephone) - **MIND Information line**: 0300 123 3393 (Monday – Friday, 9am-6pm) - **Counselling Directory**: ### Housing Services  - **Shelter** - Shelter believes everyone should have a home. More than one million people a year come to us for advice and support: 0844 515 1414 - **St Mungo’s**, Reading office: 0118 9595992 ### Women’s Services Map  [The National Women’s Justice Coalition](https://www.womensservicesmap.com/about/) has published a *Year in Review* report about the incredible growth and impact the Women’s Services Map website has achieved in its second year. Alana House is proud to be one of the 111 women’s centres listed on the Map, providing some of the 420 specialist women’s services categorised in this directory. You can view the map and all services by clicking [here](https://www.womensservicesmap.com/map/).  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Staying in touch with birth family after adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/birth-family-contact/) **Published:** January 7, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Staying in touch with birth family after adoption For all children who move to live with adoptive families it is important that the social workers involved give very careful consideration to how they can be helped to stay in touch with their birth families if a child has a staying in touch (contact) plan. This may include their siblings who are living elsewhere, their birth parents or other significant adults in their life. This can be indirect through information sharing (such as letters, emails or cards), or direct through phone calls, video calls or in-person meetings. If you choose to adopt through PACT, this is something you will have the opportunity to learn more about during your adoption preparation training and assessment.  ## Why is staying in touch with birth family important? - Staying in touch with birth relatives and significant people from their past can help children understand their identity. - Adopted children need to know and understand their history in order to help them make sense of their past. - Staying in touch with a child’s birth family can support their wellbeing and contribute to a more successful adoption. - You would receive support and training from PACT, such as our [maintaining relationships workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/maintaining-relationships-workshop/), about the different ways to stay in touch and the benefits of this. ## We’ve met up with their half-sibling and so far it’s been a really positive experience – the boys have been able to maintain that link with their past and build a connection with blood relatives, as well as finding out things we couldn’t tell them. It seemed a very frightening step but for us it’s been so worth it. PACT adoptive dad, Nick ## Having met \[their birth mother\], I feel a warmth towards her, which I think is transferred to my children and we have lots of lovely discussions about her. It is so important for our children to understand where they have come from and for them to find a place in our family now and forever. PACT adoptive mum who met her children’s birth mother ## They both cried quite a lot but they really opened up when we started asking them questions about the boys. What were they like as babies? Had our youngest always had his cheeky laugh? Have they always been so obsessed with dressing up? Their faces genuinely lit up when they talked about the boys and we even shared some laughter. PACT adoptive dad who met his children’s birth mother and birth grandmother  ## Blog: Meeting his children’s birth family – A PACT dad’s experience [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-meeting-his-childrens-birth-family-a-pact-dads-experience/)  ## Blog: Contact – An adoptive mum’s view [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-contact-an-adoptive-mums-view/) ## Adoptive mum Mariana\* speaks about meeting her children’s birth mother ## Useful resources: - [Talking Adoption Podcast: Staying in Touch](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0sUbfitLSDtbZDfGFqGpzJ?si=ag96ExV6RrW3jKLpoHF6ow) – PACT - [](http://www.corambaaf.org.uk/books/concurrent-planning)[Birth Family Contact and Being Open: with Nicky Campbell and Professor Beth Neil](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youcanadopt.co.uk%2Fbirth-family-contact-and-being-open-with-nicky-campbell-and-professor-beth-neil%2F&data=05%7C02%7CBecs.Lees%40pactcharity.org%7C439ca00ca42d4f491a0c08de68a41076%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C639063251035383366%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=shN3b1ZOIqFvD6DMuIlnmwXCN78PAXHT3CC1KWohh64%3D&reserved=0) – You Can Adopt - [Identity, Openness and Birth Family Contact with Nick Ede](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youcanadopt.co.uk%2Fidentity-openness-and-birth-family-contact-with-nick-ede%2F&data=05%7C02%7CBecs.Lees%40pactcharity.org%7C439ca00ca42d4f491a0c08de68a41076%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C639063251035404515%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jeqyIVWr%2BZzqhR8QuxIFu2z38rRuEBmNTpzWEOHeApE%3D&reserved=0) – You Can Adopt - [Adoptive Parents Maintaining Relationships with Birth Parents ](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptionengland.co.uk%2Fadoptive-parents%2Fmaintaining-relationships-with-birth-parents-after-adoption&data=05%7C02%7CBecs.Lees%40pactcharity.org%7C439ca00ca42d4f491a0c08de68a41076%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C639063251035428297%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=F13JV0Wt4MCJW4%2BdrrmoJHdAi8x0D1BGG%2FXr1PmxPKM%3D&reserved=0)– Adoption England  ## PACT will be there for you We understand that contact with birth family, whether direct or indirect, can bring up lots of feelings and emotions for everyone involved – that’s why PACT will be there to support you and your family if you need it. Read more about our life-long adoption support [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/). Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential and to ensure every adoptive parent feels supported, empowered and connected.  --- ### [Site Map](https://www.pactcharity.org/site-map/) **Published:** October 22, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Site Map - [Homepage](https://www.pactcharity.org/) - [Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/) - [Adopter stories](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/) - [Gay and LGBTQ+ Adoption in the UK](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/lgbt-adoption/) - [Adopt a Child in Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-oxfordshire-and-south-warwickshire/) - [Adopt a Child in Sussex](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-sussex/) - [Adopt a Child in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-buckinghamshire-or-milton-keynes/) - [Adopt a Child in Surrey](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-surrey/) - [Adopt a Child in Hampshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-hampshire/) - [Families of faith](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/families-of-faith/) - [Can I adopt as a single parent in the UK?](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/single-parent-adoption/) - [Fertility and adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/fertility-and-adoption/) - [Keyworkers](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/keyworkers/) - [Eastern European adopters needed](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/eastern-european-adopters-needed/) - [Adopt a Child in Wiltshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-wiltshire/) - [Adopt a Child in Northamptonshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-northamptonshire/) - [Adopt a Child in Bedfordshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-bedfordshire/) - [Adopt a Child in Cambridgeshire ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-cambridgeshire/) - [Diverse heritages](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/diverse-heritages/) - [Adopt a Child in Berkshire or Reading](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-berkshire/) - [Adopt a Child in Leicester](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-leicester/) - [Adopt a Child in Coventry](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-coventry/) - [Adopt a Child in Hertfordshire](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-hertfordshire/) - [Adoption Process](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-process/) - [Adoption Panel](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-panel/) - [Adoption FAQs](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-faqs/) - [Early permanence](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/fostering-for-adoption/) - [Why Choose PACT?](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/why-choose-pact/) - [Statement of Purpose](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/statement-of-purpose/) - [Information Events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) - [Talking Adoption shows](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/talking-adoption/) - [Talk to an expert](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/talk-to-an-expert/) - [PACT podcast: Talking Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/the-pact-podcast/) - [Live Q&As](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/live-qas/) - [Adoption Guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) - [You Can Adopt](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/you-can-adopt/) - [Children waiting](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/) - [Black and mixed heritage adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/black-or-mixed-heritage-adoption/) - [Adopting siblings](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-siblings/) - [Adopting children with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/additional-needs/) - [Adopting older children](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-older-children/) - [Finding Families Together](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/finding-families-together/) - [Adoption leave in the UK: eligibility and pay](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-leave-eligibility-and-pay/) - [About Us](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/) - [News and blogs](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/blog/) - [Our Story](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/) - [EDEI](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/edei/) - [Visions and Values](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/visions-and-values/) - [PACT Ofsted Inspection](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/pact-ofsted-inspection/) - [Reports](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/reports/) - [How we make a difference](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) - [How we make a difference (adoption)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption/) - [How we make a difference (adoption support)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption-support/) - [How we make a difference (Alana House)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-alana-house/) - [How we make a difference (BB4K)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-bb4k/) - [Our strategy](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/our-strategy/) - [Safeguarding Children](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/safeguarding-children/) - [Leadership Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/executive-board/) - [Senior Management Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/leadership-team/senior-management-team/) - [Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/buckinghamshire-adoption-partnership/) - [Adoption Support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) - [PACT Adoption Training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/) - [Becoming a Blended Family film and webinar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/becoming-a-blended-family-film-webinar/) - [Talking with Children About Adoption course](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/talking-to-children-about-adoption-course/) - [Education workshop drop-in session](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/education-workshop-drop-in-session/) - [First year of family life](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/first-year-in-adoption/) - [Sensory processing workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/sensory-processing-workshop/) - [Moving on to Placement](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/moving-on-to-placement/) - [Navigating the Education System workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/navigating-the-education-system/) - [Maintaining relationships workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/maintaining-relationships-workshop/) - [Preparation training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/preparation-training/) - [Early permanence training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/early-permanence-training/) - [Family and Friends webinar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/family-and-friends-webinar/) - [Adopter support groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/) - [Support evenings for adoptive fathers](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/being-dad-groups/) - [Bite-sized learning workshops](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/bitesized-learning-workshops/) - [Partner agency support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/partner-agency-support/) - [Support for Black and mixed heritage adopters](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/support-for-black-and-mixed-heritage-adopters/) - [Support group for adoptive mothers](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/support-group-for-adoptive-mothers/) - [LGBTQ+ support group](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/lgbtq-support-group/) - [Events for children and families](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/) - [Family fun days](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/) - [Community Socials](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/community-socials/) - [Time for you sessions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/time-for-you/) - [London family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/london-family-fun-day/) - [Brighton family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/brighton-family-fun-day/) - [Thames Valley family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/thames-valley-family-fun-day/) - [Milton Keynes family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/milton-keynes-family-fun-day/) - [Children’s Guides](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/childrens-guides/) - [FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/) - [Strengthening Families](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/) - [Adopter Champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) - [Education Support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/) - [Children And Trauma Community Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) - [Adoption Support Calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adoption-support-calendar/) - [I am adopted](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/) - [Adoption Records](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoption-records/) - [Adoptee Voices](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/) - [Alana House](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/) - [About Alana House](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/) - [Meet the Alana House Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/meet-the-alana-house-team/) - [AH Referrals](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) - [Refer yourself](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-yourself/) - [Refer a client to Alana House](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-a-client/) - [Celebrating the Alana House community](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/) - [Recipe Book](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/recipe-book/) - [Community Cafe](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/community-cafe/) - [Painting with Purpose](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/painting-with-purpose/) - [Royal Berkshire Hospital domestic abuse project](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/royal-berkshire-hospital-domestic-abuse-project/) - [Courts and custody suites services](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/courts-and-custody-suites-services/) - [Alana House – What’s On?](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/) - [Alana House Helplines](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/alana-house-helplines/) - [Group work](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/) - [One-to-one support](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/one-to-one-support/) - [Alana House stories ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-stories/) - [Support Us](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/) - [Supporter of the month](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) - [Fundraise for us](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/) - [Hold your own fundraiser](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/hold-fundraiser/) - [Schools](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/schools/) - [Churches](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/churches/) - [Church Christmas fundraising](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/church-christmas-fundraising/) - [Fifty to the Max](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max/) - [Fifty to the Max terms and conditions](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max-terms-and-conditions/) - [London Marathon 2027](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/london-marathon-2027-teampact/) - [2026: Your adventure awaits](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/adventure/) - [London Marathon individual places](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/london-marathon-individual-places/) - [Make A Donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/) - [Our Supporters](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/our-supporters/) - [Corporate partnerships](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/) - [Our Partners](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/our-partners/) - [Our Fundraising Promise](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/our-fundraising-promise/) - [Marathon in May](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/marathon-in-may/) - [Christmas Appeal 2025](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/) - [Give](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/give/) - [Friend of PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/friend-of-pact/) - [One off donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/one-off-donation/) - [Gifts in wills](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/wills/) - [Meet Amy](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/amy/) - [Meet Lydia](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/lydia/) - [Shop stars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/shop-stars/) - [Christmas appeal donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/) - [Church wishes](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/church-wishes/) - [Corporate wishes](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-wishes/) - [Remember someone special](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/remember-someone-special/) - [Give in celebration](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/give-in-celebration/) - [Chris and Des’ Ruby Wedding Anniversary](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/chris-and-des/) - [HOLLOWAY tickets](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/holloway-tickets/) - [HOLLOWAY Friends of PACT tickets](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/holloway-tickets-friends-of-pact/) - [PACT’s summer appeal](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/summer-appeal/) - [Change lives this summer](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/change-lives-this-summer/) - [Change lives this summer – Laura’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/lauras-story/) - [Change lives this summer – Adam’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/adams-story/) - [Change lives this summer – Caitlin’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/caitlins-story1/) - [Become a Friend of PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/become-a-friend-of-pact/) - [A magical Christmas at the Minster tickets](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/a-magical-christmas-at-the-minster-tickets/) - [Contact us](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/) - [PACT shop](https://www.pactcharity.org/shop/) - [Careers](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/) - [Current Opportunities](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/current-opportunities/) - [Contractors](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/contractors/) - [Volunteer opportunities](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteers/) - [Volunteer with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/) - [Why work for PACT?](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/why-work-for-pact/) - [Alana House Gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-gallery/) - [Bounce Back 4 Kids](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/) - [About BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/) - [Meet the BB4K Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/meet-the-bb4k-team/) - [The BB4K gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/the-bb4k-gallery/) - [BB4K groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/) - [BB4K Support For Children Aged 3-5](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-under-5s/) - [BB4K Support For Children Aged 5-11](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-children-aged-5-11/) - [Other support available](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/) - [Support Helplines](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/support-helplines/) - [BB4K newsletters](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-positive-newsletters/) - [BB4K Lending Library](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-lending-library/) - [Lending library book request form](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-lending-library/lending-library-book-request-form/) - [BB4K play therapy](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-play-therapy/) - [BB4K 121](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-121/) - [BB4K FAQs](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-faqs/) - [Looking for support?](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/) - [BB4K Referral Form](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) - [BB4K Eligibility Checker](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/bb4k-referral-eligibility-checker/) - [BB4K eligibility checker submitted](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/bb4k-eligibility-checker-submitted/) - [BB4K stories](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-stories/) - [BB4K referral – Page 1](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-1/) - [BB4K referral – Page 2](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-2/) - [BB4K referral – Page 3](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-3/) - [BB4K referral – Page 4](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-4/) - [BB4K referral – Page 5](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-5/) - [BB4K referral – Start](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-start-page/) - [Self Assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) - [Partnerships](https://www.pactcharity.org/partnerships/) - [Feedback](https://www.pactcharity.org/feedback/) - [Event Directory](https://www.pactcharity.org/event-directory/) - [Accessibility](https://www.pactcharity.org/accessibility/) - [Terms and conditions](https://www.pactcharity.org/terms-and-conditions/) - [Site Map](https://www.pactcharity.org/site-map/) - [Gift Aid](https://www.pactcharity.org/gift-aid/) - [Website disclaimer](https://www.pactcharity.org/website-disclaimer/) - [Online Privacy Notice](https://www.pactcharity.org/online-privacy-notice/) - [Adoption Enquiry](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/cookie-policy/) - [Personalise your order](https://www.pactcharity.org/personalise-your-order/) - [Welcome to Marathon in May 2026](https://www.pactcharity.org/marathon-in-may-materials/) - [Give £5 to help people in crisis](https://www.pactcharity.org/give-5-to-help-people-in-crisis/) - [BB4K referral – end page](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-referral-end-page/) - [Every child](https://www.pactcharity.org/every-child/) - [Complaints procedure](https://www.pactcharity.org/complaints-procedure/) - [Coronation trail](https://www.pactcharity.org/trail/) - [Our locations](https://www.pactcharity.org/our-locations/) - [What are your first memories of school?](https://www.pactcharity.org/what-are-your-first-memories-of-school/) - [What are your first memories of school – answers](https://www.pactcharity.org/what-are-your-first-memories-of-school-answers/) - [Meet our London Marathon 2026 runners](https://www.pactcharity.org/london-marathon-runners/) - [Early permanence resources](https://www.pactcharity.org/early-permanence-resources/) - [A Magical Christmas at the Minster 2026](https://www.pactcharity.org/carols/) - [National Adoption Week 2025](https://www.pactcharity.org/national-adoption-week-2025/) - [Big Adoption Day 2026](https://www.pactcharity.org/big-adoption-day/) - [Support for parents with children with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/additional-needs-support/) - [Jay Crossley](https://www.pactcharity.org/jay-crossley/) - [Meet Heather, PACT’s LGBTQ+ Champion](https://www.pactcharity.org/heather/) - [Ciara](https://www.pactcharity.org/ciara/) - [Craig](https://www.pactcharity.org/craig/) - [Meet Grace, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer](https://www.pactcharity.org/grace/) - [Will](https://www.pactcharity.org/will/) - [David](https://www.pactcharity.org/david/) - [Virtual Adoption information pack](https://www.pactcharity.org/virtual-adoption-information-pack/) - [Adoption Support Gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support-gallery/) - [Back to school](https://www.pactcharity.org/back-to-school/) - [IDVA and ISVA](https://www.pactcharity.org/idva-and-isva/) - [Reverse advent calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/reverse-advent-calendar/) - [Subscribe to our newsletter](https://www.pactcharity.org/subscribe2/) - [Staying in touch with birth family after adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/birth-family-contact/) - [Gemma](https://www.pactcharity.org/gemma/) - [Jonathan](https://www.pactcharity.org/jonathan/) - [Sarah](https://www.pactcharity.org/sarah/) - [Sign up to our newsletter](https://www.pactcharity.org/newsletter/) - [Ashley](https://www.pactcharity.org/ashley/) - [Cormac](https://www.pactcharity.org/cormac-2026/) - [Adoption and finance](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-and-finance/) - [Lily and Rose](https://www.pactcharity.org/lilyandrose/) --- ### [Event Directory](https://www.pactcharity.org/event-directory/) **Published:** October 12, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Event Directory Current Month No Events --- ### [Support evenings for adoptive fathers](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/being-dad-groups/) **Published:** September 29, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # ‘Being Dad’: support evenings for adoptive fathers We are running a series of online support groups for PACT adoptive fathers. The groups will offer dads or dads-to-be a chance to meet together virtually to talk through issues, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. A link will be provided to attend virtually via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.*  ## Dates and times Current Month November 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-dad-support-evening-for-adoptive-fathers-9/var/ri-3.l-L1) [*mon09nov7:30 pm**9:00 pm*‘Being Dad’ support evening for adoptive fathersFor PACT Dads only.*7:30 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Are you an adoptive father or father to be?Would you like to meet and connect with other dads?PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are pleased to be running ### Event Details Are you an adoptive father or father to be? Would you like to meet and connect with other dads? PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are pleased to be running a group just for you. We are looking forward to meeting you to share support, encouragement and advice. The group will meet virtually via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org or complete the form at the bottom of [this page](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/being-dad-groups/). ### Time November 9, 2026 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events ### Organizer #### [PACT adoption support team](https://www.pactcharity.org/event-organizer/pact-adoption-support-team/) Join an adoption event with the PACT support team today…Read More. Join an adoption event with the PACT support team today Learn More [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13748_3/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=%27Being%20Dad%27%20support%20evening%20for%20adoptive%20fathers&dates=20261109T193000Z/20261109T210000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=%27Being%20Dad%27%20support%20evening%20for%20adoptive%20fathers&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") January 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-dad-support-evening-for-adoptive-fathers-9/var/ri-4.l-L1) [*tue12jan7:30 pm**9:00 pm*‘Being Dad’ support evening for adoptive fathersFor PACT Dads only.*7:30 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Are you an adoptive father or father to be?Would you like to meet and connect with other dads?PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are pleased to be running ### Event Details Are you an adoptive father or father to be? Would you like to meet and connect with other dads? PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are pleased to be running a group just for you. We are looking forward to meeting you to share support, encouragement and advice. The group will meet virtually via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org or complete the form at the bottom of [this page](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/being-dad-groups/). ### Time January 12, 2027 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events ### Organizer #### [PACT adoption support team](https://www.pactcharity.org/event-organizer/pact-adoption-support-team/) Join an adoption event with the PACT support team today…Read More. Join an adoption event with the PACT support team today Learn More [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13748_4/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=%27Being%20Dad%27%20support%20evening%20for%20adoptive%20fathers&dates=20270112T193000Z/20270112T210000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=%27Being%20Dad%27%20support%20evening%20for%20adoptive%20fathers&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") March 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-dad-support-evening-for-adoptive-fathers-9/var/ri-5.l-L1) [*mon08mar7:30 pm**9:00 pm*‘Being Dad’ support evening for adoptive fathersFor PACT Dads only.*7:30 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Are you an adoptive father or father to be?Would you like to meet and connect with other dads?PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are pleased to be running ### Event Details Are you an adoptive father or father to be? Would you like to meet and connect with other dads? PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are pleased to be running a group just for you. We are looking forward to meeting you to share support, encouragement and advice. The group will meet virtually via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org or complete the form at the bottom of [this page](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/being-dad-groups/). ### Time March 8, 2027 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events ### Organizer #### [PACT adoption support team](https://www.pactcharity.org/event-organizer/pact-adoption-support-team/) Join an adoption event with the PACT support team today…Read More. Join an adoption event with the PACT support team today Learn More [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13748_5/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=%27Being%20Dad%27%20support%20evening%20for%20adoptive%20fathers&dates=20270308T193000Z/20270308T210000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=%27Being%20Dad%27%20support%20evening%20for%20adoptive%20fathers&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") ## Register your interest Once you have registered your interest, you will be sent an email containing the meeting login and password so that you can join the meeting safely and securely. You are very welcome to attend all, or any number of the sessions. To register your interest please complete this form stating which session(s) you would like join. *Sessions are only available to people who have adopted with PACT or are in the process of adopting and have a DBS check completed with PACT.* ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit ## Parents who attended these sessions before have said: ## I was so encouraged to hear the stories from the others in the group and hear similar experiences. ## Really grateful for the opportunity and look forward to the next one. ## Thank you so much for last night, I found it so useful listening to all the stories! --- ### [Sign up to our newsletter](https://www.pactcharity.org/newsletter/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Sign up to our newsletter Keep up to date with the latest events, updates and news! We will also include information about our fundraising activities and how you can get involved. --- ### [Subscribe to our newsletter](https://www.pactcharity.org/subscribe2/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Subscribe to PACT’s e-newsletter! ## 2,571 ### people have already shown their support to PACT by subscribing. Will you? --- ## I would like to subscribe to PACT’s monthly eNews to keep up to date with the latest events, updates and news! ### Add my name: ## ‘Every child deserves to grow up in a loving home’ Add my name "\*" indicates required fields First name\* Last name\* Email address\* This field is hidden when viewing the form Number Subscribe Data submitted through this form will be stored and processed in line with our [Privacy Policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/online-privacy-notice/) --- ### [Sarah](https://www.pactcharity.org/sarah/) **Published:** February 9, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Sarah Sarah Morris is a 40-year-old assistant headteacher from Reading. Sarah said: “Working in a secondary school, I felt very strongly that I wanted to raise money for a local charity that can make a difference to children and young families. I wanted to support a charity which both supports people to become a family and also supports those who have difficulties within their families. Having friends who work for the charity, I believe in the amazing work they do and the opportunity to support them means the world to me.” She began running 11 years ago to support her mental health after her daughter was born and has already completed the Reading and Cardiff Half Marathons twice. Now in her forties, Sarah is embracing the challenge of her first full marathon. Training has taken her across beautiful routes in Pembrokeshire, along the Thames Path, and through Berkshire, though she admits the early gym sessions are less enjoyable! With strong family ties to London, Sarah is excited to experience the marathon’s iconic sights with her children cheering her on. She hopes her challenge will inspire donations to PACT, whose work supporting families across Reading means so much to her. [Donate to Sarah’s fundraiser](https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/sarah-morris)  ## “I wanted to run this as a personal challenge, but I equally felt it was important that I gave something back whilst I was doing it. Charities can only survive with the donations they receive, and the good work PACT does is so important to families across Reading. Please think about donating if you can, it only needs to be a small amount – every penny really does help!” --- ### [Christmas Appeal 2025](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/) **Published:** November 25, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # PACT’s Grant a Wish Christmas Appeal 🌟 Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many but for those who have experienced trauma, Christmas can be a difficult time. PACT aims to bring light, hope and joy to children, families and women affected by trauma, helping them to enjoy a brighter and happier Christmas. **Together, we can help make wishes come true.** **Please [donate](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/) today.** [Donate to Grant a Wish ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/)   ### Grant a Wish to support families like Jodie\*, Noah\*, Mia\* and Poppy’s\* this Christmas ## Meet Jodie’s family! 👋 “My name is Jodie and along with my husband Noah, we adopted our daughters Mia and Poppy through PACT. Our first Christmas as a family of four was magical – filled with traditions, laughter and the joy of simply being together. PACT has been with us every step of the way, from helping us navigate early challenges to supporting our daughters throughout school. Their care has made a lasting difference in our lives. That’s why we’re proud to support PACT’s [Grant a Wish](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/) campaign. This Christmas, please consider making a donation so PACT can continue changing lives.” [Read Jodie’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/jodies-familys-christmas/) \*All names have been changed for confidentiality ## Jodie and her family reflect on the magic of Christmas since becoming a family of four… ✨ ## Our first Christmas together *“Our first Christmas as a family of four was 10 years ago. Mia was seven, and Poppy, who we’d only welcomed a few months before, was two-and-a-half.* *We began a tradition of choosing a new tree decoration each year, visiting the garden centre turned festive wonderland, and decorating the tree whilst listening to Christmas songs. Over time, our tree has become a joyful collection of dangling baubles, woodland creatures and quirky ornaments.”* ## Christmases since *“The holidays also bring a welcome break from school. For Poppy, this has been a time to recharge and unwind but for Mia, it used to be a source of anxiety with the countdown to school weighing on her mind. School and adolescence have been challenging.* *PACT’s craft and drama workshops helped Poppy connect with other adopted children in a supportive environment. Mia found joy through [Adoptee Voices](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/) activities like the Tree Top Challenge, where young adoptees came together for fun and confidence-building.”* ## Poppy’s Christmas wishes *“I love the food at Christmas, but I don’t like turkey as it’s so chewy, so we have chicken instead. I look forward to tins of Quality Street and Roses, where I can help myself to my favourite ones. I like the strawberry and orange ones the best. I can’t wait to sleep in my sister’s room on Christmas Eve even though she can be a bit bossy!”* ## Grant a Wish this Christmas 💕 At PACT, we are proud of the work we do supporting families like Jodie’s to thrive. We can’t achieve this without your generosity. Together, we can help make wishes come true. [Donate to Grant a Wish ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/) ## **How your donation can change lives**… - **£50** could help a child who has experienced trauma and abuse to feel safe and supported this Christmas as they begin to understand their feelings and start their journey to recovery. - **£25** could provide adoptive parents with expert guidance and support to navigate the emotional challenges Christmas can bring, helping them understand and respond to their child’s past trauma with compassion. - **£10** could offer a woman life-changing therapy, empowering her to move forward from domestic abuse, homelessness and substance abuse and start the new year with strength and hope. - **£5** could buy craft materials for a child affected by domestic abuse, helping them to express their feelings and reconnect with their family through creative play during the Christmas holiday. [Donate to Grant a Wish ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/) ## Christmas wishes from our PACT families, children and women!          ## Tell your friends and family! [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/) [Share via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/) --- ### [Reverse advent calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/reverse-advent-calendar/) **Published:** November 21, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Reverse advent calendar 🌟 Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many but for those who have experienced trauma, Christmas can be a difficult time. PACT aims to bring light, hope and joy to children, families and women affected by trauma, helping them to enjoy a brighter and happier Christmas. **Together, we can help make wishes come true.** As part of our Grant A Wish appeal we are running a special initiative. **Spread the joy this Christmas with PACT’s reverse advent calendar!** 🎁 This festive season is a wonderful time for workplaces to give back to their communities. Our reverse advent calendar is a simple and meaningful way to get your workplace involved. Unlike a traditional advent calendar where you receive a gift or treat, a reverse advent calendar is about giving. Every item you donate helps us support women, children and families throughout the year.  ## We will be sharing updates on LinkedIn throughout December but here is how you can take part: - Please pick specific items (see below) or dates to collect - Or commit to collect throughout December ❄️ - Share the list with your colleagues and agree on collection dates - Email Stephanie Harvey at to let us know your plans or complete the short form below - Set up a gift collection box in your office to collect the items on the chosen day - Take photos and post on social media tagging **@pactcharity**. Share updates and photos on LinkedIn to inspire other businesses to join in - If you are able to, deliver your items to us in person so we can thank you and take a photo. Otherwise please post them to: **REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR, PACT, 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS** 📍 - To make your gift go further please consider adding a donation to support our work [Donate to PACT this Christmas](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-wishes/) ## Items we are hoping to collect during December: - 1st: Glitter glue pens - 2nd: Fragrance free make up remover and cotton pads/wipes - 3rd: Play Doh - 4th: Paint pens 🖊️ - 5th: Fidget toys 🧩 - 8th: Face masks - 9th: Materials for Theraplay games – feathers 🪶 - 10th: Sanitary products - 11th: Children’s stationery 📏 - 12th: Hand cream - 15th: Colouring pens - 16th: Coaster art - 17th: Children’s stickers ⭐ - 18th: Chocolate or biscuit boxes - 19th: Paint 🎨 - 22nd: Adult colouring books with pens - 23rd: Glitter and glitter sequins - 24th: Moisturiser ## Reverse Advent Calendar form Company name(Required) Contact name(Required) Contact email(Required) Items you are collecting(Required) Glitter glue pens Fragrance-free makeup remover and cotton pads/wipes Play Doh Paint pens Fidget toys Face masks Materials for Theraplay games – feathers Sanitary products Handcream Colouring pens Coaster art Children’s stickers Chocolate or biscuit boxes Paint Adult colouring books with pens Glitter and glitter sequins Moisturiser How you are getting items to us(Required) Post Delivery service We will deliver it ourselves Any other comments? Submit ## Thank you! 💙 If you have any questions or would like to find out more about fundraising for our life-changing work, please email Stephanie Harvey (PACT’s Corporate Partnerships Executive). [Email Stephanie ](mailto:Stephanie.Harvey@pactcharity.org) --- ### [Family and Friends webinar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/family-and-friends-webinar/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Family and Friends webinar This on-demand video recording is designed for the relatives and close friends of PACT’s adoptive families. Adoptive parents receive access to this webinar in stage 2 and they can then share it with their support network. This is followed by a network meeting once adoptive parents are matched with a child or children. The webinar provides: - An overview of the backgrounds of children placed for adoption - An overview of attachment theory and how children placed for adoption can form healthy attachments - An opportunity to explore ways of supporting adoptive parents and adopted children The webinar includes three interviews: - A solo adoptive parent whose family lives abroad, exploring how they remained involved in the adoption journey - An adoptive parent of a sibling group of two and the children’s grandad, discussing his role in supporting the family - Grandparents of a sibling group of three If you are a friend or family member of a PACT adopter and you would like to request a copy of the recording for your own training, please ask the prospective adopter.   ## Network meetings Social workers hold these targeted meetings after a match is confirmed. The meeting provides a valuable opportunity for family and friends to gain specific insights into the child joining their family. This allows them to tailor their support in the most effective ways, directly addressing the unique needs of the new family member. --- ### [Support Us](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/) **Published:** August 4, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Support us #### PACT could not continue its vital work without donations and fundraising. Whether you support us through a donation, taking part in a sponsored event, asking your company to choose PACT as its charity partner or buy a virtual gift, you are directly helping the families, women and children who need our support. [Fundraise for us](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/)   ## See the impact of our work “\[The Adopter Champion service\] has truly saved my family! We now have a wonderful little boy who enjoys spending time with his family, and comes to us for comfort. At home now we are not just surviving, we are thriving.” – Adoptive parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)    ## Volunteer with us #### Flexible roles to suit your skills or interests Do you have time or skills you could share with PACT? We would love for you to join our team of volunteers! You could help run groups at our Alana House or Bounce Back 4 Kids projects, offer online peer support to adopters, chat to people who attend our drop in sessions, gain valuable experience in our HR, Finance or Business Development teams or something else entirely. Find out more about volunteering today. [Find out more](/careers/volunteer-with-pact/) ## Hold your own fundraiser Whether its running a marathon, baking for a coffee morning, undertaking a sponsored swim or organising a quiz night in your local pub, we are here to give you any advice or support you need to succeed. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/hold-fundraiser) ## Buy a gift from our shop Give a virtual gift or buy our Alana House recipe book, *Love, Trust, Hope.* Items in our shop make excellent gifts and all proceeds from our shop go towards support our work with vulnerable women, children and families. [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/shop/) ## Other ways to give There are many other ways you could support PACT! Whether its buying a virtual gift, choosing to leave a gift to PACT in your will, setting up a birth fundraiser, giving in memory or by shopping online through a donation website, we value every penny! [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation#otherways) ## London Marathon – individual places Have you been lucky enough to get an individual ballot place for the 2026 TCS London Marathon, taking place on Sunday 26th April? We’d love you to join Team PACT! There is no minimum fundraising requirement with individual ballot places and we will support you every step of the way. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/london-marathon-individual-places/)  [ ##### Sep 2026 ](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/matt/) [## Matt](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/matt/)Since adopting his two boys through PACT in 2020, Matt has generously shared his time and experience to support others considering adoption. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/matt/) ## Supporter ##### of the ## Month   ## Let’s be friends! 💙 By becoming a Friend of PACT and making a regular donation, you can make a big difference. Regular giving provides us with a reliable source of income and will enable us to plan ahead more effectively. [Find out more ](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/FriendsofPACT?_gl=1*qyocph*_ga_1H06C160RX*MTc0MjgxNzI0Ni4xLjEuMTc0MjgxNzI1OC40OC4wLjA.#!/) ## Corporate partnerships --- Our partnerships with companies enable us to continue providing vital services to those who need it. If your company is looking for a charity partner, find out how you can work with PACT to help vulnerable women and families. [ Become a partner ](/support-us/corporate-partnerships/) ## Our fundraising promise --- PACT is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, the independent regulator of charity fundraising, and abides by the Fundraising Code of Practice. [ Our promise ](/support-us/our-fundraising-promise/) --- ### [Royal Berkshire Hospital domestic abuse project](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/royal-berkshire-hospital-domestic-abuse-project/) **Published:** September 4, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Royal Berkshire Hospital domestic abuse project Launched in 2010, Alana House is PACT’s flagship community project that uses a holistic approach to support and empower women. Our project with the Royal Berkshire Hospital commenced in April 2023 and has enabled a simplified referral process for hospital staff where domestic abuse is suspected or disclosed. Our team of experienced support workers can offer in-person support, working one-to-one and through groups, addressing various challenges such as unsafe housing, mental health, family issues, addictions, and debt. In addition to this, service users can access additional support through our counselling service. Throughout the project, our team has collaborated with key agencies, providing holistic and appropriate support to victims of domestic abuse based on thorough assessments.   ## The objectives of the project are: Capacity enhancement – Responding to the overwhelming demand by expanding capacity to support more victims. Continued holistic support – Ensuring ongoing support for referred patients, including addressing specific needs such as unsafe housing and offering tailored one-to-one support to overcome trauma and break the cycle of domestic abuse. Reduction in hospital attendances – Building on early evidence, the project aims to decrease hospital attendances for supported service users, contributing to improved well-being and reduced reliance on healthcare services. ## 2023/24 Outcome Report You can download the Alana House and Royal Berkshire Hospital Domestic Abuse Pilot 2023/24 outcome report here. [Download the 2023/24 report](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Year-2023-2024-RBH-report.pdf)   ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Self Assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) **Published:** August 18, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Self Assessment ## Download our Adoption Guide Find out more about adoption with PACT – the process, who can adopt and what’s involved by downloading our comprehensive guide [ Download our adoption guide ](/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## About PACT PACT has been building and strengthening families for more than 100 years. We provide outstanding adoption services, specialist adoption support for life and support vulnerable women and children through our inspirational community projects [ About PACT ](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/) ## Information Events Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ Events ](/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Courts and custody suites services](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/courts-and-custody-suites-services/) **Published:** September 5, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Courts and custody suites services Alana House has many years of experience in supporting women involved or at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. Since 2010, Alana House has supported women in the community: adopting the recommendations from the Corston Report, which identified nine pathways of support and the trauma-informed approach needed to support women.   ## Custody suites service Our goal is to have a presence in local custody suites each day to maximise the ‘reachable/teachable’ moments, promote early intervention, avoid continued involvement with criminal justice system and support them in making positive changes in their lives. In Berkshire, 184 women were cautioned by Thames Valley Police or received a community resolution (2019/20). Many women need assistance to deal with root causes of offending behaviours to break the cycle of offending. On average 150 females are entering custody in Berkshire each month. ## Courts service We have established a referral process for women who are due to be sentenced at the courts in Berkshire. This means that they may be offered support prior to being sentenced and an assessment of needs, and the support options from Alana House can be made available to the court. This assessment aims to help judges, magistrates and other sentencers better understand how past trauma can affect a woman’s behaviour and how helping them deal with this trauma can support a reduction in further offending. We aim to support women to engage with community sentences and comply with probation requirements, thereby reducing breaches and avoiding short prison sentences which are disruptive to women’s lives and further threaten their stability in the community, often involving further intergenerational trauma in the form of maternal separation. Alana House staff can advocate for the women and demonstrate to the court how support from Alana House can reduce the likelihood of further offences by addressing the needs that underlie a women’s offending behaviour. Volunteers will support the service through presence at courts and custody suites by signposting to Alana House services, completing referral forms and signposting to other services as appropriate. We can support a woman at court on the day of sentencing. [Download the 2023/24 annual report](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AH-Annual-Report-2023-2024.pdf)   ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Fifty to the Max](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max/) **Published:** November 1, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Fifty to the Max Throughout February we aim to raise £10,000 to support our mission in building positive futures. We do this through building and nurturing adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. A snapshot of some of our achievements last year: - 84 children were placed in loving, permanent families - 242 women were supported through Alana House - 158 children directly supported by Bounce Back 4 Kids ## If you would like to take part, please click the button below to email with your: - Company name - Main contact - Number of teams entering [Sign up](mailto:%20stephanie.harvey@pactcharity.org?subject=Fifty%20to%20the%20Max)  ## How it works ## 1. Register your interest, then receive your fundraising pack and £50 seed funding. ![]() ![]() ## 2. Decide what you are going to do to turn the £50 into £500. ## 3. Throughout March run your activities and follow your progress on the leaderboard to see who can raise the most! ![]() ## 4. Congratulations! You’ve helped children to thrive. ## Register for Fifty to the Max Please email PACT’s Corporate Partnerships Executive Stephanie to register for Fifty to the Max or ask any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you! [Register now](mailto:%20stephanie.harvey@pactcharity.org?subject=Fifty%20to%20the%20Max) ## What others did last year!  Keyloop held a raffle and bake sale, raising over £700 for PACT.  Nationwide Slough fundraised in branch with collection tins, hosting a raffle and selling scented roses over Valentine’s week.  Oliver Steele, at Daisy Communications, raised over £300 for PACT with an online raffle.  Our very own PACT team took part through a ‘Donate to Humiliate’ challenge. The more money donated, the sillier the task that would be undertaken would be.  Generate UK held a bake sale, raising over £400 for PACT. ### Our Fifty to the Max challenge couldn’t make it easier for you to raise money for our life-changing services in your workplace. We have some options for you: We have a host of suggestions in our [A-Z of Fundraising Ideas](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/A-Z-Corporate-Challenge.pdf) Run a bake sale using our [Bake A Wish staff fundraising pack](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Bake-a-wish-corporate-pack.pdf) Sell our recipe books – we can give you a pack of our [Alana House recipe books](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/recipe-book/) (RRP £10) for you to sell in your workplace  ## Jade and her three children were supported by BB4K Jade\* is a mother of three children: Hanna\*, Lucas\* and Milo\*. Jade and her children were referred to PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids programme in 2021 after leaving her ex-partner following domestic abuse and stalking. Jade said she found the whole experience of receiving support from BB4K to be life-changing: “I’m not a perfect parent, but I’m a much happier one, and there’s no way I could have done it without all the support and advice from BB4K… There just aren’t enough words to show how grateful I am.” \*names changed for confidentiality [Read Jade’s story](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/jade-and-her-three-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) Please read our challenge [terms and conditions](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max-terms-and-conditions/). --- ### [IDVA and ISVA](https://www.pactcharity.org/idva-and-isva/) **Published:** October 10, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # IDVA and ISVA qualified staff Here at Alana House, we are proud to have IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) and ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) qualified staff. Having had this training by [Safer Places](https://www.saferplaces.co.uk/training/qualifications/level-3-independent-domestic-violence-advocate-idva) means our team brings a wealth of specialist skills to Alana House, strengthening our support for women who have been subjected to domestic abuse and sexual violence. These professionals are trained in risk assessments, safeguarding, trauma-informed care and multi-agency working. They offer expert guidance on navigating the criminal justice system, securing protective measures and accessing housing, benefits and legal support. Our staff’s empathetic, non-judgmental approach helps women feel safe, heard and empowered to make positive changes and informed choices about their future.  IDVA and ISVA qualified staff are trained in key legislations that directly impacts the safety, rights and recovery of women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. This includes: - **Domestic Abuse Act 2021**: Helps staff understand legal definitions of abuse, the rights of those who have been subjected to domestic abuse and protective orders like Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Orders (DAPOs). - **Sexual Offences Act 2003**: Equips our ISVAs to support women through the criminal justice process, explaining offences, consent laws and evidential standards. - **Children Act 1989 and 2004**: Ensures safeguarding of children affected by abuse, helping women navigate child protection procedures. - **Human Rights Act 1998**: Reinforces women’s rights to safety, privacy and freedom from degrading treatment. - **Housing Act 1996**: Enables staff to advocate for safe accommodation and priority housing for women fleeing abuse. - **Family Law (e.g. Family Law Act 1996)**: Supports women in securing non-molestation and occupation orders to protect themselves and their children. By understanding these laws our IDVAs and ISVAs can provide informed advocacy, guide women through legal processes and ensure their rights are upheld – empowering them to make safe, confident decisions about their future. --- ### [Every child](https://www.pactcharity.org/every-child/) **Published:** December 14, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Every child deserves to grow up in a loving family. ## Do you agree? Add your name to show your support. **We believe every child should grow up feeling safe, cared for and loved.** This is the reason behind everything we do at PACT. Each year, hundreds of children experience abusive or neglectful parenting. Children sometimes have to be removed from their birth families and placed for adoption, or they are forced to flee their home with their = victim-survivor parent and start a new life. **These children require extra support to help them move forward from their difficult early life experiences and fulfil their potential.** Through our adoption support services and our domestic abuse recovery programme, we strengthen bonds between children and parents, support children to recover from trauma and help families thrive. PACT has a mission and we are calling on your support. ### Please join with us and play your part to help every child have a loving family. ## 2,571 ### people have already shown their support. Will you? --- ## I stand with PACT in the belief that *Every child deserves to grow up in a loving family.* ### Add my name: ## ‘Every child deserves to grow up in a loving home’ Add my name "\*" indicates required fields First name\* Last name\* Email address\* This field is hidden when viewing the form Number Subscribe Data submitted through this form will be stored and processed in line with our [Privacy Policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/online-privacy-notice/) --- ### [Alana House Gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-gallery/) **Published:** August 14, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Alana House ## Alana House Gallery ### July’s Fareshare table ### Cakes made by the baking group! ### A visit to The MERL as part of Alana House’s summer picnic ### Drawing on pebbles at Alana House’s summer picnic! ### Drawing on pebbles at Alana House’s summer picnic! ### Six of our Alana House women attended John Lewis Reading for afternoon tea! It was a wonderful afternoon of chatting, laughing and good food, followed by perfume and hand cream testing. The ladies went away with a candle and goodie bag. ### February baking with the baking group! During these sessions, women learn new skills, socialise with one another and then take home what they bake. ### International Women’s Day celebrations! Alana House women and staff had a great day talking, bracelet making, nail painting, drinking coffee, eating cakes and looking at some of the incredible women who have changed the world. ### Alana House service users and their children were invited to Ufton Court. The day started with visiting the farm to see the chickens, pigs, goats and sheep. Next was a low ropes course, lunch and finally, den-building in the woods. ### Some of the amazing baked goods cooked by some of Alana House’s service users! The baking group made lemon and blueberry cupcakes, red velvet and white chocolate cookies, spinach and cheese pinwheel and cheese scones.  “I personally think I have grown and matured so much since the support from Alana House began.” – *Alana House service user* ### Every week, Alana House receives food from Fareshare at a discounted price for our women to take anything they need or want. Fareshare is a food distribution charity. They believe that no good food should go to waste and instead redistribute surplus food to charities. ### Our Alana House gardening group, that we run with The Museum of English Rural Life in Reading, gives women a chance to meet others, socialise and learn how to grow their own plants. At PACT’s 2024 Garden Party, some of the plants on sale included those grown by our service users! ### Alana House has been named winner of The Robin Corbett Award for their important work supporting women who have committed offences but need support to make positive life changes. ### The Alana house volunteers were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Queen’s Award is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.  “I have found my support worker to be very knowledgeable at Alana House… I am thankful to have her to support at this very hard time.” – *Sophie, Alana House service user* ### We were delighted to have a visit from the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Alka Kharbanda, who met with our chief executive Natausha van Vliet and Head of Communities Kathryn Warner.  ### The women hold a fundraiser at the community cafe to raise funds for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine ### People hang their messages of support for women on our tree of hope at our International Women’s Day service ### Women from Alana House bravely share their stories and light a candle during the service  “Alana House is important to me because it’s a safe haven to express how I’m feeling, talk about my concerns, and reflect on the past weeks, in a confidential environment. Alana House support workers show so much empathy and compassion.” – *Freya, Alana House service user* ### People from the community come together to support Alana House at our International Women’s Day service ### Alana House holds their annual International Women’s Day service at Reading Minster in March 2022 ### Women make Christmas wreaths at a craft session in December 2021 ### In partnership with Anonymous Coffee, Alana House launches their own brand of coffee with proceeds split between supporting Alana House and helping girls in Ethiopia  “I want to thank Alana House and especially my support worker for all of their support. When I was released from prison, it was very scary and isolating. Being referred to Alana House gave me a safety net. It made me feel that I had someone to rely on and know that help was there when I needed it. If I had not had the support from Alana House, I would not have survived. I would have been sent back to prison.” – *Jessica, Alana House service user* ### Anonymous Coffee supports the women to improve their barista skills at the café ### The community café is able to reopen in 2021 after the pandemic to continue serving hot drinks and freshly baked cakes ### Alana House’s famous Malteser Millionaire’s shortbread, which is featured in the recipe book, goes down a treat at the café ### Alana House creates its own recipe book: ‘Love Trust Hope – cooking to build and strengthen a community’  “If you’d asked me where I would have been two years ago, I’d probably have hit the deck by now. But I haven’t, I’ve turned my life around and actually made something of myself. And I would recommend anyone to come here with anything they want help with. It’s changed my life for me.” – *Maxine, Alana House service user* ### During the 2020 pandemic, women create an online photography exhibition in partnership with the Museum of English Rural Life called ‘Unlocking our Lockdown Stories’ ### Collages made by the women at a drop-in session ### On International Women’s Day in 2020, Alana House hosts a service celebrating its 10th birthday – attendees are invited to hang their hopes for the future on our tree “Coming to Alana House has made me feel safer, and that I am not alone. If there’s something I need help with I know I can have someone to talk to or to support me. I have recently put up my own Christmas tree in my own home for the first time even, and I feel like it’s a dream come true. I know I am on a positive path now because of the support I have, which I have never had before.” – *Jenny, Alana House service user* ### MP Matt Rodda and Cllr Rachel Eden visit the café to learn about our work ### Naomi from Nibsy’s Coffee Shop in Reading visits the café and shows the baristas a few new tricks ### Lucy Zeal, High Sheriff of Berkshire, visits the café “With anxiety, the more support you have the better. No one should be alone, at Alana House there are people there. Helpful smiley people. Alana House is somewhere I can come at my saddest and at my happiest.” – *Ruth, Alana House service user* ### The Myers-Briggs Company, PACT’s corporate partner in 2019, hosts the PhotoVoice exhibition at their offices in Oxford ### HHJ Angela Morris supports us at the Reading Crown Court open day ### The Museum of English Rural Life hosts the PhotoVoice exhibition in 2019 to share the women’s stories with the community “When I walk into my Keywork I feel like I only have 1% positivity and 99% of feeling everything is against me and being unhappy. After my Keywork when I get a chance to see things from the outside in and I get to talk to you about how I’m feeling- not how others feel about me I feel like there is at least 20% that’s positive about my life and it really helps.” – *Danielle, Alana House service user* ### A typical morning at the café with cakes and coffees served by women who have been trained as baristas ### Women from Alana House attend an employability workshop hosted by Hammerson at The Oracle ### A launch party is held to celebrate the opening of the café ### Our newly-trained baristas receive their certificates in Level 1 Food and Hygiene and are ready to start using their skills in the café “I have hope again now, which I didn’t have before.” – *Alice, Alana House service user* ### Our new Alana House community café launches in 2019 ### The hard work and dedication of our wonderful volunteers is rewarded at the 2019 Reading Volunteer Awards ### The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Debs Edwards, visits Alana House “To be honest, the way I was, if I hadn’t found Alana House I think something very bad would have happened. Everything was going wrong and I couldn’t see a way out, but I was determined and I got the help I needed to rebuild. Through doing that it has actually made me realise how strong I am and I am determined to do great things.” – *Leona, Alana House service user* ### Magnets with positive messages made by the women at a drop-in session ### The PhotoVoice exhibition is created by the women in 2018 to reflect on their perspectives on identity and community ### The Love Me, Love Life project encourages women to improve their physical health “I couldn’t recommend Alana House enough… It has helped me accept that life is full of ups and downs but it’s the way you respond to them that makes the difference. I will continue to recommend Alana House to my friends that are having a difficult time because I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t linked in with you.” – *Katie, Alana House service user* ### Alana House wins its second Howard League for Penal Reform Award in 2017, this time for their Enrich programme which was set up last October ### Award-winning fashion designer Patrick Grant visits Alana House in 2017 to meet women who have been learning to sew ### Alana House wins a Thames Valley Police Reading Partnership Award in 2017 “(Alana House) is a really good use of resources… and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for.” – *Her Honour Judge Zoe Smith, Reading Crown Court* ### Our community celebrates Christmas in style! ### Christmas at Alana House includes a wreath-making class ### A team of volunteers help to paint the new crèche to make it easier for women to access support ### The women create a photography exhibition called ‘Photovisible’ “Since my seven months of support, Alana House has boosted my confidence and supported me through many activities that have been provided. I do not know what I would do without them. Thank you so much for your support.” – *Lorraine, Alana House service user* ### Alana House celebrates its fifth birthday in 2015 ### Alana House wins the Howard League for Penal Reform Award in the Community Programme for Women category, presented by HRH Princess Anne ### Alana House launches a programme in West Berkshire in 2014 to reach and support more women ### In weekly drop-in sessions, the women look at themes such as identity, wellbeing and self-esteem “Whenever I have a problem, I know I can come to Alana House and they can help me and let me know what to do. They are like family and I am proud to be a service user. When I am with Alana House, I feel free.” – *Amira, Alana House service user* ### Guests gather to cut our birthday cake ### The drop-in room is decorated for our fourth birthday party ### Alana House celebrates its fourth birthday in 2014 “Without Alana House I would have found it hard to build on my confidence and make my circumstances better. Alana House has given me the tools to live independently and to better manage my finances.” – *Malisa, Alana House service user* ### At drop-in sessions, the women create a ‘Tree of Hope’ ### The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld, visits Alana House in 2013 ### There are lots of groups and classes at Alana House for women to learn new skills “I feel safe knowing that Alana House is always on the other end of the phone… You have helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel.” – *Beverley, Alana House service user* ### The noticeboard at Alana House has quotes from the women about why they like coming to Alana House ### Alana House celebrates its first birthday in 2011 ### Alana House is founded in 2010 in central Reading  ## Call Us [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ## Message us [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ## Ask for a referral [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) --- ### [Preparation training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/preparation-training/) **Published:** November 12, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Preparation training The preparation course is for all PACT prospective adopters to complete in Stage 1 of the adoption process. The course is run over four days (two days face-to-face and two days online) and the course will cover: - Day 1: Child’s journey – legal process, identity, loss, contact and early permanence (in-person) - Day 2: Brain development, attachment and creating a safe base (online) - Day 3: Child abuse, safeguarding and Theraplay (in-person) - Day 4: Children waiting, parenting the adopted child and the process of being linked with children (online) To book your place, email .  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month No Events ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Instagram This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Navigating the Education System workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/navigating-the-education-system/) **Published:** July 17, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Navigating the Education System workshop This online workshop is led by PACT’s Education Specialist Amy. The session aimed to give adopters the knowledge and confidence to navigate the education system and advocate effectively for their children. You will gain: - Key insights into choosing the right school - Guidance on what to look for and questions to ask - Support for managing the transition of school-aged children You will have the opportunity to discuss and learn: - How to build a strong support network within the school - How to communicate effectively with teachers - The evolving role of virtual schools - Why collecting evidence early matters: assessments, toolkits and EHCPs - How to advocate for your child’s educational needs To book your place, email . [Email adoption support ](mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org)  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month No Events ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [First year of family life](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/first-year-in-adoption/) **Published:** July 4, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # First year of family life PACT’s Strengthening Families Team run a workshop that aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. This virtual event will be both interactive and practical. It will also be a valuable opportunity for you to spend time with other parents who are at a similar stage in their adoption journey. The day will include; - Thinking about what your child has brought to the family - The parenting rollercoaster - Therapeutic parenting and boundaries - Dealing with challenging issues There will also be a facilitated virtual catch up two weeks later to enable you to maintain the links that you have made. To book your place, please email  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month October 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/first-year-of-family-life-day-1-2/) Online Eventjoining details provided after booking [*thu01oct10:00 am**2:00 pm*First year of family life (Day 1)*10:00 am – 2:00 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online Event*, joining details provided after booking*](#) ### Event Details PACT’s Strengthening Families Team’s exciting workshop aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. This virtual event will be ### Event Details PACT’s Strengthening Families Team’s exciting workshop aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. This virtual event will be both interactive and practical. It will also be a valuable opportunity for you to spend time with other parents who are at a similar stage in their adoption journey. The day will include; - Thinking about what your child has brought to the family - The parenting rollercoaster - Therapeutic parenting and boundaries - Dealing with challenging issues There will also be a facilitated virtual catch up two weeks later to enable you to maintain the links that you have made. To book your place, please email ### Time October 1, 2026 10:00 am – 2:00 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Event Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13454_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=First%20year%20of%20family%20life%20%28Day%201%29&dates=20261001T090000Z/20261001T130000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=First%20year%20of%20family%20life%20%28Day%201%29&location=Online%20Event%20joining%20details%20provided%20after%20booking "Add to your Google calendar") ### Get Directions How do you plan to get there? [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=best) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=driving) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=transit) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=walking) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=bicycling) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/first-year-of-family-life-day-2-2/) Online Eventjoining details provided after booking [*thu15oct10:00 am**12:00 pm*First year of family life (Day 2)*10:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online Event*, joining details provided after booking*](#) ### Event Details PACT’s Strengthening Families Team’s exciting workshop aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. This virtual catch up will ### Event Details PACT’s Strengthening Families Team’s exciting workshop aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. This virtual catch up will enable you to maintain the links that you have made during Day 1. To book your place, please email ### Time October 15, 2026 10:00 am – 12:00 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Event Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13455_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=First%20year%20of%20family%20life%20%28Day%202%29&dates=20261015T090000Z/20261015T110000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=First%20year%20of%20family%20life%20%28Day%202%29&location=Online%20Event%20joining%20details%20provided%20after%20booking "Add to your Google calendar") ### Get Directions How do you plan to get there? [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=best) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=driving) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=transit) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=walking) [](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=Current+Location&destination=joining+details+provided+after+booking&travelmode=bicycling) ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Instagram This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Education workshop drop-in session](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/education-workshop-drop-in-session/) **Published:** July 4, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Education workshop drop-in session If you have a child or children who is starting school in Reception in September, and have any questions about their transition or you’re wondering what to expect, please feel free to join this session. PACT’s Education Lead will be hosting the session and will be able to offer advice or signposting for further support. For children in different key stages, please keep an eye out for future sessions. ![]() ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month No Events ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Early permanence training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/early-permanence-training/) **Published:** November 12, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Early permanence training This course is designed for prospective and approved adopters to better understand what early permanence entails so that they can make an informed decision as to whether it is an option they wish to consider. Training will include information about the process, legalities and family time, the chance to hear from an early permanence adopted and time to ask any questions you may have.  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month No Events ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Instagram This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Adoption Support Gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support-gallery/) **Published:** July 23, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adoption Support Activities 2025 ## Adoption Support Gallery ### Den making! ### Adoptee Voices woodland fun! ### Adoptee Voices enjoyed a day of woodland fun! Young people worked together to make shelters out of wood, ropes and tarps. They then learned how to start a fire with flint, steel and cotton wool. Once the fire had been built, they baked sweet and savoury breads and of course, no campfire is complete without toasted marshmallows to finish! ### A fun day out Katakanuing as part of Adoptee Voices!  ### Two of our social workers at one of our family fun days! ### An amazing family fun day at Godstone Farm. ### Family fun day cake! ### Artwork made during an Adoptee Voices session. ### Artwork made during an activity session for PACT adoptive families. These fun and therapeutic sessions are a great way for children and parents to meet other adoptive families in a relaxed setting. ### Artwork made during an activity session for PACT adoptive families. These fun and therapeutic sessions are a great way for children and parents to meet other adoptive families in a relaxed setting. --- ### [Early permanence resources](https://www.pactcharity.org/early-permanence-resources/) **Published:** August 6, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # Early permanence resources Early permanence involves children being placed with potential adoptive parents who are also approved as temporary foster carers while the court decides about the child’s future. This reduces delay and moves for babies and children, giving them crucial stability and continuity of care as early as possible. PACT will support early permanence carers every step of the way. We have a dedicated children and family support worker for early permanence and a team of experienced social workers ready to help guide applicants through the early permanence process. You will also be invited to attend a training workshop, support groups and linked up with experienced adopters as part of a buddy scheme. We also provide access to our online support platform [CATCH](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) and our specialist post-adoption therapeutic support service [FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/). ## Resources for early permanence carers ## Resources pack Everything you need to know as an early permanence carer. [ Download the pack ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Early-permanence-resource-pack-6.pdf) ## Information flyer A very brief overview of early permanence. [ Download the flyer ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Early-permanence-flyer.pdf) ## Appointment card A postcard that early permanence carers can give to GP staff to help keep confidentiality of them and the child(ren). [ Download the card ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EP-postcard-2.pdf) ## Early permanence training This course is designed for prospective and approved adopters to better understand what early permanence entails so that they can make an informed decision as to whether it is an option they wish to consider. Training will include information about the process, legalities and family time, the chance to hear from an early permanence adopted and time to ask any questions you may have. Email**[ ](https://www.pactcharity.org/early-permanence-resources/sophie.copeland@pactcharity.org)** to confirm your attendance and a link will be sent to you. ## Early permanence support group Share experiences and get advice! Open to PACT adoptive parents who are linked with or caring for a child under early permanence. Email [**sophie.copeland@pactcharity.org** ](mailto:sophie.copeland@pactcharity.org)to confirm your attendance and a link will be sent to you. ## Buddy up scheme The early permanence buddy scheme matches prospective early permanence carers with experienced early permanence carers who may have a similar situation. For example, being a single early permanence carer or having an early permanence placement with a birth child. To request a buddy, email ****. Current Month No Events ## Books and further reading - [Concurrent planning – Achieving EP for babies and young children](http://www.corambaaf.org.uk/books/concurrent-planning) – BAAF Adoption and Fostering - [Proposals for Placing Children With Their Potential Adopters Earlier](http://www.assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a748f1ced915d0e8bf1946a/proposals_20for_20earlier_20placement_20of_20children_20with_20their_20potential_20adopters.pdf) – Department For Education - [Fostering for Adoption: Our story and stories of others](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fostering-Adoption-story-stories-others/dp/1914171233/ref=asc_df_1914171233/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=526155301130&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7693752207946557550&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006828&hvtargid=pla-1373137764176&psc=1&mcid=be476f2d53403d7684bb0580f4bbd3f1&th=1&psc=1) – Alice Hill - [Matching a child in early permanence placement: the importance of identit](https://corambaaf.org.uk/books/matching-child-early-permanence-placement-importance-identity)y – Coram BAAF - [Our stories – A collection of early permanence experiences](https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/62772409/our-stories-a-collection-of-early-permanence-carer-experiences) – CCS Adoption - [SWAC Reunification Framework](https://pactworld-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/personal/ruth_awai-fitzgerald_pactcharity_org/Documents/Ruth/EP/SWAC/SWAC%20resource%20-%20Reunification%20framework%20(V1.0).pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=xPH3P7) - [Teo’s story](https://adoptthamesvalley.co.uk/resources/adoptionbooksfromatv/) – Adopt Thames Valley - [Room in the Nest](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Room-Nest-inclusive-fostering-reunification/dp/1739916840) – Holly Marlow - [The Role of Fostering for Adoption in Achieving EP for Children](https://corambaaf.org.uk/books/role-fostering-adoption-achieving-early-permanence-children) – Coram BAAF ## Videos and podcasts - [Early Permanence and Loss](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYFUtDWWqEY) – Daddy Life London - [Early Permanence: A Route to Adoption with Pandora Christie](https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/early-permanence-a-route-to-adoption-with-pandora-christie/) – YouCanAdopt - [Early Permanence and Contact Conference](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/adoption-adventures/id1481570440) – adoptionadventures - [Early permanence after infertility](https://newfamilysocial.podbean.com/e/early-permanence-after-infertitlity/) – New Family Social - [Early permanence – when the child returns to birth family](https://newfamilysocial.podbean.com/e/early-permanence-when-the-child-returns-to-birth-family/) – New Family Social - [Adopting through early permanence](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2178387/12980968-adopting-through-early-permanence-episode-3?client_source=small_player&iframe=true&referrer=https://www.buzzsprout.com/2178387/12980968-adopting-through-early-permanence-episode-3.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-12980968&player=small) – One Adoption Chat - [Early permanence and FASD](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/heidis-family-early-permanence-and-fasd/id1717656789?i=1000637481744) – You, Me and Adoption Heidi’s Family - [Understanding early permanence: Safi’s story](https://vimeo.com/267382543) – Home for Good ## Websites - [Early permanence](http://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/fostering-for-adoption/) – PACT - [Early permanence](http://www.earlypermanence.org.uk) – Coram - [Early permanence for young children](https://www.first4adoption.org.uk/who-can-adopt-a-child/early-permanence/) – First4Adoption - [Adopting a young child: Early Permanence](https://www.coramadoption.org.uk/adoption-process/children-waiting-adoption/adopting-baby-early-permanence) – Coram - [Early Permanence stories](https://www.coramadoption.org.uk/adopting-young-child-early-permanence/early-permanence-stories) – Coram - [Early permanence blog](https://www.childrenssocialcare.blog.gov.uk/2022/10/19/fostering-for-adoption-early-permanence-carers/) – Children’s Social Care - [Adoption leave and pay](https://www.acas.org.uk/your-adoption-leave-pay-and-other-rights/telling-your-employer-youre-adopting-or-fostering-to-adopt) – Acas ## CATCH resources You will need to be registered to our Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) to view the below resources. You will have free access to CATCH as an early permanence carer through PACT. If you need help signing up, email . - [Talking early permanence with Devin – Part 1: Preparing](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-talking-early-permanence-with-devin-part-3-role-of-the-ep-carer/) – CATCH - [Talking early permanence with Devin – Part 2: Early days](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-talking-early-permanence-with-devin-part-2-early-days/) – CATCH - [Talking early permanence with Devin – Part 3: Role of the EP carer](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-talking-early-permanence-with-devin-part-3-role-of-the-ep-carer/) – CATCH - [Talking early permanence with Devin – Part 4: Family time](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-talking-early-permanence-with-devin-part-4-family-time/) – CATCH - [Talking early permanence with Devin – Part Five: Reunification](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-talking-early-permanence-with-devin-part-5-reunification/) – CATCH ## Case studies from some of our early permanence carers [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/) [## Chloe and Dan adopted baby Megan through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/)Chloe\* and Dan\* adopted Megan\* through PACT following a Foster for Adoption placement. Megan was five weeks old when she was placed with them… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/michelle-phil-mia-charlie/) [## Michelle and Phil adopted their second child Charlie through the early permanence process](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/michelle-phil-mia-charlie/)Michelle\* and Phil\* have a five-year-old adopted daughter, Mia\*, and are now applying to adopt 21-month-old Charlie\* who they have been fostering… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/michelle-phil-mia-charlie/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) [## Emma adopted Josh through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/)Emma\* adopted Josh\* through PACT in 2018 when he was nine-and-a-half months old following a Foster for Adoption placement… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) --- ### [Church Christmas fundraising](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/church-christmas-fundraising/) **Published:** November 10, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Church Christmas fundraising PACT has been supporting children and families in need since its creation by the Diocese of Oxford in 1911, and this year we are preparing to help our service users facing the cost of living crisis. We have seen the need for our trauma recovery programmes grow during the pandemic so your support is needed more than ever. Our adoption support programme, Bounce Back 4 Kids and Alana House rely on fundraising and the generosity of churches and congregations like yours. This Christmas please consider supporting PACT and the work we do changing lives in our communities. [Make a donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)  ## Here are 12 ways you can support PACT this Christmas: - Share our prayer at one of your December services and hold a retiring collection to support our services. - Have a clear out before Christmas with an indoor table top sale in support of PACT - Select PACT as your charity and support us while you shop via [Amazon Smile](https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/285214-0) or [Easy Fundraising](https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/pact/?q=parents%20and%20children%20t&cat=cause-autosuggest) - [Head to our shop](https://www.pactcharity.org/shop/ "PACT shop") for a range of unique Christmas gifts like our Alana House recipe book, or artwork created by our service users. - Take part in a fundraising challenge for us such as Pooches for PACT – a sponsored dog walk so your furry friends can help fundraise too! [Find out how to set up your own fundraiser here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/hold-fundraiser/ "Hold your own fundraiser") - [Become a Friend of PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/#friends "Make A Donation") and support our community’s most vulnerable members throughout the year. - Come to our Carols at the Minster service on Friday 16th December. [Buy your tickets here!](https://www.pactcharity.org/carols/ "Carols at the Minster") - Pop on your brightest Christmas jumper and hold a Christmas Jumper day at your church, community group or workplace with a donation to PACT to take part. [Find out how to set up your own fundraiser here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/hold-fundraiser/ "Hold your own fundraiser") - Make the most of mince pies and Christmas cakes with a bake-off in aid of PACT. - Ask your employer to choose PACT as their charity of the year – [find out more about corporate partnerships with PACT here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/ "Corporate partnerships") We can support your application. - Buy family and friends one of our virtual Christmas gifts that support our work – [visit our shop here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/shop/ "PACT shop") - Hold a fun Christmas quiz! Get in touch to receive a copy of our Christmas quiz, with a special round about PACT’s work. ## The difference your donation could make: **£60** could pay for a PACT family with adopted children to attend one of PACT’s family fun days where they meet other families and form support networks. **£600** could pay for 12 one-to-one support sessions at Alana House for a vulnerable woman with complex needs. **£960** could pay for a child and their parent who has witnessed or been affected by domestic abuse to attend a 10-week BB4K children’s course to help them manage their feelings and ultimately break the cycle of domestic abuse. Contact us on for support for your fundraising activity. --- ### [Keyworkers](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/keyworkers/) **Published:** January 25, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopters from keyworker professions PACT is appealing to keyworkers such as nurses, teachers, police officers, social workers, doctors, ambulance staff, childminders and those in the care sector to come forward as potential adoptive parents. Given their professional experience and skills, people from keyworker professions typically make strong adopters who particularly valued by local authorities looking to place a child. PACT is a warm, welcoming and professional agency open to a wide range of people, including couples or single people, who can consider adopting children over four years old, sibling groups of two or more children, black or mixed ethnicity children and children who may have physical or learning disabilities. ### “My experience as a teacher helped me be a better mum” “Having worked with children for many years, from a variety of backgrounds, I had a good understanding of children’s needs and child development. I had also seen so many children change in such a positive way when they get the right teacher. I felt I could relate this to parenting. “I had a good understanding of the need to have firm, fair boundaries for children and I understood children thrive with clear routine that is based on love and respect. Working in a school helped me develop the patience I needed to help our child through the tough times, and to understand all children can change for the better when they know you believe in them.” – **Nicola\*, teacher and adoptive mum** *\*Name changed for confidentiality purposes* ## Read about PACT adopters who have worked in keyworker professions [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [## Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/)Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy\* in 2018 when she was 14 months old. Ruth used to work as a train station manager and Oli works as a train driver… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/rose-and-simon-are-a-christian-couple-who-adopted-during-the-2020-pandemic/) [## Rose and Simon are a Christian couple who adopted during the 2020 pandemic](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/rose-and-simon-are-a-christian-couple-who-adopted-during-the-2020-pandemic/)Rose\* and Simon\* adopted their son Jay\* in 2020 when he was 14 months old. Rose is a secondary school music teacher and Simon is a church minister… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/rose-and-simon-are-a-christian-couple-who-adopted-during-the-2020-pandemic/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/) [## Darren adopted as a single father](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/)Darren\* is a 43-year-old single father who became a dad to his son Finn\* in early 2017 when he was four years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sasha-adopted-maya-as-a-single-adopter/) [## Sasha adopted Maya as a single adopter](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sasha-adopted-maya-as-a-single-adopter/)Sasha\* is a single adopter who brought her daughter Maya\* home in May 2019 when she was 13 months old. Sasha works as a children’s nurse and has always wanted to be a mum… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sasha-adopted-maya-as-a-single-adopter/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/phil-and-gareth-adopted-ben/) [## NHS workers Phil and Gareth adopted Ben](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/phil-and-gareth-adopted-ben/)Phil\* and Gareth\* are a same sex couple who adopted their son Ben\* through PACT in 2019… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/phil-and-gareth-adopted-ben/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/) [## Chloe and Dan adopted baby Megan through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/)Chloe\* and Dan\* adopted Megan\* through PACT following a Foster for Adoption placement. Megan was five weeks old when she was placed with them… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/) Rated outstanding by Ofsted, PACT offers all its adoptive families access to a [wide range of support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) including [tra](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/)i[ning](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/), support groups, education support, activities for children, the online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](/adoption-support/catch/) and PACT’s specialist therapeutic services [FACTS](/adoption-support/facts/ "Adopter support groups"). If you’d like to have a chat about starting your adoption process, you can speak to one of PACT’s enquiries officers. They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT adoption information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Our enquiries line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You can also request a call from our team by completing [our enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/). ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Complaints procedure](https://www.pactcharity.org/complaints-procedure/) **Published:** February 15, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # PACT’s complaints procedure We realise that despite our best efforts, sometimes things can go wrong, or individuals may be unhappy with the actions of PACT and in such instances, we want to hear from you so that we can address this. We regard concerns and complaints as an opportunity to turn a negative experience into a positive one, as well as an opportunity for us to learn and to improve how we do things. ### Who can make a complaint using this procedure? Anyone who is receiving a service, or who has been provided with, or has been refused a service from PACT may complain to us. This includes children, or a person acting on behalf of a child. ### What if I need help to make a complaint? A friend or representative (although not a legal representative) can act on a complainant’s behalf with their permission. PACT also recognises that any member of the public may choose to raise a concern or complaint following news, announcements and updates which may or may not have come directly from PACT. ## How to make a complaint ***Stages 1 and 2 will be considered as informal concerns/complaints*** ### *Stage 1* We will always try to resolve any issues and concerns quickly and effectively, as we appreciate early and simple resolution benefits all parties concerned. If you are unhappy with the service provided we hope that you will feel able to tell the person who is working with you or if your concern is relating to PACT more generally we encourage you to contact us directly at and a member of the team will respond to you to understand your concern and seek to resolve this directly with you. PACT encourages service users to engage in a conversation with the person you are working with or for other interested parties connected to the organisation to reach out promptly and attempt to resolve any issues, concerns or problems at this stage in an open and communicative way ### *Stage 2* If, however you would prefer not to speak to the person you are working with, or if your concern is about the person you are working with, you can contact their manager, either by telephone, letter or email, or by asking to see them. Most problems can be sorted or solved by discussing them with the people who manage the service, and we will invite you to meet with us to discuss your complaint (if you are not clear who the relevant manager is, see Further Notes below). Concerns/comments received via social media, online functions or forums or concerns that are more general (i.e. not related to a specific service or person) that cannot be resolved in Stage 1 and require management intervention/ engagement will be taken forward as below. In these instances, and where minimal investigation is required, managers may use an Informal Resolution process to resolve the situation. To do this we will: - Discuss/ address your concerns with you, usually inviting you to an in-person meeting - Keep a written record of the issue - Make an effort to resolve the issue within 28 working days of hearing your concern - Provide you with an outcome either by phone or in writing (as agreed) within the above time frame. If you are dissatisfied with the response received from the manager/management you may choose to escalate your complaint to Stage 3. Escalated complaints must be submitted to the CEO as per the below process within 28 days of the receipt of any response received in Stage 2. ***Stages 3 and 4 will be considered as formal complaints*** ### *Stage 3* If you are unhappy with the responses received at Stage 2 and feel your complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily you should write to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). All Stage 3 complaints must be made in writing, either by email or letter and must contain full details of your complaint and an outline of why you remain dissatisfied and what outcome or actions you are seeking to achieve. Your complaint will be formally acknowledged within five working days, and the CEO may look into your complaint themselves or make arrangements for an ‘appropriate individual’ to investigate who has had no prior involvement in your case. An ‘appropriate individual’ might be: - A director or head of service - A director or head of service from another service - An appropriate person independent of PACT The CEO/ appointed individual will have 28 working days to complete their investigation. If further time is needed, the CEO/appointed individual will advise you of this and provide a date for completion of the investigation. They will initially arrange to meet with you to go through your complaint together as part of their investigation. They will address each element of your complaint within their review and set out their findings, conclusions and recommendations in a report or letter that will initially be shared with the CEO (if the CEO hasn’t led the investigation themselves), outlining any actions PACT plans to undertake. You will be sent a copy of the review and invited to meet with the CEO to discuss the findings within 14 working days of the completion of the investigation report, unless there is a justified reason why this is not possible, in which case you will be alerted to any revised time frames. ### *Stage 4* If you are not satisfied with the response from the CEO in Stage 3 you have the right to appeal to PACT’s Board of Trustees. You are required to write again to the CEO within working 28 days of receipt of PACT’s response to your Stage 3 concern/complaint. You are required to explain why you are not satisfied with PACT’s response and you should highlight what outcome you are looking to achieve. Within 14 days of the receipt of the above, the CEO/Chair of the Board of Trustees will invite you to meet with them to consider your complaint together. The Chair of the Board of Trustees will appoint three Board members to an appeals panel to consider all the previous information and correspondence regarding your complaint and what you remain dissatisfied about and the outcome you are looking to achieve. You will be invited to a meeting to discuss their conclusions and final decision. In certain circumstances, they may also invite an external advisor to review the complaint and report on their findings, in which event you would be informed of the reasons in advance. The ‘appeals panel’ will have up to 6 weeks to undertake their review. The CEO will write to you within 14 days of receiving the panel’s written report summarising their recommendations and final decision. This will conclude PACT’s complaints procedure. ## *Further notes:* - Failure to comply with the specified time scales by the complainant will result in the concern/complaint being closed by PACT, unless valid reasons for the delay can be verified. - Please indicate with any complaint if your first language is not English. - Confidentiality agreements regarding PACT’s work will be maintained. - If you are unsure who the line manager is please contact PACT’s offices 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS Telephone 0118 938 7600 – E-mail: info@pactcharity.org **If, having gone through all the levels above, you are still not satisfied with the outcome, if appropriate or where applicable, you will be told of other avenues for complaint, for example Ofsted.** ### Ofsted Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people, and services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. Tel: **0300 123 1231** (General Helpline) General Enquiries: [**enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk**](mailto:enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk) Address: **Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD** Website: [**www.ofsted.gov.uk**](http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/) ### Reading Borough Council If you are accessing support from Alana House that has been funded by Reading Borough Council , you can complain directly to PACT, to the council or to the relevant regulation authority. Please speak to your support worker to find out if your support has been funded through Reading Borough Council. Reading Borough Council can be contacted at: Tel: **0118 937 2905** Email: **** Address: **Reading Borough Council, Customer Relations Team, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU** ### Children’s Commissioner The Children’s Commissioner for England promotes and protects children’s rights in England and can be contacted at: Tel: **020 7783 8330** (general enquiries) or **0800 528 0731** (advice line for children and young people) Web: [**www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk**](http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/) Email: [**help.team@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk** ](mailto:help.team@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk)(advice for children and young people) or [**info.request@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk** ](mailto:info.request@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk)(general) Address: **Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT** ### National Minimum Standards for adoption As an adoption agency, PACT is committed to meeting the national minimum standards set out in the regulatory framework of the Care Standards Act 2000. The regulations require adoption and adoption support agencies to be managed effectively and efficiently, and ensure that children’s needs are met. Under regulation 25.11, the agency must demonstrate it has a written policy and procedural guidelines on considering and responding to representations and complaints in accordance with legal requirements and relevant statutory guidance. Other relevant statutory/regulatory bodies might include: - IRM (Institute of Risk management - The Charity Commission - The Fundraising Regulator - The Advertising Standards Authority - Social Work England - Information Commissioner’s Office --- ### [Gemma](https://www.pactcharity.org/gemma/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Gemma Curran Gemma Curran, aged 50, is a giving advisor from London. Gemma said: “I am running in the 2026 London Marathon for PACT because I’ve just turned 50 and need to keep fit! More importantly, thanks to PACT, I have three little people living with me who keep me on my toes! PACT is amazing from pre to post adoption; we couldn’t have asked for more support. Any way I can find to give back to them we are, as a family, all behind it.” This will be Gemma’s second London Marathon, her first being 20 years ago. She joked: “This time I will be focused on the atmosphere and preserving my ageing knees and less on my time!” Gemma is most excited about seeing her children and family cheering her on at the finish line. [Donate to Gemma’s fundraiser](https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/partyof5-fundraising)  ## “Every child deserves a loving home and family. Adoption is a story of two halves, love and loss and PACT help everyone through the process with strong arms and lots of love.” --- ### [Jonathan](https://www.pactcharity.org/jonathan/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Jonathan Jonathan, aged 40, lives near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Jonathan said: “I am a deputy headteacher and designated safeguarding lead of a primary school in Oxfordshire. Leading on safeguarding is one of the roles that I get most job satisfaction from, as it gives me the chance to focus on prioritising the safety and wellbeing of the children in our school – nothing is more important than this. In this role, I work with many external agencies and professionals and including engaging with PACT’s [Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K)](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/) team, for families who have experienced domestic abuse. As a result, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact the support BB4K’s therapy has on children and families. I have also worked with adopted children, who have benefitted from adoption agencies similar to PACT: the advice and guidance adoptive families receive throughout the adoption process has proved invaluable. Jonathan says that his training for the 2026 London Marathon is going well: “I’m starting to build the distance up and took part in a half marathon in October. I’m on track at this point. I do regular running in the week, with Park Runs and longer runs at the weekend. I’m tracking my running on Strava and hoping to get some PBs on the way!” [Donate to Jonathan’s fundraiser](https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jonathan-gale)  ## “I’m most looking forward to raising money for a great charity, and experiencing the thrill and atmosphere of running around London on the big day; the feeling of accomplishment when I pass the finish line, knowing I have raised much-needed funds for a fantastic charity. Please sponsor me if you can – every penny counts! Thank you!” --- ### [Give in celebration](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/give-in-celebration/) **Published:** January 13, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Celebration giving Share your special occasions with the gift of giving and make your memories last into the future. Many people choose to mark their special occasions – birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, adoption days, etc – by inviting friends and family to celebrate by making a donation to PACT’s life-changing work. 🎂 Any donation is appreciated by PACT and is put to work to ensure that we can continue to provide quality and professional services to as many children, women and families as possible. Your donation could support: - Children to recover from trauma and abuse through therapeutic support. - Adoptive families to access expert advice and guidance throughout their journey. - Women to overcome homelessness, addiction and abuse through life-changing therapy. - Survivors of domestic abuse to receive essentials like food and clothing at critical moments. - - Children to express their emotions through creative activities and play.   ## Set up a birthday fundraiser on Facebook Giving on your birthday can make your big day extra special and it is easy to do this through Facebook. All you need to do is set up a charity fundraiser! Click the button below to get started: 1. Login to Facebook 2. In the search bar, search and click on ‘Fundraisers’ 3. Search for PACT under charities. PACT will be listed under the name ‘OXFORD DIOCESAN COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL WORK INCORPORATED’. [Give through Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/help/990087377765844) ## Knowing that your special day is helping PACT can make your celebration even more memorable. Please donate using the form below. As an additional gift, it is easy to help PACT claim gift aid on every donation. Please contact us at if you would like PACT to support you by setting up a tailored page to manage these donations on your behalf. Let your loved ones know by sharing [the link to this page](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/give-in-celebration/). We would love to hear about your celebration, and celebrate with you, so please get in touch! ## Thank you Thank you for donating to PACT. Your generosity will help build brighter futures for generations to come. You can read more about the difference we make [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/). 🌟  --- ### [Remember someone special](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/remember-someone-special/) **Published:** January 13, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Remember someone special Honour the life of your loved one by making a one-off donation in their memory, creating a living and lasting tribute, or simply give in lieu of flowers and cards. If you would like to consider supporting PACT’s work in this way you, can be reassured that any donation is gratefully received and contributes to supporting children, families and women when they need it most. 💛 Your donation could support: - Children to recover from trauma and abuse through therapeutic support. - Adoptive families to access expert advice and guidance throughout their journey. - Women to overcome homelessness, addiction and abuse through life-changing therapy. - Survivors of domestic abuse to receive essentials like food and clothing at critical moments. - Children to express their emotions through creative activities and play.  You can donate below and it is easy to help PACT claim gift aid on your donation. Please contact us at if you would like PACT to support you by setting up a tailored page to manage these donations on your behalf. ## Thank you Thank you for donating to PACT. Your generosity will help build brighter futures for generations to come. You can read more about the difference we make [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/). 🌟  --- ### [Refer a client to Alana House](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-a-client/) **Published:** November 2, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Refer a client to Alana House for support If you are a professional working with a woman who you believe will benefit from support from Alana House, please read through the information on this page and then click ‘Begin referral’. You will be directed to our online referral form. ## Overview of services at Alana House Alana House in Reading is an inclusive and non-judgemental space for women with complex needs and facing vulnerabilities. The project meets women at their point of need, providing support to enable them to address particular behaviours and assess life circumstances that may have put them in a vulnerable position or at risk of offending. Support and information is provided in line with [nine areas of need.](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/) We also run regular [groups and courses](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/) for service users who have been referred to Alana House.  ### The support we offer through our general service includes: - [One-to-one support](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/one-to-one-support/ "One-to-one support") with a dedicated support worker, using a holistic, trauma-informed approach - Focused [group work](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/ "group work") on topics such as job skills, parenting, healing from trauma and moving onto independent living - Referrals to counselling service held at Alana House - [Community café](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/community-cafe/ "Community café") with opportunity for skill development, training and volunteering - Focused sessions by other professionals during some cafés e.g. sexual health information, employability information etc. - Access to other services through [partnerships](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/partner-agencies/ "partnerships") with specialist agencies - Practical help e.g. use of washing machine, computers, emergency food parcels - Crèche facilities for some courses and groups ### **✓** Alana House support is *most* suitable for those who: - have complex and multiple needs - have past trauma and would benefit from a trauma informed approach - have a history of offending, or who are at risk of offending/ reoffending - wish to make positive change and to identify and work towards goals - are able to attend in person as well as currently engage by phone/zoom - struggle to engage with other professionals and services - will benefit from a ‘one stop shop’ approach – accessing several agencies/partners at Alana House - could benefit from support with attending some external meetings e.g. meetings at school or Frontline - are able to attend with limited child care requirements - want to learn new transferable skills related to volunteering or employment through the Community Café - would benefit from and/or are open to developing skills/confidence to attend groups/courses ### **✕** Alana House support is *less* suitable for those who: - present with a single need requiring specialist support services such as substance use/mental health/domestic abuse - are referred only for access to Alana House counselling - attend only to comply with other professionals’ requirement they attend - are being closed by another agency but would benefit from general social interaction/support (not a Community Centre) - are planning to move out of Reading in the near future All groups, courses and sessions are available by appointment only to those who have been referred to Alana House. To refer a client or someone you work with, please click below to fill our online referral form or call us on [0118 921 7640](tel:01189217640). **Please note:** Google has made changes which are preventing some emails being received by **Gmail accounts** and incorrectly marking them as spam. If you or the client you are referring provide a Gmail address as a means of being contacted by our team, **please check your spam or junk folder for messages from our team and advise your client to do the same.** You and/or the client can also set up a filter to always allow emails from our domain. Instructions on how to do this are [further down this page](#filter). **We are unable to proceed with referrals if a contact number or an email address is not provided for the referred person.** --- [Click to begin referral](https://lamplight.online/in/BczrS/63ae0103d9b724bae2fcd1c528497aae162c12a6de07ba533f33754749a852ad) --- ### Set up a Gmail filter to always allow emails from our team  To prevent messages from our team going to your spam or junk folders, take the following steps: 1. Open Gmail on your phone or computer 2. In the search box, click the filter icon on the right of the box to show search options 3. In the ‘From’ field, enter **pactcharity.org** 4. At the bottom of the search window, click ‘Create filter’ 5. A list of options will appear asking you which action you would like to take for these email addresses. Choose ‘Never sent it to Spam’ to make sure emails from our team always arrive in your inbox. 6. Clicke ‘Create filter’ to save the filter Further guidance about creating and managing Gmail filters can be found [here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6579?hl=en-GB). If you have any trouble completing our referral form or the client does not hear back from our team within a week, please call us on [0118 921 7640](tel:01189217640).  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Support Helplines](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/support-helplines/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Support helplines If you have a concern about a child or young person subject to or witnessing domestic abuse you must report it. If there is an immediate risk of harm to a child, call the police on 999. You can contact the NSPCC on [0808 800 5000](tel:08088005000) (free service, lines open 24 hours a day). You can tell one of our support team members or contact your local Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub team or Local Safeguarding Children Board: ### Reading Reading Children’s Single Point of Access - Phone: [0118 937 3641](tel:01189373641) - Email: [cspoa@brighterfuturesforchildren.org](mailto:cspoa@brighterfuturesforchildren.org?subject=MoP%20raising%20a%20concern) - Website: [www.brighterfuturesforchildren.org/report-concerns-about-a-child](https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/report-concerns-about-a-child/) Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership – Reading - Website: [www.berkshirewestsafeguardingchildrenpartnership.org.uk/scp/reading/reading](https://www.berkshirewestsafeguardingchildrenpartnership.org.uk/scp/reading/reading) ### West Berkshire West Berkshire Children Services Contact Advice Assessment Service (CAAS) - Phone: [01635 503090](tel:01635503090) - Email: - Website: [www.westberks.gov.uk/article/39705/About-the-Contact-Advice-and-Assessment-Service-CAAS](https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/39705/About-the-Contact-Advice-and-Assessment-Service-CAAS) Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership – West Berkshire - Website: [www.berkshirewestsafeguardingchildrenpartnership.org.uk/scp/west-berks/west-berkshire](https://www.berkshirewestsafeguardingchildrenpartnership.org.uk/scp/west-berks/west-berkshire) ### Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board - Phone: [01865 815843](tel:01865815843) - Email: - Website [www.oscb.org.uk](http://www.oscb.org.uk/) The Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) - Office hours phone: [0345 050 7666](tel:03450507666) - Out of hours phone: [0800 833 408](tel:0800833408) - Website: [www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/business/information-providers/multi-agency-safeguarding-hub](https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/business/information-providers/multi-agency-safeguarding-hub) ## Helplines ### Local Services  - **Local Domestic Abuse Helpline for Oxfordshire** – [0800 731 0055](tel:08007310055) - [www.a2dominion.co.uk/about-us/Domestic-abuse-support-services](https://a2dominion.co.uk/about-us/Domestic-abuse-support-services) - **Youthline** (a free confidential counselling service for young people in Bracknell Forest) - [www.youthlineuk.com](http://www.youthlineuk.com/) - **Berkshire Women’s Aid** – [0808 801 0882](tel:01189504003) – – [www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk](http://www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk/) ### National services for children & young people  - **Childline** – 0800 1111 - [www.childline.org.uk](http://www.childline.org.uk/) - **The Hideout** (website for children and young people) – [www.thehideout.org.uk](http://www.thehideout.org.uk/) - **Support Line** (provides emotional support for children & adults) - 01708 765200 - [www.supportline.org.uk](http://www.supportline.org.uk/) - **Young Minds** (support for children and young people with emotional and mental health needs) - [www.youngminds.org.uk](http://www.youngminds.org.uk/) - **NSPCC Helpline** - 0808 800 5000 - [www.nspcc.org.uk ](http://www.nspcc.org.uk/) - **SAFE!** (support for young people affected by crime) – 0800 133 7938 - [www.safeproject.org.uk ](http://www.safeproject.org.uk/) - **LoveRespect** (support for teenage girls in abusive relationships) - [www.loverespect.co.uk](https://loverespect.co.uk/) - **Asian child protection helpline** - 0800 096 7719 (language specific numbers below) - Bengali speaking advisor – 0800 096 7714 - Guajarati speaking advisor – 0800 096 7715 - Hindi speaking advisor – 0800 096 7716 - Pujabi speaking advisor – 0800 096 7718 - Urdu speaking advisor – 0800 096 7718 ### National services for adults  - **Freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline** - 0808 2000 247 - [www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk](http://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/) - **Men’s Advice line (for male victims of DA)** - 0808 801 0327 - [www.mensadviceline.org.uk ](http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/) - **Stalking and Harassment helpline** – 0808 802 0300 - [www.stalkinghelpline.org/](http://www.stalkinghelpline.org/) - **Southall Black Sisters (support for black and minority ethnic women)** - 0208 571 0800 - [www.southallblacksisters.org.uk](http://www.southallblacksisters.org.uk/) - **The Kiran Project (support for Asian women)** - 0208 558 1986 - [www.kiranproject.org.uk](http://www.kiranproject.org.uk/) - **Elder abuse** – 0808 808 8141 - [www.elderabuse.org.uk](http://www.elderabuse.org.uk/) - **Forced Marriage Unit** – 020 7008 0151 - [www.forcedmarriage.net](http://www.forcedmarriage.net/) - **Karma Nirvana (supporting victims of honour crimes and forced marriage)** – 0800 5999 247 - [www.karmanirvana.org.uk](http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk/) - **National Centre for Domestic Violence** – 0800 970 2070 - [www.ncdv.org.uk ](http://www.ncdv.org.uk/) - **Protection Against Stalking and Harassment** - [www.protectionagainststalking.org](http://www.protectionagainststalking.org/) - **Paladin – National Stalking Advocacy Service** - 0207 840 8960 - [www.palandinservice.co.uk ](http://www.paladinservice.co.uk/) - **Victim Support** – 0808 168 9111 - [www.victimsupport.org](https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/)  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Children's Guides](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/childrens-guides/) **Published:** September 13, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Children’s Guides Sometimes it can be difficult growing up being adopted. Adopted children have often moved around a lot, and they may not have as many photos or memories as they would like. Or, they may wish they had some more information about what they used to enjoy doing as a younger child. We have booklets to help adopted children understand what support is available to them, how PACT fits in to their adoption journey and where to go if they ever need help. There are two guides available depending on your child’s age group. > As an adopted child, you are not alone. There are many ways to create a family and lots of children are adopted each year. You can download the guides here: ## Guide to Adoption Support for Younger Children --- [ Download ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/9397_PACT_AdoptionSupport-Younger.pdf) ## Guide to Adoption Support for Older Children --- [ Downlaod ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/9397_PACT_AdoptionGuide-Older.pdf) --- ### [2026: Your adventure awaits](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/adventure/) **Published:** January 3, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # 2026: Your adventure awaits ## Ready to make a difference this year? It’s 2026 and your adventure awaits! It’s the new year and time for a new challenge. Why not take the opportunity to fundraise for PACT and make a difference to the lives of children, women and families affected by trauma? Challenges can be life-affirming and knowing your climb, run, jump or solo performance is changing lives makes it even more special. Is there that something you’ve always wanted to do? In a year, you could be looking back at an amazing memory and PACT will support you every step of the way to achieve that. **Your 2026 adventure awaits! Contact Julie, PACT’s Events and Supporter Engagement Assistant, to find out how we can help you to make a real difference. Email to get started.** Adventures ready to be taken on… - Marathon run or walk - Reading challenge 📖 - Skydive - Dance challenge 🎶 - Skiing adventure - Mountain climb ⛰️ - 12-hour singathon 🎤 - Cycling to work for a month 🚲 - Abseil - Swim challenge 🏊♀️ - Hiking trail adventure - And so many more! ## Are you inspired by any of these ideas? Talk to our friendly team who can help you take the next steps towards your 2026 adventure. [Contact Us](mailto:julie.maclean@pactcharity.org) ## Find your 2026 adventure on Charity Challenge! 1. Visit [charitychallenge.com](http://www.charitychallenge.com). 2. Browse all the challenges available. 3. Add your challenge to cart and create an account. 4. At checkout, choose **Parents And Children Together (PACT)** as your charity to fundraise for!   ## Run for PACT in 2026! Looking for a new challenge in 2026? The south east is packed with exciting running events, from fun runs to ultras and everything in between. Running for a charity can be a great motivator, and if you’d like to train and run in support of PACT, there’s never been a better time! Every mile matters. Every pound raised helps PACT provide life-changing support for children, women and families. Every step you take on your running journey will help a woman, a child or a parent on their journey healing from trauma. Whether you’re taking part in your first couch to 5k or chasing a marathon personal best dressed as a dinosaur, we’d love to hear from you and support you every step of the way. **Why run for PACT?** - Boost your motivation by supporting a cause that changes lives - Receive guidance and encouragement from our team - Know that your effort makes a real difference ## Upcoming runs across the PACT area Here are just some of the fantastic events happening in 2026: Current Month October [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/battersea-park-chase-the-moon-5k-10k/) [*wed07octAll Day*Battersea Park Chase the Moon 5k & 10k*(All Day: Wednesday)*(GMT+01:00)* ](#) ### Event Details Find out more 👉 www.runthrough.co.uk/event/chase-the-moon-battersea-park-5k-10k-october-2026 Your 2026 adventure awaits! Get in touch at supportus@pactcharity.org and we can help you make the most of ### Event Details Find out more 👉 www.runthrough.co.uk/event/chase-the-moon-battersea-park-5k-10k-october-2026 Your 2026 adventure awaits! Get in touch at and we can help you make the most of your run. ### Time October 7, 2026 All Day(GMT+01:00) [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13331_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Battersea%20Park%20Chase%20the%20Moon%205k%20%26%2010k&dates=20261006T230000Z/20261007T225959Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Battersea%20Park%20Chase%20the%20Moon%205k%20%26%2010k&location= "Add to your Google calendar") ## Ready to take the first step? Please email us by clicking the button and we can help you make the most of your run! [Get in touch](mailto:supportus@pactcharity.org) If you prefer to walk, or cover your distance in a different way, then PACT’s popular Marathon in May will be back soon! Keep an eye on our socials for how you can get involved this year. We appreciate every effort our incredible supporters make to help us fundraise to deliver our vital work. **One single step can start a journey that makes a world of difference.** ## Adventures that have been taken on for PACT! ## Jason’s mountain adventure ⛰️ In 2024, Jason took on two amazing challenges for PACT – running the London Marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! “I wanted to mark my 50th celebrations by raising more resources for PACT.” He said that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was: “The toughest thing I have ever done. Start at midnight after a snowstorm and walk for 11.5 hours up and back through ankle to shin-deep snow. Then a quick tea and two and a half-hour walk to tonight’s accommodation.” ## Jan’s abseil adventure 🏰 Jan and nine other incredible supporters abseiled down the 100ft tower at Dorchester Abbey. They raised over £6000 for PACT and Dorchester Abbey. Jan said: “Abseiling down the Dorchester Abbey Tower is one of the most challenging things I have ever had to do but I am prepared to do it because I am passionate about the work PACT does.” ## Phil’s cycling adventure 🚲 Phil completed a 170-mile cycling challenge to raise funds for PACT’s life-changing work. He cycled for three days between three of our office locations: Reading, Brighton and London. Phil said: “PACT does fantastic work in supporting vulnerable children and women in the community as well as creating families through its adoption services. “Day one was interesting during the amber weather warning and pouring rain last Monday! Despite the weather, the huge hills in and out of Brighton and the London traffic, I had just two falls and two punctures, not bad for me!” ## See the impact of our work Your support will make a real difference to the families we support. “The children are all achieving incredible things at school and doing after school activities, but most of all they’re just enjoying every minute of their childhood in such a more relaxed and happy environment.” – BB4K parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)  ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   --- ### [Group work](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Groups at Alana House Alana House has a number of groups for service users to attend, if this has been agreed with their key worker. The Alana House team works with a variety of other partnership-agencies to provide a diverse programme of activities, which are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Due to the frequent changes in restrictions, we may need to adapt the way we deliver some of our activities depending on government guidelines at the time. *Groups are only available to women who have been referred to Alana House for support.* [Make a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/)  ## Power to Change This group is run specifically for women who are or have been subject to domestic abuse. The group is based on the idea that women working together in a safe, friendly and non-judgmental environment can change their lives for the better. ## Trauma Informed Yoga An opportunity to learn some practices to improve mind and physical health. A safe, self-paced and empowering approach with a deliberate emphasis on choice and curiosity. ## Healing Trauma Gain a greater understanding of the impacts of trauma and learn new strategies and techniques to help you feel grounded and safe. ## Sexual Violence Recovery Toolkit This 12-week group programme uses cognitive behavioural therapy and a psycho-educational approach to enable group members to move forward from the trauma of being subjected to sexual violence. The programme supports group members to develop positive lifestyle coping strategies to restore a sense of safety and to enable people to return to active citizenship. ## Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit This 12-week group programme offers an evidence based, trauma-informed and psycho-educational approach using cognitive behavioural therapy to enable group members to move forward from the trauma of being subjected to domestic abuse. It supports participants to develop positive lifestyle coping strategies, restoring a sense of safety and empowerment. ## Hope to Recovery A six-week programme that can be delivered online or face-to-face, as a group or as a one-to-one programme. Draws from the trauma-informed principles of the Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit and uses a psycho-educational approach which avoids triggering or re-traumatising participants. Evidence-based, gender neutral and can be used to support anyone who has been subjected to abuse. ## Foundations Course The Foundations Programme is a carefully designed, peer support led by facilitators, compassionate 6-session support Programme created, specifically for mothers navigating life after separation from children. ## Boundaries Parenting This course is aimed at individuals who struggle with co-dependency, poor communication and unfulfilling relationships. Those who constantly give their time to others at the expense of their own emotional, physical and mental well-being, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and resentful – without realising that unhealthy boundaries are at the core of their presenting issues. ## Upcoming Alana House events #### To find out more or book onto any of these groups, call Alana House at [0118 921 7640](tel:01189217640), email or contact your keyworker.  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x Current Month --- ### [BB4K Support For Children Aged 5-11](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-children-aged-5-11/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # BB4K support for children aged 5-11 Our bespoke programme helps children aged 5-11 years and their parent to come to terms with experiencing a family breakdown. The BB4K programme consists of an 8 week children’s and parents’ course that is run simultaneously by trained professionals for around 90 minutes. These sessions will be run in local venues, typically during term time. (BB4K will contact schools to ensure absences are approved) The aim of the children’s course is to raise children’s self-esteem and to give them an opportunity to explore and express their feelings through fun, child-focused activities, in a safe therapeutic way. The aim of the parents’ course is to empower them and validate their parental role.   ## The BB4K programme covers topics such as: - Understanding feelings - Breaking the silence - Helping hands - Keeping ourselves safe - Is it right to fight? We are not to blame. - Anger - A bag full of worries - I am special ## Thank you for letting me come to talk about my feelings, play games and have lots of fun. I wish we could all come again! BB4K child ## I have learnt a lot and feel that I am more confident as a parent and in myself generally. BB4K parent ## The parachute games were fun BB4K child ## It has made our home much happier and calmer. We speak more and have special time together. BB4K parent ## I liked playing with the play dough BB4K child ## My relationship with Scott has strengthened and I am beginning to understand what my children’s behaviour is communicating. BB4K parent ## I made new friends BB4K child ## I have seen Sarah increasing in confidence, more able to share her concerns with me and understands that she is not responsible for others’ behaviour. BB4K parent ## About the parents’ course What makes BB4K so successful is that the parents’ course runs simultaneously with the children’s course and focuses on the same topics that the children are learning each week. This enables the adult to understand what their child is learning and reinforce this in the home environment. It encourages them to look at domestic abuse through the eyes of the child and continue practising the techniques they have learned for long–term benefits to the child. Often people who have been in abusive relationships have had their parenting undermined and their confidence and self-worth diminished. Therefore rebuilding the bond between parent and child is a key goal in moving forward with the healing process for both of them. Children whose parents take part in the course and who use the techniques at home have an enhanced therapeutic experience as their involvement is invaluable towards supporting their children. The parents’ course provides opportunities for parents to become less isolated and to gain a greater understanding of how best to support their children. If parents are given the opportunity to be heard, believed and to be able to express their feelings, then they are more able to support their children in the same way.  The BB4K programme for this age group is a closed group, and participation is by referral only (we do accept self-referrals). Please see our referrals page for further details. [ Make a referral ](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) If you would like to know more about the support BB4K can offer, please get in touch with a member of the team at .  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [BB4K 121](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-121/) **Published:** December 18, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # BB4K one-to-one support At Bounce Back for Kids, we understand that every family is unique. Some people may not be able to access group settings, and in these cases, we might offer tailored one-to-one support. This option can be discussed during the initial assessment call with one of our support workers (please note one-to-one sessions are limited and offered at the discretion of the BB4K staff). These one-to-one sessions: - Typically take place in school - Last around 45 minutes each week - Run for approximately eight weeks during term time. Please note that parents/carers will also be required to attend one-to-one sessions. These are an important part of the process, as they help the parent/carer feel confident and equipped to support their child beyond the eight week programme. [Make a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/)   ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Fifty to the Max terms and conditions](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max-terms-and-conditions/) **Published:** November 2, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Fifty to the Max: Challenge terms and conditions By accepting a place in the *Fifty to the Max* Challenge I agree with PACT and understand that: ## Registration and participation 1\. I am taking part in a fundraising challenge for businesses to raise as much money as possible for PACT. 2\. To participate in the challenge, businesses must register on the PACT website. 3\. I will inform PACT immediately if I am unable to take part in the Fifty to the Max Challenge. 4\. The challenge will run for one month, from 1st March to 31st March 2026. 5\. I understand that I will receive £50 in cash from PACT to take part in this challenge. 6\. I understand that the minimum cash/donation amount I must return to PACT at the end of the challenge (across all participating teams) is £50. ## Fundraising 7\. Businesses can choose any fundraising activity they like. However, all fundraising activities must be legal and ethical. 8\. Examples of fundraising activities that PACT advises participants against include: - Activities that are illegal or unethical. This includes activities such as gambling, selling illegal goods or services, or engaging in fraudulent activity. - Activities that are dangerous or unsafe. This includes activities such as stunts, extreme sports, or anything that could put participants at risk of injury unless these activities are being organised and overseen by a suitable qualified individual or organisation. - Activities that are insensitive or offensive. This includes activities that could be seen as being disrespectful to people. - Participants should also be mindful of undertaking activities that are not likely to raise much money. This includes activities that are costly to organise or that require a lot of time and effort. Other advisories and considerations: - There are specific UK rules regarding running a raffle such as selling raffle tickets for a prize that is worth less than the cost of the ticket. This is a form of gambling and is illegal in the UK. If you are planning to run a raffle we recommend consulting with a PACT employee first. - Selling food or drinks that have not been prepared in a safe and hygienic environment. This could pose a health risk to participants and could lead to legal liability for the business. - Holding a fundraising event at a venue that is not accessible to people with disabilities. This would be discriminatory and would go against PACT’s values. - Promoting a fundraising event in a way that is misleading or deceptive. This could damage both your business and PACT’s reputation and could lead to legal liability for the business. - PACT also encourages businesses to be mindful of the impact of any fundraising activities on the environment. For example, avoid using disposable materials. 9\. I will comply with the fundraising guidance and advice issued by PACT and abide by the Code of Fundraising Practice issued by the Fundraising Regulator. 10\. I will not use PACT’s logo without permission. 11\. My fundraising **will not** include: a. Raising funds by carrying out door-to-door or unsolicited collections; b. Collecting in any public place without obtaining PACT’s authorisation and a street collection licence from the local authority and/or any other licences or consent required; c. Collecting on private property (including shops, pubs, etc.) without obtaining PACT’s authorisation and permission of the owner of the private property; 12\. I agree that gift aid payments cannot count towards the fundraising total and instead will be considered as over and above the fundraising total. ## Donations and payment terms 13\. Businesses can collect donations in any way they like. 14\. Any cheques, CAF vouchers and Charities trust vouchers must be made payable to ‘PACT’ and sent to the Fundraising Manager, 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS. 15\. PACT encourages participating business’ to set up an account on Enthuse, registering under the Fifty to the Max fundraising challenge. PACT will share a link to set up an account on Enthuse following official sign up to the challenge. By using Enthuse donors will be able to add Gift Aid to their donation automatically. 16\. Anyone looking to pay via bank transfer will be provided with PACT’s bank details upon request. 17\. I understand that as much as possible, all monies collected should be paid to PACT no later than Friday 3rd April 2026. 18\. I agree that if I withdraw for any reason prior to the end of the Fifty to the Max Challenge, any monies raised will be non-refundable and will be treated as a donation to PACT. 19\. I will only use sponsorship forms issued by PACT and not use any other type of sponsorship form (unless otherwise agreed with PACT) 20\. Any sponsorship forms will be sent to PACT by the end of the challenge with details of the names and addresses of and amounts donated or pledged by all sponsors. This will allow PACT to process gift aid on donations. ## Prizes 21\. The business that raises the most money will win a prize. The prize will be announced on the PACT website before the start of the challenge. ## Personal data and images 22\. I give permission for the free use of my name, business, any pictures submitted/ shared relating to the challenge, other associated images, feedback, and comments in any future publicity, advertising, fundraising materials and/or promotion of PACT’s challenges. 23\. I give permission for my personal information to be stored and used by PACT in connection with the organisation, promotion and administration of the Fifty to the Max Challenge. ## Liability 24\. PACT are not liable for any injuries or damages that occur associated with this challenge.  --- ### [Sensory processing workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/sensory-processing-workshop/) **Published:** July 24, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Sensory processing workshop for parents and carers What is your child’s nervous system trying to tell you? A supportive and interactive sensory processing parent/carer workshop exploring the common sensory preferences, patterns and behavioural responses we might see at home. The workshop will include opportunities to share your own insights and experiences, and quiz Lucy on sensory strategies for greater calm and playful family time together. Lucy Brown is an Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner. Lucy has been supporting our PACT families via our FACTS service since 2020, contributing to Multidisciplinary Assessment and delivering direct Sensory Integration therapy. To book on, email .  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month No Events ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Adopter Champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) **Published:** September 14, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # PACT Adopter Champions PACT appreciates how wonderful parenting can be but also how challenging it can be at times and how sometimes adoptive parents need some extra support or insight into understanding the needs of their children. PACT has recruited and trained an amazing team of adoptive parents as support practitioners. They have in-depth knowledge of the issues a family may face and are PACT’s “experts by experience” – parents who have adopted children and have built up a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of the joys and challenges of raising adopted children. Adopter champions are not social workers or counsellors but they are here to offer other adopters and prospective adopters one-off or regular support on a range of issues, including: - Adopting siblings or older children - Single parent adoption or LGBTQ+ parenting - Transitions and support and strategies for settling in a child - Behavioural support and strategies to help with eating, sleeping, ‘tantrums’, aggression, anxiety, regression and other behaviours that are deemed as challenging - Helping parents to understand their children’s own story including how to talk with children about their story and how to revisit this at different ages - Supporting parents with navigating educational support in nursery and school settings or as part of education other than at school (EOTAS) - Accessing funding for your child or children They can also make referrals to PACT’s [FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/) and [Strengthening Families](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/) teams to help you access other types of support and advice if you need it. ## **PACT is here to support you at every stage of your journey.** If you would like support from our adopter champions, you can speak to your social worker or contact our team at where you will be put in touch with the most appropriate adopter champion. ## Megan Megan is married to Charles and has two sons, her birth son is aged 23 and her adopted son is aged 21. She has 15 years’ experience of adoption and brings with her 16 years’ experience of setting up support services that make a real impact on those supported. “Adoption has challenged the way I saw parenting and took me on one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys as I learned to develop an individual relationship with each child and to implement therapeutic parenting strategies that worked. This enabled my children to navigate life, its obstacles and hurdles and develop into young adults who are overcomers, well rounded and confident in who they are.” ## Mark Mark with his husband Laurence adopted a sibling group eight years ago, a brother and sister who are now 13 and 14 years old. Mark is a specialist teacher for looked after/adopted children and teaches within the special educational sector, and he can assist you in navigating the education system. He can also help in answering questions and providing support for LGBTQIA+ and sibling adoption. “Having two children move in with us and become their parents has been completely life-changing. Despite the challenges and hurdles along the way, every day we are thankful for the joys that our children bring to our lives and those magic moments of being proud parents.” ## Sarah Sarah is married to David and became an adoptive parent 14 years ago to a son and daughter, now aged 21 and 19. She has a background in social work and more recently has worked in advocacy with children and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. Sarah can offer support to adopters with older children, sibling groups and children with special needs, including navigating education, social care and mental health services. “Being an adoptive parent has allowed me to see close up the huge impact of trauma. With this has come real struggles and challenges but also great rewards as we have learnt different ways to support our children in their daily lives; to better manage big feelings, to feel more settled in themselves and to grow into independence. We are so proud of them and our journey together as a strong and resilient family unit” ## Beth Beth is married to Lee and became an adoptive parent 18 years ago to two sons, who are full siblings, now aged 26 and 24. She has taught in secondary schools for the past 32 years and has extensive experience of working with teenagers. Beth can offer support to families who are adopting older children and siblings who have experienced early trauma. “Becoming an adoptive parent has been the most profound experience which has redefined my understanding of what it means to be human. There are many challenges that all those on an adoption journey need to overcome, but the rewards of nurturing our children into adulthood and independence put all those hard times into perspective.” ### Lisa, Paul and their son Timmy received support from PACT’s Adopter Champion service after Timmy was experiencing issues at home and in school. Lisa said: “Without a doubt I would recommend the Adopter Champion service. It has truly saved my family! We now have a wonderful little boy who enjoys spending time with his family, and comes to us for comfort. At home now we are not just surviving, we are thriving.” [Read their story](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/)  ## Families who received support from the Adopter Champion service said… ## Thank you for all of your support and advice over the last couple of years. I know I took the first step in contacting PACT; however, I truly believe your intervention saved our family. Our home is unrecognisable to how it was before. There is now joy and laughter (most of the time!) with proper hugs and cuddles. With your help, I no longer feel alone and isolated. I have now found my mojo again. \[Our son\] is in a much better place emotionally now. We now see the funny, cheeky, loving little boy he truly is. ## We now have a wonderful little boy who enjoys spending time with his family, and comes to us for comfort. At home now we are not just surviving, we are thriving. ## Everything is going really well and we are in a much better space than before. Thank you for listening to me during our conversations. It really was helpful to let things out to someone who truly understands what we had been going through and have your perspective on things. ## \[Our adopter champion\] was able to reassure us that we were not alone in experiencing these issues and he reminded us of why they might be happening. He was able to identify areas of need and liaise with myself and PACT to get the support our family needed. The work of our adopter champions is further enhanced by a pool of volunteer adoption peer supporters, who are able to provide more experience from which to draw upon and support prospective and existing adopters on their journey. If you would like support from our adopter champions or to speak to a volunteer peer supporter, you can speak to your social worker or contact our team at . You can download a flyer about our adopter champions [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Adopter-Champion-Flyer-March-2021.pdf). ### PACT is grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for funding that supports the cost of providing the Adopter Champions service  --- ### [Meet Lydia](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/lydia/) **Published:** September 15, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Meet Lydia ### **Tell me about the Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) programme** The BB4K programme is a really special thing. We generally run for 8 weeks covering age-appropriate themes around domestic abuse recovery, like knowing what ‘safety’ should feel like or that children are not to blame for their experiences. All of this is done through the language that children speak best – play and creativity. We will never directly ask a child to talk about their abuse, everything is explored through story books, group activities or crafts. For example, when we explore the theme of ‘blame’ we might play a game of giant Jenga and wonder when it falls down – is that just one person’s fault or did others contribute? It helps children begin to understand that the difficult things they’ve experienced aren’t their fault. They didn’t cause the chaos around them, and they don’t need to carry the weight of that blame. The really unique thing about BB4K is that we work with the victim-survivor parent AND the child at the same time. Literally, we’ll have the children’s group in one room and the parents’ group next door. The beauty of this setup is the way it allows us to support both sides in real time. This means that if we’re helping children explore a feeling like anger one week, we’ll help them to understand it’s a completely natural and common emotion – one they’re absolutely allowed to feel, as long as they’re not hurting anyone with it. Meanwhile, in the parents’ group, we’re helping them understand how to support their child through that same emotion. So, all the emotional regulation and grounding tools we teach the children; the parents learn them too. That way, they can help their child practice those skills when they need them most. ### **What are some of the challenges the children you support face in school?** When you’ve experienced trauma like domestic abuse, whether it was directed at you or if you were just in the house where it happened, it can stay with you for a long time. It often takes years to fully process. Most people assume that once parents separate, the abuse ends. But in reality, that period can be one of the most challenging times for families, particularly children. At school, children who’ve experienced abuse often respond in one of two ways. For some, school becomes their safe space, the one place where they can truly display their big feelings. This might show up as upset, anger or a strong need to be in control. These children are more likely to express their emotions outwardly, which can sometimes feel disruptive to teachers or classmates. Other children may do the opposite: they internalise their emotions. These children get really good at ‘masking’ how they feel when they’re at school. And if you’re using all your energy to keep your feelings under wraps, are you really going to have the capacity to focus on multiplying fractions or learning what a verb is? These children can easily fly under the radar. Then, when they get home and they’re exhausted from holding it all in, they might have big emotional outbursts to the tiniest of triggers. ### **What do you find most challenging about your job?** We aim to speak to a parent within seven days of their referral to us. We work so hard to make sure everyone on our team is compassionate and friendly, a real person on the end of that phone who will take the time to understand their unique situation. That’s one of my favourite parts of the job: introducing families to what we do and hearing their excitement for the programme and how we can help them. The tricky part is what comes next. Naturally, you want to jump straight into placing them in a group and getting started, but it’s not always that simple. Some families may have circumstances that mean we’re not the right fit just yet. For example, we can’t work with a family who is still living with their abuser, as it wouldn’t be safe or effective. In these cases, we always do our best to refer families to services that are more suitable for their current needs, and we make sure they know they’re welcome to come back when the time is right. ### **What is the most rewarding?** I have a huge passion for our early years age children; we work with children as young as three in our 3-5s groups. To support little ones, you have to get quite creative with how you’re going to approach a topic, especially subjects like ‘anxiety’ or ‘anger.’ We offer messy play to support mindfulness, we make ‘worry monsters’ out of sewn up toe socks and we create owl puppet families to explore separation anxiety. All different ways of using play to process and learn. It’s so much fun! The best part is that, at the end of every 3-5s group, we bring the parents and children together for some bonding and attachment games. The activities change every week, but we always finish with a ‘blanket swing’ which is where we sing to the children as they’re swung all snuggled up in a blanket. The swinging regulates their nervous system and encourages them to feel soothed by their parent, you actually see them start to relax as they co-regulate together. So simple and so magic! --- ### [Moving on to Placement](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/moving-on-to-placement/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Moving onto Placement This course looks at the next stages following approval. This half day online training covers: - Family Finding - The children waiting - Linking and Matching - The role of foster carers - Moving on to adoption: the UEA model of introductions - Early stages of placement, expectations and creating attachments - Parenting your child To book please email [katie.leighton@pactcharity.org.](mailto:katie.leighton@pactcharity.org)  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month No Events --- ### [Corporate wishes](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-wishes/) **Published:** November 21, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Grant a Wish this Christmas Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many but for those who have experienced trauma, Christmas can be a difficult time. PACT aims to bring light, hope and joy to children, families and women affected by trauma, helping them to enjoy a brighter and happier Christmas. 🌟 **Together, we can help make wishes come true.** **Please donate below to our [Christmas appeal](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/)**. --- ### [Becoming a Blended Family film and webinar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/becoming-a-blended-family-film-webinar/) **Published:** September 28, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Becoming a Blended Family film and webinar The course is designed for prospective adopters, who already have children, in stage 1 and stage 2 of the assessment process, or recently approved prior to placement, who have existing children (birth or adopted) in their family. The course is **for PACT adoptive parents only** and provides support with: - How to talk to your existing child/ren about adoption - How to support your existing child/ren to share their feelings - Preparing your existing child/ren for changes in family dynamics - How to involve your existing child/ren during introductions - An opportunity to meet other prospective adopters who have existing children in their family The Becoming a Blended Family film and webinar can be found on CATCH [here](http://www.catchconnect.org).  ## The course will run on the following dates: Current Month No Events ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Talking with Children About Adoption course](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/talking-to-children-about-adoption-course/) **Published:** September 28, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Talking with Children About Adoption course (continuing the life story journey) This training session will focus on assisting you to help your child understand their life story through play as well as a variety of other techniques. It will explore children’s cognitive understanding of adoption as well as when and how to talk to children. We will also look at a variety of phrases that you can use with your child to help them gain a healthy understanding of their journey into your family as well as developing a positive sense of their identity. This course will be run by members of PACT’s Strengthening Families Team and PACT’s Training Officer. ## Next course date TBC.  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month No Events ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields X/Twitter This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Church wishes](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/church-wishes/) **Published:** October 14, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Grant a Wish this Christmas Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many but for those who have experienced trauma, Christmas can be a difficult time. PACT aims to bring light, hope and joy to children, families and women affected by trauma, helping them to enjoy a brighter and happier Christmas. 🌟 **Together, we can help make wishes come true.** **Please donate below to our [Christmas appeal](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/)**. --- ### [Shop stars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/shop-stars/) **Published:** October 10, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Grant a Wish this Christmas Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many but for those who have experienced trauma, Christmas can be a difficult time. PACT aims to bring light, hope and joy to children, families and women affected by trauma, helping them to enjoy a brighter and happier Christmas. 🌟 **Together, we can help make wishes come true.** **Please donate below to our [Christmas appeal](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/)**. --- ### [Christmas appeal donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/) **Published:** October 10, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Grant a Wish this Christmas Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many but for those who have experienced trauma, Christmas can be a difficult time. PACT aims to bring light, hope and joy to children, families and women affected by trauma, helping them to enjoy a brighter and happier Christmas. 🌟 **Together, we can help make wishes come true.** **Please donate below to our [Christmas appeal](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/)**. Every year, PACT changes hundreds of lives by building and nurturing adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. Click [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) to find out how we make a difference. --- ### [Meet Amy](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/amy/) **Published:** September 15, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Meet Amy Amy is PACT’s Specialist Educational Worker. She adopted her son seven years ago through PACT and worked as a primary school teacher for 20 years in different types of schools. Her last job was as Deputy Head. She’s worked for PACT for over six years now – supporting parents and schools to support children to be able to engage in school. ### **Tell me about your role and the background to it** Looked after children and previously looked after children can have a very difficult time in the education system. They may have been kept out of childcare settings, moved around or been excluded. It was realised that there was a need within PACT’s services to provide specialised support around navigating the school environment to ensure everyone gets a positive school experience. My role sits within the Adoption Support team which provides a wide range of support for families who have adopted through PACT – we’ll support families for as long as they need us at whatever stage they are in. Other support includes the Strengthening Families Team (specialist and therapeutically trained social workers), Families and Children Therapeutic Support, Adopter Champions (peer led support) and Adoptee Voices (a group for adopted children to socialise and share their experiences). ### **What are the challenges children face with school?** Most of our children were removed from their families so have experienced trauma at an early age. This manifests itself in a variety of ways in school. If they’ve experienced neglect or abuse, they are often hyper-vigilant – extremely aware of their surroundings. Busy schools and classrooms can be extremely distracting with their sensory needs either over or under stimulated. Most of our children will have attachment anxiety and there’s a strong need to ensure the drop off and pick up are handled well by parents and why I recommend not using wraparound care initially. ### **How do you work with PACT parents?** Helping people understand their rights and the responsibilities of their local authority for their child, looked after and previously looked after children are part of a council’s duty of care to support. Usually, I have an initial phone call to get their point of view on the situation and I would also talk to the school. Quite often the next step will be a meeting with all the different people involved. I might go into school for an observation if we are struggling to pinpoint where the triggers might be. My relationship is with the school and the parent, helping them understand what they need to do for the child. Everyone who adopts through PACT has access to our online support hub, [CATCH](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) which is a wealth of knowledge and many local authorities have a licence for it too which can be accessed by schools. ### **What do you find most challenging about your job?** Education can be a complex system to navigate with different pathways for different needs. Trauma responses can exhibit in similar ways to neurodiversity traits and, of course, can be both, so trying to work out what the best diagnosis can be can be complex. There is a lack of resources, I’ve never known budgets so tight which means schools and teachers are under a lot of pressure. ### **What do you find most rewarding about your job?** Seeing the children begin to thrive and the subsequent benefit to family life. --- ### [Maintaining relationships workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/maintaining-relationships-workshop/) **Published:** October 1, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Maintaining relationships workshop for PACT adoptive parents Support your child’s identity and wellbeing through meaningful connections with birth family and significant others. This online workshop will cover: - Why relationships matter in adoption - Legal and research context - Ways to stay in touch: face-to-face, digital, postal - Supporting sibling contact - Trauma-informed approaches - Minimising risks and planning safe contact To book, please contact [karen.simmons@pactcharity.org.](mailto:karen.simmons@pactcharity.org)  ### **Upcoming sessions:** Current Month October 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/maintaining-relationships-workshop-4/) [*tue06oct9:30 am**1:00 pm*Maintaining relationships workshopFor PACT adoptive parents*9:30 am – 1:00 pm(GMT+01:00)* ](#) ### Event Details Support your child’s identity and wellbeing through meaningful connections with birth family and significant others. This online workshop will cover: ### Event Details Support your child’s identity and wellbeing through meaningful connections with birth family and significant others. This online workshop will cover: - Why relationships matter in adoption - Legal and research context - Ways to stay in touch: face-to-face, digital, postal - Supporting sibling contact - Trauma-informed approaches - Minimising risks and planning safe contact To book, please contact [karen.simmons@pactcharity.org.](mailto:karen.simmons@pactcharity.org) ### Time October 6, 2026 9:30 am – 1:00 pm(GMT+01:00) [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/13177_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Maintaining%20relationships%20workshop&dates=20261006T083000Z/20261006T120000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Maintaining%20relationships%20workshop&location= "Add to your Google calendar") ## Event adoptiontraining@pactcharity Form for events that sends the submission to adoptiontraining@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields LinkedIn This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adopter\* I am a PACT adopter These sessions are only available to PACT adopters and those in the process of adopting with PACT. If you adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our training events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adopter. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit --- ### [Back to school](https://www.pactcharity.org/back-to-school/) **Published:** September 15, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Back to school – help all our children reach their potential 🌟 This autumn term we are aiming to raise **£20,000** which could go towards our vital services that support children to thrive at school. Together we can ensure their early-life experiences do not affect their future dreams and aspirations. ## Why we are needed: - The majority of the children we work with have experienced trauma. This can express itself as confusion, anger, behavioural difficulties or inability to focus in school. - Adopted children are 20 times more likely to be excluded from schools. - 65% of adopters think their school doesn’t understand the impact of their child’s background on their mental health, and ability to engage, learn and achieve their potential\*. - Exposure to domestic abuse causes serious physical and psychological harm to children. According to a study, 39% had difficulties adjusting at school, 52% had behavioural problems and 52% had challenges with social development\*\*.  ## Our impact: - On average, we work with 70 children a year through our education specialist worker. - In 2024-2025, we worked with 158 children through BB4K. - It is worth noting that we indirectly benefitted a further 422 people last year, including adoptive parents and siblings. - On average we work with approximately 20 schools at any one time, thus reaching 40+ teaching staff. - Whilst the immediate impacts of this work are obvious, the longer-term influence should not be underestimated. A positive experience in school goes beyond educational achievement, it’s the foundations for future confidence and relationships. ## Fundraising ideas: - School dinners – if you have a canteen could you add a donation ask of £1 to one of the meals. - Bake sale – [download our Bake A Wish fundraising pack](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Bake-a-wish-corporate-pack.pdf) which includes recipes, cake signs and a customisable price poster. - Guess Who? Everyone brings in an old school photo and you pay £1 to play and see if you recognise your colleagues. - PACT lunch and learn – book a presentation with us to find out more about our work and how you can help. ## Find out more 💙 If you would like to find out more about fundraising for our life-changing work, please email Stephanie Harvey (PACT’s Corporate Partnerships Executive). [Email Stephanie ](mailto:Stephanie.Harvey@pactcharity.org)  ## What your donation can do: **⭐** **£500** could provide support to families and schools to help children who have experienced trauma and abuse to reach their full potential. **⭐** **£100** could give adoptive parents access to vital support and advice from our Educations Specialist, helping them understand their rights. **⭐** **£50** could buy craft materials to support a group session with children who witnessed domestic abuse express their feelings. ## Meet Amy 👋 Amy is PACT’s Specialist Educational Worker. She adopted her son seven years ago through PACT and worked as a primary school teacher for 20 years in different types of schools. Her last job was as Deputy Head. She’s worked for PACT for over six years now – supporting parents and schools to support children to be able to engage in school. I joined her for a chat after she had run a Navigating Education workshop. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/amy) ## Meet Lydia 👋 Lydia is PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids Service Lead and Support Worker. [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/lydia) \*Adoption UK \*\*[Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse](https://safelives.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/In-plain-sight-policy-report.pdf) --- ### [Adoption FAQs](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-faqs/) **Published:** September 1, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoption FAQs ## FAQs ### Will I be able to adopt a baby?  Although there are children of all ages waiting for adoption, there are a large proportion who are aged three or older, or in sibling groups. You are likely to be matched more quickly with a child or children if you are open to adopting children of all ages. There are some younger children available for adoption through our early permanence scheme. This initiative involves babies and young children being placed with potential adopters who are also approved as temporary foster carers while decisions are made about the child’s future within the family court process. Please see our [early permanence ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/fostering-for-adoption/)page for more details about this. ### Do I have to be a British citizen to adopt a child?  No, but to adopt a child in the UK you must have your main home here and have lived in the UK for at least a year before you apply to court for an adoption order. If you are not a British citizen it’s not a requirement to become one, but it does help if you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK or Dual Citizenship. ### Is my relationship status important when adopting a child?  No. It does not matter whether you are single, married or in a partnership when you adopt a child. However, we do ask that couples have been living together for at least two years. The assessment process will also explore as far as possible that your relationship is stable as having children will require a major adjustment. ### Do I need experience of looking after children before adopting a child?  We encourage our adopters to obtain personal or professional ‘hands-on’ experience with children before adopting a child, particularly if you are thinking of adopting older children or adopting sibling groups. We give advice and ideas for voluntary work including working in a nursery, school or club for applicants to gain experience with children they do not know, as this will be helpful to prepare you as an adoptive parent. We can signpost you to agencies willing to offer such volunteering experience. ### Can I continue with any fertility treatments whilst I apply to adopt?  If you have been undergoing treatment to conceive, we will usually ask that at least six months have elapsed since the last cycle of treatment has finished before you can begin the process to adopt a child. This request will depend on how long you were in treatment and may vary case by case. We know from experience and research that this period after treatment allows for the one chapter to end and another to begin. It is best that adoption is a positive choice rather than a reactive one to infertility. ### Does it matter where I live when I adopt a child?  We are looking for people from across southern and central England who are considering becoming a parent through adoption. Our teams are located in London, Reading, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Brighton and Devon. It does not matter if you live in rented accommodation or own your house as long as your accommodation is stable, you have a spare bedroom and have no plans to move (or renovate) in the near future. ### Do I need to stop working if I adopt?  No, but the main carer will need to be able to take a minimum of nine months but preferably 12 months off as adoption leave. This can be shared if you are adopting as a couple. This may need to be longer depending on the needs of the child and what you can afford. ### Can I adopt if I smoke?  PACT is aware of the medical evidence regarding the impact of passive smoking on children and is looking to place children in smoke-free homes. Local authorities placing children will not prioritise a family where anyone smokes, whether in the home or not. If you currently smoke and would like to adopt via PACT you will have to give up smoking (cigarettes and cigars). You will need confirmation from your GP that you have started a smoking cessation plan at least six months before we can offer to work with you. ### Do I have to be medically fit to adopt a child?  Yes, you do need to be in good health to adopt a child but having a diagnosed medical condition does not necessarily bar you from adoption. As part of the adoption process you will need to have an adoption health assessment with your GP and this will need to be seen by PACT’s medical adviser. We need you to be medically fit to care for a child throughout childhood and have a good chance of being there for them into their adulthood. ### If I have experience of mental health issues, can I adopt?  Yes. If you have experienced or are currently experiencing a mental health problem it does not mean you would not be considered for adoption. It is important that applicants are mentally and physically robust to cope with the demands of the adoption process and parenthood, so our medical advisor would want to understand the circumstances of your condition and be reassured that you would be able to deal with the inevitable stresses of parenting. We would recommend you speak to your GP to discuss whether they would support your decision to adopt. Therapeutic support and recovery from mental health issues can be a strength for a prospective adopter. ### Does my weight affect whether or not I can adopt?  It depends. We do require you to be in good health to adopt a child or children, and to have a good chance of being there for them into their adulthood. As part of the assessment process, you will need to have an adoption health assessment with your GP and your body mass index (BMI) will be taken into account. PACT’s medical advisor will review the GP assessment and it may be that you are required to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle before you can continue the adoption assessment process. ### Can I adopt a child or children of a different heritage to me?  Yes, although PACT aims to place children within families of a similar background to their own to enable children to identify with the adoptive family culturally, visually and emotionally. Children from Black, mixed or minority heritage backgrounds often wait longer to be adopted so PACT is always looking for people from Black and Black/White British backgrounds to apply to adopt. Where children can’t be placed in families who match their own heritage, PACT will look at an applicant’s family connections, support network and wider community to determine whether the child or children being placed would feel a sense of belonging within the family. PACT is a UK adoption agency and only places children who live in the UK. If you live in the UK and you are looking to adopt a child or children from another country, you can find out more about inter-country adoption on the [IAC website](https://www.icacentre.org.uk/). ### How much does adoption cost?  There is no fee charged by adoption agencies for applicants who wish to adopt a child, or children, from the UK. This is the same whether you choose to adopt through an independent or voluntary adoption agency like PACT, a local authority, or a regional adoption agency. There can be charges for certain checks that are carried out as part of the assessment. These include the medical assessment from your GP, which many surgeries do charge for, and also an overseas Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if an applicant has ever lived or worked abroad. There may also be a cost if there is a need for an interpreter and/or translator for any referees who are unable to speak or write in English. To find out more about the cost of adoption, [read this article](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-how-much-does-adoption-cost/). When assessing a family to become adoptive parents, we are not looking for people with high incomes or vast savings. Being on a low income or receiving benefits does not mean you can’t adopt a child and the adoption process is designed so that income is not a barrier for someone choosing to become a parent. However, having children can be expensive so we are looking for people to demonstrate they can manage their finances and are able to be at home with a child or children for at least 12 months. If you work, this will mean taking adoption leave. Please note that PACT is unable to reimburse travel expenses for training or meetings. ### Is adoption only for people without children?  No. Many of our adopters have birth children, adopted children and step-children already, or are already permanently caring for a child not related to them. If you are already a parent we ask for there to be a significant age gap between an adopted child and children already in the family. The age gap should be a minimum of two years but local authorities placing children with our families are currently requesting a bigger age gap and that, ideally, existing children in the family are aged five or older. ### How long will it take to adopt?  The adoption process to become an approved adopter is designed to be completed in six months. The matching process will then be dependent on each individual situation, and the time it takes for adopters to be matched can vary, although adopters who can be opened-minded about the children they could care for are more likely to be matched quicker. In 2023/4, our average time between approval and being linked with a child was 5.4 months. For more details about the process see our [Brief guide to adopting with PACT.](/adoption/adoption-guide/) ### What is the age limit to adopting?  You do need to be at least 21 years old to adopt but there is no legal upper age limit. As caring for children is demanding you need to be able to demonstrate you have the energy, and emotional and physical health necessary to care for a child throughout childhood and into adulthood. ### Do I have to be heterosexual to apply to adopt?  No. PACT actively welcomes LGBTQ+ people to enquire about adopting with PACT. ### Does it matter what my religion is?  PACT has no set criteria about the religious beliefs of our adopters. Children waiting to be adopted come from a range of religious and non-religious backgrounds and we are seeking families to accommodate this variety – your religion and cultural background may be a positive factor as we can match you with a child who shares them, encouraging cross culture adoption. ### Will there be any contact with my child’s birth family after adoption?  It is likely we will expect you to keep contact with an adopted child’s birth family. This could be with their siblings who are living elsewhere or their birth parents or other significant adults. The contact can be indirect, through information sharing or direct contact. Adopted children need to know and understand their history in order to help them make sense of their past. Having contact with birth relatives and significant people from their past can help children understand their identity and contact with these people may help the adoption be more successful. You would receive support and training from PACT about the different types of contact and the benefits of contact. ### Do I need to have a spare room when I adopt?  It is important that you have a spare bedroom for an adopted child. If you are adopting siblings, ideally they will each have their own bedroom, however, for some sibling groups, it may be possible for them to share. ## Download our guide to adoption Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. You can also fill in our enquiry form to receive a full Adoption Information Pack which will explain each step of the process in detail. [Download our adoption guide](/adoption/adoption-guide/)  ## Talking Adoption show Hear PACT’s team bust some common myths around adoption, including who is eligible to adopt and what the process is really like. To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ## Come to an information event to find out more Book on to one of our online information events [See upcoming events](/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [One off donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/one-off-donation/) **Published:** August 26, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Make a one-off donation --- ### [Friend of PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/friend-of-pact/) **Published:** August 26, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Become a Friend of PACT today! --- ### [Give](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/give/) **Published:** August 6, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Change lives by donating to PACT today --- ### [BB4K groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # BB4K groups for children and parents BB4K supports families affected by domestic abuse, once they are safe from harm both physically and emotionally. It is a therapeutic support service to assist families healing from trauma. To be able to receive therapeutic intervention families must be physically safe and emotionally ready to access support. Our age-specific groups have been developed to respond to the needs of families who need our support, within the age ranges of 3-5 or 5-11 years. The groups are run for both the child/ren and their parent or carer. We also run groups for parents on topics such as confidence, self-esteem and mental health. You can see our available groups below. To access any of our groups you will need to have been referred to BB4K. To refer yourself or someone you know, click the button below. [Make a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/)  ## Current groups  ## Support for children aged 5-11 --- Our bespoke programme helps children aged 5-11 years and their parent to come to terms with experiencing a family breakdown. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-children-aged-5-11/) ## Support for children aged 3-5 --- This is a programme specifically for children aged 3-5 years old and their parents who have been affected by domestic abuse. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-under-5s/)  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [BB4K Support For Children Aged 3-5](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-groups/bb4k-support-for-under-5s/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # BB4K support for children aged 3-5 This is a programme specifically for children aged 3-5 and their parents who have survived domestic abuse. It consists of a 12-week course for parents and children. Each session begins separately for children and parents, who then come back together for combined activities. The programme aims to enrich the relationship between parent and child through playful interaction and empower the parent to address the needs of their child. The children’s group and combined group work is delivered by an experienced play therapist with early years experience. The parents’ group is delivered by an experienced domestic abuse facilitator.  ## Children’s course Living with domestic abuse can have a serious impact on a child’s behaviour, development and wellbeing. For children aged 3-5 the impact can be greater due to their age and inability to communicate their feelings. The aim of the BB4K 3-5s course is to raise children’s self-esteem and give them an opportunity to explore and express their feelings through fun, child-focused activities and child-directed play, in a safe therapeutic way, promoting resilience and emotional well-being. Each week will focus on a different topic designed to empower and facilitate the healing process of children. ### The aims of the children’s course are: - To improve self-esteem. - To improve the ability to identify and express feelings in appropriate ways. - To improve resilience and emotional well-being. - To understand about safe touch through nurturing, sharing and turn-taking activities. - To improve empathy and problem-solving skills.  ## Parents’ course The parents’ course runs simultaneously with the children’s course and focuses on empowering parents, validating their parental role in a non-judgemental environment and enabling them to see domestic abuse through the eyes of a child. Parents will be given the opportunity to reflect on the impact of domestic abuse on their child’s behaviour and their own. They will learn practical support techniques, which they can continue to practise after the course has finished for long–term benefits to the child. The course will create an environment for parents to feel less isolated and will emphasise that they are not alone. If parents are given the opportunity to be heard, believed and to express their feelings, then they are more able to support their children in the same way. ### The aims of the parents’ course are: - To give parents the opportunity to look at domestic abuse ‘through the eyes of children’. - To empower parents/carers to support their child’s emotional needs and recognise behaviours that children who have lived with domestic abuse often display. - To support parents to develop strategies to deal with certain behaviours. - To develop a support group for parents. - To build parents’ self-esteem and self-confidence. - To offer strategies to enrich relationships between parent and child. - To understand the importance of play in building relationships, improving problem-solving skills, increasing resilience and improving emotional well-being.  ## Combined activities Often adults who have been in abusive relationships have had their parenting undermined and their confidence and self-worth diminished. Therefore enriching the bond between parent and child is a key goal in moving forward with the healing process for both of them, and the combined activities at the end of each session will enhance these positive attachments. ### The aims of the combined activities are: - To enhance a positive relationship between parent and child. - To help parents and children accept that they are worthy of nurture and positive social interaction. If you would like to know more about the support BB4K can offer, please get in touch with a member of the team at . The BB4K 3-5’s programme is a closed group, and participation is by referral only (we do accept self-referrals). Please see our referrals page for further details. [Make a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/)   ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [How we make a difference (adoption)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption/) **Published:** June 21, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # How we make a difference ## Adoption services ### In 2024-25 at PACT… ### We placed ### 84 ### children with ### 55 ### loving, permanent adoptive families  ### **44%**were in sibling groups  ### **51%**of children placed were girls and**49%** were boys  ### **21%**were children of Black or mixed heritage  ### More achievements from our adoption services… - We received **1026** enquiries from prospective adopters - **695** people came to one of our **26** information events - We received **98** applications from prospective adopters and approved **69** families to become adoptive parents - Of the **84** placements we made, **29%** were with individuals or couples who identified as LGBTQ+, **15%** were with parent(s) of Black or mixed heritage and **66%** of adopters stated they had a faith - **23%** of the children we placed in loving families were aged 5 years or older - **95** adoption orders were made **“As we say to the children daily, we may not always have enough arms/hands/laps… but there is always enough love and that is what counts.”** [Read Ellie and Andrea’s story](/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/) **“She may be disabled and she may be adopted, but that is all just one part of who she is. She is my family and we are hers.”** [Read Natasha’s story](/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/) **“Adopting siblings can be so worthwhile. They’ve always got each other… If you know in your heart that you want children, go for it. It’s not easy, but parenting isn’t!”** [Read Mariana and Rob’s story](/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to build and strengthen families and give children the loving, permanent homes they deserve. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   [Return to all services](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) --- ### [Black and mixed heritage adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/black-or-mixed-heritage-adoption/) **Published:** September 3, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Black and mixed heritage adoption Children of Black or mixed heritage often wait the longest to be adopted. Last year, **26%** of the children PACT placed in loving families were of Black, Asian, mixed or minority heritages. Currently there are many children waiting for a permanent family of Black Caribbean, Black British and mixed White and Black Caribbean heritages. We are looking for people who would like to become a parent through adoption who these children can identify with culturally, visually and emotionally. Rated outstanding by Ofsted, PACT offers unrivalled post-adoption support including our online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) and specialist therapeutic support service FACTS. PACT is looking for a range of adopters from all backgrounds to meet the needs of children of Black and mixed heritage and welcomes single adopters as well as couples and is actively recruiting people from the LGBT+ community. To find out more about adopting with PACT, download our adoption guide. [Download a guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/)  If you’d like to have an informal chat about starting your adoption process, you can speak to one of PACT’s Enquiries Officers. They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT Adoption Information Event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Our Enquiries Line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You can also [fill in our enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/#form). ## Adopter stories Sarah\* and Omar\* are a couple of mixed heritages who chose to adopt after having a birth child. After adopting their son, who is of dual heritage, their daughter said how much she loved finally having someone in the family who looked like her. [Read their case study](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-and-fahmi-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) Sarah and Omar said: *“This comment has stayed with us. We had never thought of her feeling so different but when we thought about it, all her family members were either white or black. It was lovely for her to feel that she had someone else the same as her and I think this has made her bond with her little brother that much stronger.”* *\*Names changed for confidentiality purposes* ## Interview with adopters Ian and Marcia Marcia and Ian adopted two sisters of Caribbean heritage through PACT. ## Interview with adopters Eddie and Jody Adopters Eddie and Jody speak openly about their journey to adoption, the highlights and the challenges they have faced. ## Interview with adopter Tony Tony speaks about how he and his wife adopted his daughter after already having a birth child. ## Podcast episode ### Interview with adopter Ruth In this podcast recorded for Black History Month, adopter Ruth speaks about her own journey and how she found the process of becoming a parent. ## Read the stories of families from diverse backgrounds who adopted with PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [## Aidan and Julien adopted their son through PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/)Aidan\* and Julien\* adopted their son Casey\* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [## Mia and Sai adopted their son Ebi](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/)Five-year-old Ebi\* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia\* and Sai\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [## Sonya and Alison adopted Micah at 10 months old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/)Micah\* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya\* and Alison\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [## Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/)Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy\* in 2018 when she was 14 months old. Ruth used to work as a train station manager and Oli works as a train driver… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [## Sarah and Omar adopted after having a birth child](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/)Sarah\* and Omar\* had their first child, Aliya, a year into their relationship and 15 years later they adopted their second child, Samir… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) [## Zena and Jamie adopted Rico when he was two-and-a-half](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/)Zena\* is of mixed white New Zealand and Maori heritage and Jamie\* is white British. They adopted Rico\*, who is also mixed heritage, at age two and a half… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) ## FAQ’s ### Can I speak to someone who adopted with PACT?  PACT has an adopter champion who adopted children from diverse backgrounds who is available to speak to prospective adopters. ### What adoption support is available if I adopt with PACT?  PACT is dedicated to supporting our families through the lifetime of their adoption journeys. We offer specialist adoption support and therapeutic services through our Strengthening Families Team and our specialist Family And Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service. The Adoption Support Fund is also available for the emotional and behavioural needs for children placed up to and after an adoption order is made. As well as this adopted children have priority in the adopter’s school of choice. ### Does PACT have experience of placing children of Black and mixed heritage with adopters?  PACT has assessed families for Black and mixed heritage children from a wide range of backgrounds and is experienced in this type of adoption assessment, matching and placement for such families. ### Will the process take a long time?  PACT is committed to reducing the adoption waiting time for ‘priority children’ of Black and mixed heritage waiting for adopters and will work with prospective adopters to ensure the assessment process is as efficient as possible. --- ### [Diverse heritages](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/diverse-heritages/) **Published:** July 11, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Diverse heritages At PACT we welcome people of all heritages who wish to become parents through adoption. Just as the children waiting for a family are of diverse heritages, we need adoptive parents who understand their heritage and can support their cultural identity. Children of Black or mixed heritage are over-represented in the care system and make up 7% of children in care and 2% of those adopted. This is proportionately smaller than their share of the under 18 population (5%) and Black or mixed heritage children typically wait longer to be adopted than White children. If you are of Black Caribbean or Black African heritage you may find there are many children waiting with a heritage similar to your own. If you are considering becoming a parent through adoption and could offer a secure and loving home to a child or sibling group, contact our friendly enquiries team today. If you’d like to have an informal chat about starting your adoption process, you can speak to one of PACT’s Enquiries Officers. They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT Adoption Information Event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Our Enquiries Line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You can also [fill in our enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/#form).   ## Advice Guide to Adopting a child of Black or mixed heritage Becoming a parent through adoption is a life-changing and deeply personal experience and for those of Black or mixed heritage, it can come with unique considerations and perspectives. The 21 Voluntary Adoption Agencies, who form the The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA), have created this guide with warmth and understanding, drawing from the lived experience of adoptive parents who have already navigated this path. [Download the guide here](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CVAA-Advice-Guide-Adopting-a-child-of-Black-or-other-diverse-ethnicity-2025-FINAL.pdf) ## Adopter stories Sarah\* and Omar\* are a couple of mixed heritages who chose to adopt after having a birth child. After adopting their son, who is of dual heritage, their daughter said how much she loved finally having someone in the family who looked like her. [Read their case study](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-and-fahmi-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) Sarah and Omar said: *“This comment has stayed with us. We had never thought of her feeling so different but when we thought about it, all her family members were either white or black. It was lovely for her to feel that she had someone else the same as her and I think this has made her bond with her little brother that much stronger.”* *\*Names changed for confidentiality purposes* ## Interview with social worker Nadine In a Black History Month episode of our Talking Adoption show, Nadine speaks about the need for more Black and mixed heritage adopters. ## Interview with Grace, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer In this video, Grace speaks about her role reaching out to adopters from diverse backgrounds to help find families for the children who wait the longest. ## Black History Month panel discussion In another special episode of our Talking Adoption show for Black History Month, we speak to a panel of adopters as well as PACT social worker Lorna about the experience of adoption.  ## Meet Grace, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer Grace is responsible for delivering events and campaigns to reach families who could give a child or children in care a loving, permanent home through adoption. She leads on engaging prospective adopters from specific groups, particularly those who are of Black African, Black Caribbean and other Black heritage, LGBTQ+ and those of faith. [Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/grace/) ## Podcast episode ### Interview with adopter Ruth In this podcast recorded for Black History Month, adopter Ruth speaks about her own journey and how she found the process of becoming a parent. [Find Out More](#) ## Read the stories of families from diverse backgrounds who adopted with PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [## Aidan and Julien adopted their son through PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/)Aidan\* and Julien\* adopted their son Casey\* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [## Mia and Sai adopted their son Ebi](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/)Five-year-old Ebi\* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia\* and Sai\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [## Sonya and Alison adopted Micah at 10 months old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/)Micah\* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya\* and Alison\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [## Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/)Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy\* in 2018 when she was 14 months old. Ruth used to work as a train station manager and Oli works as a train driver… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [## Sarah and Omar adopted after having a birth child](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/)Sarah\* and Omar\* had their first child, Aliya, a year into their relationship and 15 years later they adopted their second child, Samir… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) [## Zena and Jamie adopted Rico when he was two-and-a-half](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/)Zena\* is of mixed white New Zealand and Maori heritage and Jamie\* is white British. They adopted Rico\*, who is also mixed heritage, at age two and a half… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) ## FAQ’s ### Can I speak to someone who adopted with PACT?  PACT has an adopter champion who adopted children from diverse backgrounds who is available to speak to prospective adopters. ### What adoption support is available if I adopt with PACT?  PACT is dedicated to supporting our families through the lifetime of their adoption journeys. We offer specialist adoption support and therapeutic services through our Strengthening Families Team and our specialist Family And Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service. The Adoption Support Fund is also available for the emotional and behavioural needs for children placed up to and after an adoption order is made. As well as this adopted children have priority in the adopter’s school of choice. ### Does PACT have experience of placing children of Black and mixed heritage with adopters?  PACT has assessed families for Black and mixed heritage children from a wide range of backgrounds and is experienced in this type of adoption assessment, matching and placement for such families. ### Will the process take a long time?  PACT is committed to reducing the adoption waiting time for ‘priority children’ of Black and mixed ethnicity waiting for adopters and will work with prospective adopters to ensure the assessment process is as efficient as possible. --- ### [FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/) **Published:** September 13, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # FACTS – Family And Children Therapeutic Support We know that many of the challenges encountered by adoptive families can stem from their children’s adverse early life experiences. Because of these, adopted children can often have difficulties in trusting adults and forming healthy relationships within their new permanent families. Our FACTS service reflects PACT’s commitment to provide the support that our amazing adopters and their children need to stay together and thrive. Our FACTS offer includes a wide range of therapeutic clinical assessments and therapies. The FACTS therapeutic model is firmly based on theory, research and practice models within the complex trauma/attachment perspective. Our therapy choices can therefore be really helpful for adoptive families. The types of therapies that can be accessed via FACTS is diverse and can include clinical psychology and psychotherapy services plus other therapy services. Services such as Theraplay®, DDP, therapeutic life journey work, creative therapies such as art, play and drama as well as sensory integration therapy and therapeutic parenting support packages.  We also provide some specific adoption [training programmes](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/) for adoptive parents and potential adoptive parents. All of our FACTS adoption therapists are registered with their own professional body and have had the required robust range of HR checks completed in order to comply with the requirements of providing services under the Adoption Support Service Regulations 2005. ### **Who can benefit from FACTS?** Our FACTS services are available to adopted children/young people of all ages and their families. Through The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund and fundraising PACT provides funding to meet the support needs of eligible children and young people aged up to and including the age of 21 years. For older adopted children who have a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Statement or an Education Health Care (EHC) Plan – funds can be sought for them right up to the age of 25. The FACTS service is also available, if needed, to families who attend PACT’s community projects. In 2024-25, **193** referrals were made to FACTs and many of these families were supported by the service providing targeted therapeutic support, resulting in more families staying together and increasing the longer-term positive outcomes for these children and their families. ### **How does FACTS work?** All of our services are tailored to closely meet the needs of each individual child/young person and their adoptive family. We always try to take a holistic approach and work with parents, children and families, both individually and together. With your agreement we can liaise directly with the local authority or regional adoption agency in your area to help you secure funding for the FACTS service your family needs. ### **Where does the therapeutic adoption support take place?** The therapy may take place in the family home, at the PACT therapy room in Reading or at the therapist’s own premises. Sometimes therapy services can take place within a child’s school setting. Sessions can also be provided virtually. We also run an attachment focused parenting course. To find out more about this see our [adoption training](/adoption-support/training/) page. Find out more about FACTS and whether this is the right adoption support for your family please contact us at [adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org](mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org "adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org") --- ### [Education Support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/) **Published:** September 14, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Education Support ## Meet PACT’s Special Education Worker Amy ## About me Hello! My name is Amy and I am PACT’s education lead. Our education service is available to all of our PACT families regardless of what stage of the adoption process they may be in. I am an adoptive parent and also an experienced education professional. I have taught for nearly 20 years in a range of settings and locations and prior to adopting, I was a deputy headteacher. Therefore, I understand both the emotional challenges that children face within schools as well as the demands on the schools and their staff. ## How I can help I can offer support, advice and training to any type of school and its professionals who have a PACT adoptive child on roll. I can work alongside schools to improve their understanding of developmental trauma and how this might affect a child’s behaviour within the classroom setting. I am also able to offer information and support to families when embarking on the admissions application process, with some helpful tips on finding the right school.  ## My work may include: - Phone conversations with the school - Meetings with the class teacher or specialist teachers within each unique school setting - A range of different INSET training opportunities for all school professionals - Provision of resources on our online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) and signposting to further support and/or other services - Tailor-made provision for the school to be able to further support adopted children – for example, helping a school to devise an individualised curriculum for a specific adopted child ## How my work fits into PACT From time to time this role may mean working in conjunction with other adoption support services within PACT. I may work closely with, or alongside, our Family and Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service; our Strengthening Families Team and/or our Adopter Champions Team. I will also be posting education related information for adopters, schools and professionals on the Hub for everyone to access. The aim of this holistic approach is to try to ensure that families receive a ‘wrap around service’ so that their child/ren feel happy and safe going to school, and ultimately achieve within their educational setting. This approach aims to help each child, whenever possible, to successfully access the school curriculum and better manage their school routine. ## Get in touch If you have any questions or would like to seek some further information, advice and/or support for your child/ren’s school/s please do get in touch by emailing me at [adoptionsupport](mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org)[@pactcharity.org](mailto:amy.thompson@pactcharity.org) My usual working days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays but this is flexible so I will aim to respond to any enquiries within three days. I am really looking forward to working with you. ## Our thanks The Special Education Worker role was made possible by funding from: ### **People’s Postcode Lottery**  ### **British and Foreign School Society**  --- ### [How we make a difference (adoption support)](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/how-we-make-a-difference-adoption-support/) **Published:** June 29, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # How we make a difference ## Adoption support services ### In 2024-25 at PACT… ### **68** ### families were supported by our Adopter Champions ### **193** ### families were referred to our FACTS therapeutic service ### **119** ### families were supported by our Strengthening Families team ### **78** ### families were supported by our Education Support Service ### More achievements from our adoption support services… - **38** events/group meetings for children and adopted young people – **84** children attended family fun days - **18** support sessions for adoptive parents took place - **8** different training courses were held for prospective adopters, adoptive parents and friends and family over **30** sessions - **50** families came to our two family fun days **“\[The Adopter Champion service\] has truly saved my family! We now have a wonderful little boy who enjoys spending time with his family, and comes to us for comfort. At home now we are not just surviving, we are thriving.”** [Read Lisa’s story](/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/) **“The input we have had from both \[the Education Lead\] and the Adoption Support team at PACT has been phenomenal and our lives are certainly better for it.”** – PACT parent **“It’s great to meet up with other adopters and the girls have always felt at home knowing that all the other children (but for a few birth children) are from the same type of background”** [Read Samuel and Naomi’s story](/story/samuel-naomi-and-their-three-children-enjoy-pacts-family-fun-days/) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to give children the support they need to thrive in their adoptive families. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   [Return to all services](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) --- ### [Live Q&As](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/live-qas/) **Published:** August 28, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Live Q&As PACT hosts regular live Q&As, via Zoom, focussing on a topic within adoption. In these free online sessions, you will be able to hear from and put your questions to PACT’s experienced team and PACT adoptive parents. Upcoming Q&As are listed in the calendar below. **To book your place**, call our enquiries team on **0300 456 4800** or fill out this **[online form](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)** and one of the team will call you to make the booking. We recommend that you also attend one of PACT’s free online information events to find out about PACT and the support available as well as the process and useful things to consider when thinking about adoption. Find out more [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/).  Current Month No Events ## Previous topics have included: - Adopting when you’re LGBTQ+ - Adopting larger sibling groups - Early permanence - Black Caribbean, Black African and mixed heritage adoption --- ### [Adopting children with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/additional-needs/) **Published:** October 28, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopting children with additional needs We are always looking for adopters who are willing to adopt children with additional needs. PACT offers support for life to its families and will support parents and children every step of the way. Our support services include our [Strengthening Families Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/ "Strengthening Families"), the [Children And Trauma Community Hub](/adoption-support/catch/) , our [Adopter Champions](/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) team and our [Family And Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/). We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our free infomation events. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-faqs/ "Adoption FAQ’s") but you can also contact our friendly Enquiries Team by [filling in our enquiry form](/adoption-enquiry/) or calling 0300 456 4800. We welcome enquiries from people across the south of England. We have teams located in Reading, Oxford, London, Milton Keynes, Brighton and Devon. [Download our adoption guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide)   ## Advice from parents who have adopted a child with additional needs PACT adopters were among the parents who contributed to this advice guide, produced by the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA), containing helpful information for anyone considering adopting a child with additional needs. [Download our advice guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CVAA-Adopting-a-child-with-additional-needs-guide-Feb-24-1.pdf) ## Watch PACT mum Natasha talk about adopting her daughter, who has cerebral palsy. “The thought that we might have missed out on this life because we’d been too scared is catastrophic… We all would have missed out on this incredible human being who will change the world.” ## Support for parents At PACT, we understand the joys and challenges that come with being a parent to a child with additional needs. You may need support from time to time and we are passionate about being there for you every step of the way. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/additional-needs-support/) ## Read about families who adopted children with additional needs through PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [## Alice and Ethan adopted twins with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/)Parents Alice\* and Ethan\* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla\* and Poppy\*, nine years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/) [## Louise and Ryan adopted Noah who has FASD](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/)Parents Louise\* and Ryan\* are a family of six. They adopted their youngest child, Noah\*, two years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/) [## Natasha and her husband adopted Amelia who has cerebral palsy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/)Natasha and her husband adopted Amelia\*, who has cerebal palsy, when she was 18 months old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jill-and-sean-adopted-william-who-has-additional-needs/) [## Jill and Sean adopted William who has additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jill-and-sean-adopted-william-who-has-additional-needs/)Jill\* and her husband Sean\* adopted William\*, who has a chromosome disorder and severe development delay, because of Jill’s experience as a special needs teacher… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jill-and-sean-adopted-william-who-has-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/tom-and-connor-adopted-kyle-who-has-autism/) [## Tom and Connor adopted Kyle, who has autism](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/tom-and-connor-adopted-kyle-who-has-autism/)Tom\* and Connor\* adopted Kyle\*, who has autism and a sensory processing disorder, when he was three years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/tom-and-connor-adopted-kyle-who-has-autism/) --- ### [PACT shop](https://www.pactcharity.org/shop/) **Published:** August 6, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** You can support our work by ordering our Alana House recipe book, buying our high quality art prints or a giving a virtual gift to a loved one. If you choose to have your order posted to you, we will let you know when it has been shipped. If you choose to collect from our offices, we’ll send you an email once your order is ready to collect. Orders typically take 5 working days to be processed by our team. --- ### [Website disclaimer](https://www.pactcharity.org/website-disclaimer/) **Published:** October 22, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Website disclaimer Every effort has been taken to ensure the information held on the PACT website is accurate in the UK, legally correct and ethical at the time of appearance. Information contained provided for information only we do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information and materials offered on this website for any particular purpose. Although care has been taken in preparing the information contained on this website, the content provides only general information and must not be used as an alternative to professional advice. We recommend users seek professional advice where appropriate. PACT reserves the right to change the content of the website, withdraw or amend any information, programmes or events at any time without liability. So far as is permitted by law, PACT accepts no liability for loss or damage, including personal injury, resulting from use of this website. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure no malware or viruses are transmitted via our website, this cannot be guaranteed. PACT will not accept liability from damage caused by viruses and recommends that users safeguard their IT equipment before downloading information. If you believe the content of any pages to be inaccurate or out of date, please email Hacking into this website for the purpose of adding to or altering the content of the website or sending unsolicited emails (spam), transmitting any offensive or illegal content, and interfering with the general working of the site is illegal and unethical. Please obtain permission from us to include any links to our website. This can be requested by emailing . PACT reserves the right to require links to be removed if we believe it is not in our interest. We have provided links to other organisations for your convenience and to provide further information. This does not signify that we endorse the linked website(s) and we cannot guarantee or be responsible for their content or accessibility. Please read their privacy policies and terms and conditions. The PACT logo and other logos associated with PACT’s services may not be used without PACT’s prior written consent. Requests to use the PACT logo or other logos associated with PACT should be sent to . This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to PACT. Copyright material includes, but is not limited to, information, publications, images, videos, and the design, layout and appearance of the website. Some information, materials or photos on our website may be the property of another copyright owner, used here with their permission, and must not be used without their consent. PACT’s downloadable leaflets, brochures and publications and our web pages can be printed, copied and used for private use, study or teaching purposes; however no modification may be made to the content. Content may not be used for commercial, public or any other purposes without PACT’s prior written permission. No part of the website may be reproduced or stored in any other website or included in any public or private electronic retrieval system or service without PACT’s prior written permission. --- ### [Terms and conditions](https://www.pactcharity.org/terms-and-conditions/) **Published:** October 22, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Terms and conditions In using this website you are deemed to have read and agreed to the following terms and conditions: The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement and Disclaimer Notice and any or all Agreements: “Client”, “You” and “Your” refers to you, the person accessing this website and accepting the Company’s terms and conditions. “The Company”, “The Charity”, “PACT”, “Parents And Children Together”, “Ourselves”, “We” and “Us”, refers to our Company. “Party”, “Parties”, or “Us”, refers to both the Client and ourselves, or either the Client or ourselves. All terms refer to the offer, acceptance and consideration of payment necessary to undertake the process of our assistance to the Client in the most appropriate manner, whether by formal meetings of a fixed duration, or any other means, for the express purpose of meeting the Client’s needs in respect of provision of the Company’s stated services/products, in accordance with and subject to, prevailing English Law. Any use of the above terminology or other words in the singular, plural, capitalisation and/or he/she or they, are taken as interchangeable and therefore as referring to same. ### Privacy Statement We are committed to protecting your privacy. Authorised employees within the company on a need to-know basis only use any information collected from individual customers. We constantly review our systems and data to ensure the best possible service to our customers. Parliament has created specific offences for unauthorised actions against computer systems and data. 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You are solely responsible for evaluating the fitness for a particular purpose of any downloads, programs and text available through this site. Redistribution or republication of any part of this site or its content is prohibited, including such by framing or other similar or any other means, without the express written consent of the Company. The Company does not warrant that the service from this site will be uninterrupted, timely or error free, although it is provided on a “best endeavours” basis. By using this service you thereby indemnify this Company, its employees, agents and affiliates against any loss or damage, in whatever manner, howsoever caused. ### Log Files We use IP addresses to analyse trends, administer the site, track user’s movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information. Additionally, for systems administration, detecting usage patterns and troubleshooting purposes, our web servers automatically log standard access information including browser type, access times/open mail, URL requested, and referral URL. This information is not shared with third parties and is used only within this Company on a need-to-know basis. Any individually identifiable information related to this data will never be used in any way different to that stated above without your explicit permission. ### Cookies We reserve the right to use cookies to enable us to retrieve user details for each visit. Cookies may be used in some areas of our site to enable the functionality of this area and ease of use for those people visiting. Some of our affiliate partners/links may also use cookies. ### Links to this website You may not create a link to any page of this website without our prior written consent. 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The registered office is 7 Southern Court, South Street, Reading RG1 4QS. ### Force majeure Neither party shall be liable to the other for any failure to perform any obligation under any Agreement which is due to an event beyond the control of such party including but not limited to any Act of God, terrorism, war, Political insurgence, insurrection, riot, civil unrest, act of civil or military authority, uprising, earthquake, flood or any other natural or man made eventuality outside of our control, which causes the termination of an agreement or contract entered into, nor which could have been reasonably foreseen. Any Party affected by such event shall forthwith inform the other Party of the same and shall use all reasonable endeavours to comply with the terms and conditions of any Agreement contained herein. ### General The laws of England and Wales govern these terms and conditions. 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Your accessing of this website and/or undertaking of a booking or Agreement indicates your understanding, agreement to and acceptance, of the Disclaimer Notice and the full Terms and Conditions contained herein. Your statutory Consumer Rights are unaffected. --- ### [Our Supporters](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/our-supporters/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Our Supporters A number of businesses and organisations have supported PACT over the years in time, money, advice and many other ways. We are very grateful to them all and couldn’t have reached where we are today without their support. We also celebrate one person, group or family each month who have gone above and beyond to support PACT’s work through our [Supporter of the Month](/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) initiative. ## Thank you to all PACT’s wonderful supporters who include… ### The National Lottery Community Fund ### Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP ### BBC Children in Need ### Berkshire Community Foundation ### Turners Court Youth Trust ### The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley ### The Diocese of Oxford ### Reading Borough Council ### Stowe Family Law ### Berkshire Freemasons ### Nationwide Building Society ### City Bridge Foundation If you want to join us in building and strengthening families please contact . --- ### [Our Fundraising Promise](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/our-fundraising-promise/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Our Fundraising Promise We are registered with the [Fundraising Regulator](https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/). The Fundraising Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable fundraising which was established following the Etherington review of fundraising self-regulation (2015) to strengthen the system of charity regulation and restore public trust in fundraising. The Fundraising Regulator sets and maintains the standards for charitable fundraising, aiming to ensure that fundraising is respectful, open, honest and accountable to the public and regulates fundraising in England and Wales. As members, we follow the Code of Fundraising Practice set out by the Fundraising Regulator.  ## We are clear We are clear about who we are, what we do and how your gift is used. Where we have a promotional agreement with a commercial company, we make clear how much of the purchase price we receive. We give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift and set up/amend a regular commitment. ## We are respectful We respect the rights, dignities and privacy of our supporters and beneficiaries. We will not put undue pressure on you to make a gift and if you do not want to give or wish to cease giving, we will respect your decision. If you tell us that you don’t want us to contact you in a particular way we will not do so. ## We are fair and reasonable We take care not to use any images or words that cause unjustifiable distress or offence. We take care not to cause unreasonable nuisance or disruption. ## We are accountable If you are unhappy with anything we’ve done whilst fundraising, you can contact us to make a complaint. We have a complaints procedure, a copy of which is available on request. If we cannot resolve your complaint, we accept the authority of the Fundraising Regulator to make a final adjudication.  ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   --- ### [Schools](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/schools/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # School fundraising As a charity, we work to provide better futures for children who have had difficult and traumatic experiences in their early life. We invite schools across London and the south to partner with us and help us raise money to support more children and families who need us. Supporting a local charity like PACT is an excellent way for children to give back to their community and learn about the importance of helping others. There are various ways your school can support PACT.  You could: - Display a PACT poster or leaflets to help recruit much needed families to adopt children in care - Hold an assembly to raise awareness about adoption or our community projects - Collect donations for PACT (e.g. at Christmas, Mothering Sunday, Harvest Festival, National Adoption Week) - Organise fundraising events such as cake sales, barn dances and non-uniform days - Introduce your local church to PACT to increase support in your community - Volunteer for PACT - Collect toiletries, food, toys, clothes or books for local families supported by PACT - Display a PACT poster or leaflets to help recruit much needed families to adopt children in care - Hold an assembly to raise awareness about adoption or our community projects - Display a PACT poster or leaflets to help recruit much needed families to adopt children in care - Hold an assembly to raise awareness about adoption or our community projects ## Want to find out more? Contact our Fundraising team to find out more about how your school can support PACT. [Contact us](mailto:fundraising@pactcharity.org) In return for your support, we can provide: - Stories, case studies and articles for your newsletters and website to keep parents updated on the difference we are making in your community - Fundraising ideas and materials - Assembly and lesson plan suggestions - Template press releases - Inclusion in the [Supporters](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/our-supporters) section on our website, and a ‘thank you’ via social media - A regular update email We understand that schools want to make a difference in their local community. By supporting PACT we will ensure you are fully informed about the difference your support is making in your local area with case studies, stats, quotes, [volunteering opportunities](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/volunteer) and other updates. Your support will make a real difference to the families we support.  ## See the impact of our work “The children are all achieving incredible things at school and doing after school activities, but most of all they’re just enjoying every minute of their childhood in such a more relaxed and happy environment.” – BB4K parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)   --- ### [Hold your own fundraiser](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/hold-fundraiser/) **Published:** June 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Hold your own fundraiser Whether it’s jumping out of a plane, running a marathon, baking cakes, hosting a barbecue, doing a sponsored walk, collecting birthday donations or holding a raffle, there’s lots of ways you can fundraise for PACT! We are here to support any fundraising event or challenge you would like to try. ## Here are some of our ideas… ### Run You could enter into a 10k, a half marathon or a full marathon and ask friends and family to sponsor you ### Celebrate You could set up a fundraiser to collect donations on your birthday, or for Christmas or an occasion that’s special to you ### Walk You could challenge yourself to walk a number of miles in a day, a week or a month and ask for sponsorship ### Raffle You could sell raffle tickets to friends and family and gather prizes from small businesses or business owners you know ### Party You could host a garden party or a barbecue and ask attendees for donations as part of the event ### Bake You could bake cakes and sell them in your local area, for example at your school, work, church or university ### Challenge You could try something new like rock climbing, abseiling, sky diving, bungee jumping or climbing a mountain and ask for sponsorship ## Fundraising event For supporters to register their own fundraising events "\*" indicates required fields Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ## Tell us about your fundraiser Please tell us about your fundraiser or event so that we know it’s happening. First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Tell us a bit about your event or fundraiser\* How are you connected to PACT?\* Would you like us to post you a fundraising pack to help with your event? Yes, please send me a fundraising pack Delivery address for fundraising pack\* Street Address Address Line 2 City County Post code Submit ## Set up a fundraising page with Enthuse PACT uses an online fundraising platform called Enthuse. It’s an easy way to set up fundraisers and ask friends and family for donations and the money you raise will go straight to PACT without any hassle. Use the button below to create your personal fundraising page. If you need any help setting up your page, you can [find instructions here](https://help.enthuse.com/en/collections/2091500-help-for-fundraisers) or [get in touch with our team](mailto:fundraising@pactcharity.org).  [Click here to set up your fundraiser](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/fundraising/start)  There are lots of reasons people choose to fundraise for PACT and we are so grateful to everyone who has raised money to support our work. Here are some quotes from people who chose to support PACT’s work through fundraising: ## The challenge got us out and about as a family and we made some amazing memories… We were keen to raise money for PACT because without the fantastic staff and the amazing work that they do, we would not have our beautiful son today. Joshua, Alex and their son raised money through PACT’s Marathon in May challenge in 2019 ## PACT is full of inspirational people trying to make a difference and they need our support to make a real impact for vulnerable women and children affected by hardship. Phil, a PACT trustee, cycled 170 miles to fundraise for PACT ## We want to send a big virtual thank you to everyone that supported us and helped us raise money for the service users of Alana House. The donations we received will make a huge impact to those that need it. Safiya and her colleagues did a sponsored fast to raise money for Alana House ## Bounce Back for Kids is a fantastic project, and really worth supporting. I am always impressed by the difference PACT makes to people’s lives, and I wanted to help their amazing team to work with young children affected by domestic abuse. I had a lovely week walking along beautiful country footpaths, and I was delighted by the interest and generosity of so many friends and neighbours. Patricia did a sponsored walk around all the footpaths in her local area to support BB4K ## We’re so grateful to PACT for making our dear friends’ dream of becoming parents come true through the adoption process. Marcella held a raffle and gave away a luxury hamper from her company as the first prize ## Five years ago, my wife and I adopted our three beautiful children. I am running the London Marathon and Oxford Half in order to raise money and awareness of PACT’s work and the need to find suitable adopters for children in need. Harry ran the London Marathon and the Oxford Half to raise money for PACT ## See the impact of our work “She may be disabled and she may be adopted, but that is all just one part of who she is. She is my family and we are hers.” – Adoptive parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)   --- ### [Our Partners](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/our-partners/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Corporate partners [Aspen Technology](https://www.aspentech.com/), which has its European headquarters in Reading, has chosen PACT as their charity of the year for two years, beginning in 2019. During the partnership, AspenTech delivered a fantastic employability skills workshop for the women supported by our Alana House community project. They also put crafts packs together for the women attending sessions at Alana House. Aspen Technology (AspenTech) is a global leader in asset optimisation software. Its solutions address complex, industrial environments where it is critical to optimise the asset design, operation and maintenance lifecycle. AspenTech uniquely combines decades of process modeling expertise with artificial intelligence. Its purpose-built software platform automates knowledge work and builds sustainable competitive advantage by delivering high returns over the entire asset lifecycle. As a result, companies in capital-intensive industries can maximise uptime and push the limits of performance, running their assets safer, greener, longer and faster. If you’d like to discuss a corporate partnership with PACT please contact our corporate partnership team ## Contact Page Form "\*" indicates required fields Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ## Please fill in the form with your enquiry and we’ll be in touch. This form is for enquiries about **anything other than adoption**. If you are interested in adopting with PACT, please use our dedicated [**adoption enquiry form here.**](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) First Name\* Last Name\* Email Address\* Phone number\* I am interested in…\*Please selectAdoption Support (not adoption enquiries)Alana HouseBounce Back 4 KidsCareersFundraisingCorporate partnershipCommissioning PACTMarketingCATCHVolunteeringGiving feedbackGeneral enquiry Please choose an option and we will direct your enquiry to the most relevant person. Please note: this form is not for enquiries about adopting through PACT. If you are interested in adopting, please use the link at the top of this page to fill our adoption enquiry form. Reason for your enquiry ## Your information is safe with us. You can find out more in our [online privacy notice](/online-privacy-notice/"). Submit --- ### [Gift Aid](https://www.pactcharity.org/gift-aid/) **Published:** October 22, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # **Gift Aid** ### Add Gift Aid and boost your donation at no extra cost to you.  For each £1 you donate, PACT receives £1.25. So a donation of £10 becomes £12.50 with Gift Aid. If you consent for PACT to claim Gift Aid on your donation, you must agree to the following: I am a UK taxpayer and I understand that if the Gift Aid claimed on this donation is more than the tax I pay in the current tax year (on my income and/or capital gains) it is my responsibility to pay the difference. [Find out more about Gift Aid.](http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/giving/gift-aid.htm#1) [< Back to shopping cart](/cart/ "/cart/") --- ### [Feedback](https://www.pactcharity.org/feedback/) **Published:** October 7, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Feedback ## We value your feedback We need to know if our services are being provided effectively and are meeting your needs. Please let us know if our staff or services have been helpful by calling or emailing us. Our contact details are below. If you are unhappy with any part of our service, please let the staff member you normally deal with know. They will try to settle the matter straight away. If you are still not satisfied, you can contact a manager at PACT who will try to resolve your complaint. Tel: **0300 456 4800** Email: [**info@pactcharity.org**](mailto:info@pactcharity.org)  ## **Making a complaint** We realise that despite our best efforts, sometimes things can go wrong, or individuals may be unhappy with the actions of PACT and in such instances, we want to hear from you so that we can address this. We regard concerns and complaints as an opportunity to turn a negative experience into a positive one, as well as an opportunity for us to learn and to improve how we do things. ### Who can make a complaint? Anyone who is receiving a service, or who has been provided with, or has been refused a service from PACT may complain to us. This includes children, or a person acting on behalf of a child. ### What if I need help to make a complaint? A friend or representative (although not a legal representative) can act on a complainant’s behalf with their permission. PACT also recognises that any member of the public may choose to raise a concern or complaint following news, announcements and updates which may or may not have come directly from PACT. ### How do I make a complaint? Please view our [complaints procedure](https://www.pactcharity.org/complaints-procedure/ "complaints procedure") ## Contact Page Form "\*" indicates required fields LinkedIn This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ## Please fill in the form with your enquiry and we’ll be in touch. This form is for enquiries about **anything other than adoption**. If you are interested in adopting with PACT, please use our dedicated [**adoption enquiry form here.**](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) First Name\* Last Name\* Email Address\* Phone number\* I am interested in…\*Please selectAdoption Support (not adoption enquiries)Alana HouseBounce Back 4 KidsCareersFundraisingCorporate partnershipCommissioning PACTMarketingCATCHVolunteeringGiving feedbackGeneral enquiry Please choose an option and we will direct your enquiry to the most relevant person. Please note: this form is not for enquiries about adopting through PACT. If you are interested in adopting, please use the link at the top of this page to fill our adoption enquiry form. Reason for your enquiry ## Your information is safe with us. You can find out more in our [online privacy notice](/online-privacy-notice/"). Submit --- ### [Why work for PACT?](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/why-work-for-pact/) **Published:** October 14, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Why work for PACT? PACT is an inspirational organisation where people are genuinely passionate about the work they do. We offer a wide range of employee benefits and our staff report high levels of team spirit, motivation and overall job satisfaction. Below you will find more information about our values, our leadership teams and why our employees think PACT is a great place to work.  ## PACT offers the following employee benefits: - 27 days annual leave, plus public holidays - Opportunity to buy or sell annual leave - Additional day off for your birthday - Competitive salaries - Contributory pension scheme - Paid subscriptions to relevant professional bodies e.g. SWE - Flexible working opportunities including part time hours and days worked from home - Learning and development opportunities - Group Life Assurance Scheme - Team away days and social events - Up-to-date ICT resources - Interest-free, annual season ticket loan - Employee Assistance Programme – confidential counselling and information service - Free eyesight tests and corrective glasses if needed - Regular support and supervision including clinical supervision - A comfortable, modern working environment ## Staff survey results ### In our latest staff survey, employees reported very high levels of job satisfaction. Here were the results: of respondents feel proud to work for PACT of respondents feel that they understand our organisational goals and feel connected to our purpose of respondents understand the part they play in achieving our goals of respondents feel energised and passionate about the work they do of respondents would you recommend PACT as an employer of respondents think there is a strong team spirit in their team of respondents believe PACT is invested in diversity and inclusion of respondents said they feel valued as an individual at work of respondents said they received the support they needed to manage their health and wellbeing of respondents felt they could discuss their wellbeing with their manager or other PACT colleagues ## Find out what people say about working at PACT… ## PACT has strong direction and leadership which makes it feel like a safe place to work. Children are at the centre of everything we do and that makes me want to stay. ## I feel that the work we do is really valuable. I am glad to be working for an organisation which has good values and high standards of work. ## PACT is an amazing place to work. It is a respectful, supportive workplace with an expectation of high standards of work. ## PACT is a fantastic place to work and you can tell that people here really care about the work they do. ## The supportive and nurturing ethos of PACT encourages me to do my very best at all times. ## I care about my colleagues and there is a real sense of community as we work together to help our service users. ## There is great teamwork across PACT with a real willingness to help each other. This has been especially noticeable during the past few years when we have had, at times, to juggle work and the impact of the pandemic on us and our families. [See our current opportunities](/careers/current-opportunities/) ## Meet our adoption and adoption support teams ## Hear from Grace, our Adopter Diversity Recruitment Officer ## Find out how employees describe PACT in three words  ## Our Values Our shared values drive everything that we do. - We are PROFESSIONAL in our service delivery. - We are committed to maintaining a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. - We are INNOVATIVE in the way we approach our work. - We genuinely DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS. [Our Values](/about-us/visions-and-values/) --- ### [BB4K play therapy](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-play-therapy/) **Published:** October 13, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # BB4K play therapy BB4K also offers play therapy to help children explore their feelings, express themselves and make sense of their life experiences. Play is children’s natural medium to learn, communicate and to explore their worlds. Conventional talking therapies may be inappropriate for children and young people who struggle to put their feelings into words. Play therapy allows children the opportunity to explore and understand these feelings through play at their own pace without interrogation or judgement. Play therapy sessions are led by the child with no direction by the therapist around any particular subject. [Make a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/)   ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [BB4K Lending Library](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-lending-library/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # BB4K Lending Library We are running a lending library to allow you to borrow books that may be helpful to use with your children. The books we have available include themes like anger, emotions, feelings, family and imagination. The lending library will be open **every Monday** unless otherwise indicated. Books can be borrowed for 1-2 weeks. Please use our online form to submit a book request and indicate when you would like to collect them. Requests must be submitted **by midday the Friday before** the Monday you would like to collect the books. The address for picking up and dropping off books is: **PACT (BB4K Team), 2 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS**. If you are unable to come to the office, please indicate this on the form and we will post the books to you. If you would like to contact the BB4K team for any reason, please email [Submit a book request](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-lending-library/lending-library-book-request-form/)  ## Books available to lend ### A Nifflenoo Called Never Mind – Margot Sunderland  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nifflenoo-Called-Nevermind-Children-Feelings/dp/0863884962) ### A Terrible Thing Happened – Margaret H. Holmes  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-terrible-thing-happened/margaret-m-holmes/cary-pillo/9781557987013) ### Always in My Heart – Melanie Joyce  [Click to read a description](https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/baby-books/always-in-my-heart/9781789056839.html) ### Anna Angrysaurus – Brian Moses and Mike Gordon  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anna-Angrysaurus-Childrens-Dinosaurs-Feelings/dp/0750280212) ### Badger’s Parting Gifts – Susan Varley  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Badgers-Parting-Gifts-35th-Anniversary/dp/1849395144) ### Brave – Sarah Ward  [Click to read a description](https://www.bookdepository.com/Brave-Sarah-Ward/9780655212744) ### Bringing The Rain To Kapiti Plain – Verna Aardema  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bringing-Kapiti-Plain-Verna-Aardema/dp/1529007542) ### Cat In A Box – Jo Williamson  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cat-Box-Jo-Williamson/dp/1407162128) ### CBT: Your Toolkit to Modify Mood, Overcome Obstructions and Improve Your Life – Elaine Iljon Foreman and Clair Pollard  [Click to read a description](https://www.bookdepository.com/Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy-CBT-Elaine-Iljon-Foreman-Clair-Pollard/9781848319509) ### Create Your Own Happy – Penny Alexander and Becky Goddard-Hill  [Click to read a description](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780008301217) ### Dinosaurs Divorce – A Guide For Changing Families – Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/dinosaurs-divorce/laurie-krasny-brown/marc-brown/9780316109963) ### Dinosaurs Don’t Have Bedtimes – Timothy Knapman  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dinosaurs-Dont-Bedtimes-Timothy-Knapman/dp/1406372196) ### Don’t Let Go! – Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Let-Go-Jeanne-Willis/dp/1842700715) ### Drop Dead – Babette Cole  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drop-Dead-Red-Picture-Books/dp/0099659115) ### Everybody Makes Mistakes – Various authors  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everybody-makes-mistakes-empowering-teaching/dp/B08PX7JZ7L) ### Feather Pillows – Rose Impey and Robin Bell Corfield  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Feather-Pillows-Collins-picture-lions/dp/0006645313) ### Feeling Happy Feeling Safe – Michele Elliot  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/feeling-happy-feeling-safe/no-author-provided//9780340553862) ### Feet Are Not For Kicking – Elizabeth Verdick  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/feet-are-not-for-kicking/9781408110720) ### Find Your Calm: Activities to help when you’re feeling anxious – Dr Katie O’Connell  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Find-Your-Calm-Activities-feeling/dp/1789506484) ### Find Your Happy: Activities to Help When You’re Feeling Sad – Dr Katie O’Connell  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Find-Your-Happy-Activities-Feeling/dp/1838576924) ### Goodbye Mog – Judith Kerr  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/goodbye-mog/judith-kerr/9780007149698) ### Goodnight Everyone – Chris Haughton  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Goodnight-Everyone-Chris-Haughton/dp/1406381578) ### Grateful – Sarah Ward  [Click to read a description](https://www.bookdepository.com/Grateful-Sarah-Ward/9780655212768) ### H is for Happy-Saurus – James Dillon  [Click to read a description](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781788439800) ### Hands Are Not For Hitting – Martine Agassi  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hands-are-Hitting-Best-Behavior/dp/157542200X) ### Hitting And Hurting – Living In A Violent Family – Fran Pickering  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitting-Hurting-Living-Violent-Family/dp/1899783210) ### How Are You Feeling Today Baby Bear? – Jan Evans  [Click to read a description](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781849054249) ### How Do You Feel? – Anthony Browne  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-You-Feel-Anthony-Browne/dp/1406347914) ### How Hattie Hated Kindness – Margot Sunderland  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Hattie-Hated-Kindness-Children/dp/086388461X) ### How To Take The Grrrr Out Of Anger – Elizabeth Hedrick and Marjorie Lisovski  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-take-the-grrrr-out-of-anger/elizabeth-verdick/9781575424941) ### Hug Me – Simona Ciraolo  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hug-Me-Simona-Ciraolo/dp/1911171720) ### I Am, I Can – Wynne Kinder  [Click to read a description](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/books/dk/i-am-i-can/9780241420256) ### I Had A Black Dog – Matthew Johnstone  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Had-Black-Dog-Matthew-Johnstone/dp/1845295897) ### I Like Me! – Nancy Carlson  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Like-Picture-Puffin-S/dp/0140508198) ### I Love My Hair! – Natasha Anastasia Tarpley  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/i-love-my-hair/natasha-anastasia-tarpley/9780316523752) ### If The World Were A Village – David J Smith and Shelagh Armstrong  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/if-the-world-were-a-village/david-j-smith/shelagh-armstrong/9781472958853) ### I’m Falling To Bits – Tedd Arnold  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Falling-Bits-Picture-Book/dp/075002481X) ### Is It Right To Fight? – Pat Thomas  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Right-Fight-First-Anger-Paperback/dp/0764124587) ### It’s Not Your Fault Koko Bear – Vicki Lansky  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Fault-Koko-Bear-Read-Together/dp/0916773477) ### It’s Okay To Be Different – Todd Parr  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Okay-Different-Todd-Parr-Classics/dp/0316043478) ### Jamaica And Brianna – Juanita Havill  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jamaica-Brianna-Juanita-Havill/dp/0749725044) ### Jamaica’s Find – Juanita Havill  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jamaicas-Find-Book-Read-Along-Favorite/dp/0547119615) ### Kind – Sarah Ward  [Click to read a description](https://www.bookdepository.com/Kind-Sarah-Ward/9780655212751) ### Life Is Fun – Nancy Carlson  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Nancys-Neighborhood-Nancy-Carlson/dp/0761389458) ### Little Tree – A Story For Children With Serious Medical Problems – Joyce C. Mills  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Tree-Children-Serious-Problems/dp/1591470420) ### Mindful – Sarah Ward  [Click to read a description](https://www.bookdepository.com/Mindful-Sarah-Ward/9780655212737) ### No Matter What – Debi Gliori  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/no-matter-what/debi-gliori/debi-gliori/9781408850008) ### Owl Babies – Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/owl-babies/martin-waddell/patrick-benson/9780744531671) ### Panda Plays It Safe – Gillian K. Parker  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/panda-plays-it-safe/gillian-k-parker/9780995320024) ### Panda Says Sorry – Gemma Cary  [Click to read a description](https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/picture-books/panda-says-sorry.../9781786904232.html) ### Police Car  A book about what police cars are and what they look and sound like ### Share – Anthea Simmons and George Birkett  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Share-Anthea-Simmons/dp/184939220X) ### Silly Billy – Anthony Browne  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silly-Billy-Anthony-Browne/dp/1406305766) ### Sir Charlie Stinky Socks – The Dinosaur’s Return – Kristina Stephenson  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sir-Charlie-Stinky-Socks-Dinosaurs/dp/1405268123) ### The Colour Of Home – Mary Hoffman and Karin Littlewood  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Colour-Home-Mary-Hoffman-2012-12-01/dp/B01MTLJ2GK) ### The Family Book – Todd Parr  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-family-book/todd-parr/9780316070409) ### The Great Big Book of Feelings – Mary Hoffman  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Big-Book-Feelings/dp/1847807585) ### The Huge Bag Of Worries – Virginia Ironside  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huge-Bag-Worries-Virginia-Ironside/dp/0340903171) ### The I’m Not Scared Book – Todd Parr  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Not-Scared-Book/dp/0316431982) ### The Jolly Postman Or Other People’s Letters – Janet and Allan Ahlberg  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jolly-Postman-Allan-Ahlberg/dp/0670886246) ### The Little Elephant Who Wants To Fall Asleep – Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Elephant-Wants-Fall-Asleep/dp/0241291208) ### The Little Lost Robin – Elizabeth Baguley  [Click to read a description](https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/picture-books/the-little-lost-robin/9781848694880.html) ### The Night Dad Went to Jail – Melissa Higgins  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Dad-Went-Jail-Challenges/dp/1479521426) ### The Only Child Club – Anna Fine  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Only-Child-Club-Anne-Fine/dp/1406355089) ### The Sun Will Come Out  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sun-Will-Come-Out/dp/183903761X) ### The Way I Feel – Janan Cain  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-I-Feel-Janan-Cain/dp/1884734715) ### The Year My Mother Was Bald – Anna Spelz  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Year-My-Mother-Was-Bald/dp/1557988889) ### Train Your Angry Dragon – Steve Herman  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Train-Your-Angry-Dragon-Management-ebook/dp/B0797Z69ST) ### Tilly And Friends – Listen To Me! – Polly Dunbar  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/tilly-and-friends-listen-to-me/polly-dunbar/polly-dunbar/9781406345636) ### Visiting Day – Jacqueline Woodson  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Visiting-Day-Jacqueline-Woodson-2015-08-11/dp/B01LP6YU94) ### Visiting My Dad  A book about children who have a father in prison ### Volcano In My Tummy – Helping Children To Handle Anger – Elaine Whitehouse and Warwick Pudney  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Volcano-My-Tummy-Children-Caregivers/dp/0865713499) ### Wanted Panda  [Click to read a description](https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/picture-books/wanted-panda/9781839034640.html) ### We Come From Kenya – Wambui Kairi  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenya-We-Come-Wambui-Kairi/dp/0750223790) ### We Love You Hugless Douglas – David Melling  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/We-Love-You-Hugless-Douglas/dp/1444908308) ### What’s Your Problem? – Bali Rai  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whats-Your-Problem-Bali-Rai/dp/1842991264) ### When Dad Was Away – Liz Weir and Karin Littlewood  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Dad-Was-Away-Weir/dp/1845079132) ### When I Feel Angry – Cornelia Maude Spelman  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Feel-Angry-Way-Books/dp/0807588970) ### When I Feel Scared- Cornelia Maude Spelman  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scared-Books-Cornelia-Spelman-2002-01-01/dp/B01K3KQL7W) ### When I’m Afraid – Jane Aaron  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Afraid-Language-Parenting-Guides/dp/0307440575) ### When Mommy Got Hurt – Ilen Lee and Kathy Sylvester  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Mommy-Got-Hurt-Ilene/dp/0982909705) ### When My Parents Forgot How To Be Friends – Jennifer Moore-Mallinos  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/when-my-parents-forgot-how-to-be-friends/jennifer-moore-mallinos/marta-fabrega/9781908973238) ### When Sophie Gets Angry – Really Really Angry… – Molly Bang  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Sophie-Gets-Angry-Caldecott/dp/0590189794) ### Wilburs Book Of Feelings – Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilburs-Book-Feelings-Valerie-Thomas/dp/0192735071) ### Words Are Not For Hurting – Elizabeth Verdick  [Click to read a description](https://www.waterstones.com/book/words-are-not-for-hurting/elizabeth-verdick/9781408115077) ### You Choose – Nick Sharrat and Pippa Goodhart  [Click to read a description](https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/305/305040/you-choose/9780141379319.html) ### You’re A Star – A Child’s Guide to Self-Esteem – Poppy O’Neil  [Click to read a description](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781786852359) ### You’re All My Favourites – Sam McBratney  [Click to read a description](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youre-All-Favourites-Sam-McBratney/dp/140634978X) ## You can request to borrow up to three books at a time… [ Submit a book request ](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-lending-library/lending-library-book-request-form/)  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Other support available](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Other support available We offer a range of other support to BB4K families to support the recovery and healing process, including our positive newsletters which are available for anyone to access and our lending library service and Facebook group which are for BB4K families only. ## BB4K positive newsletters --- We’ve put together some resources and positive messages to help you feel safe and supported. Our newsletters can be shared with anyone who needs support and contain links, ideas and inspiration for parents and children to support your wellbeing and look after your mental health. [ See our positive newsletters ](https://www.pactcharity.org/the-bb4k-community/bb4k-positive-newsletters/) ## Lending library for BB4K families --- We have created a library of children’s books for BB4K families to use for free. The purpose of the library is to supply books on a wide range of topics that parents can use with their children to help them understand their experiences and feelings. The books cover themes such as anger, anxiety, family, identity and imagination. Anyone who is receiving support from BB4K or has received support in the past can request to use the library. [ Visit the lending library ](https://www.pactcharity.org/the-bb4k-community/bb4k-lending-library/) ## Facebook support group --- We also offer support to families through our private BB4K Facebook group. If you would like to request to join this group, please get in touch with our team at . [ Contact our team ](mailto:bb4k@pactcharity.org) ## Domestic abuse helplines --- We have put together some useful organisations to contact if you are seeking immediate help for someone experiencing domestic abuse. [ View helplines ](https://www.pactcharity.org/the-bb4k-community/support-helplines/)  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [BB4K stories](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-stories/) **Published:** June 21, 2022 **Author:** Cip Timpau **Content:** PACT has been supporting children to heal from the trauma of domestic abuse for many years. Below you will find stories from people who’s lives have been changed through our Bounce Back 4 Kids domestic abuse recovery programme. One BB4K parent shared her experience of using the BB4K services in an interview. You can listen to her inspirational story here: *\* Names have been changed for confidentiality reasons* [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [The BB4K gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/about-bb4k/the-bb4k-gallery/) **Published:** October 12, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # The BB4K gallery BB4K is a step towards breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Parents, carers and children alike are given a chance to reflect and think about how their behaviour is affected due to the circumstances they have experienced. Our BB4K sessions involve a variety of play based activities and creative work including crafts, stories and writing to help children recognise, express and process their emotions and experiences , to help facilitate the healing process. Below is a selection of images showing the work that children and parents produce in BB4K sessions. ## BB4K Gallery  BB4K’s group for 3-5-year-olds has been exploring the ‘Colour Monster’ book. Inspired by the story, children explored their own emotions through a paint-flicking activity. They reflected on how feelings can sometimes get mixed up and by taking time to untangle them, this can help us feel better.  Recently, they explored the book ‘Hands are not for Hitting’, where the group thought about what hands are for instead. Parents and children practised painting each other’s hands to encourage bonding and practise being gentle.  Feedback from a BB4K parent after completing a 3-5s group.  Trusting each other to paint their hands this was a sensory bonding moment where mums and children connected through touch, play and love.  BB4K’s graffiti wall of group rules, created by the group, for the group! Each scribble, doodle and word reflects how we want to feel in our space: safe, kind and free to be ourselves.  BB4K’s growing tree of words. Each leaf holds a feeling or a moment from our sessions.  Using oobleck, playdough and gelli barf, children express emotions, build confidence and make sense of their world. Sensory play like this supports emotional regulation, encourages curiosity and creates a safe space for healing.  Calm jars! We reflect that our busy brains can look like the jar when it’s just been shaken up but as the glitter begins to settle, we invite the children to slow their breath and focus only on the jar. As it begins to ‘calm down,’ we encourage them to feel calm with it.  Take a look at these ‘Owl Babies’ that BB4K’s group for children aged 3-5 made together. This is a story about owl babies who worry where their mother has gone, but find joy and relief when she flies back to the nest. Through reading the story and creating their own owl puppets and nest, the children explored themes such as separation anxiety and parental attachment, and were encouraged to explore these feelings through play.  BB4K’s ‘heart to heart tree’. Heart to heart is an attachment-based group that focuses on building child and parent relationship. Written on the leaves are evaluation words of how the parent and child felt at the end of the session. Each colour resembles a different week of the programme and each leaf echoes one parent and their child.  Child’s worry box  Masks showing different emotions  Head full of emotions created by child attending BB4K group sessions  Iceberg showing feelings hidden under the surface  Drawings created by children attending BB4K groups  Sand jar representing different emotions, completed during a group session  Feedback after a group session  Playdough art from our Oxford group  ‘What’s in your heart/shield’ drawings from our Oxford group  Volcano feelings  Playdough family art by our under 5s  Parent steps exercise from the parent group that runs alongside the children’s group  Parent-child hand prints and playmobile families  Puppets and animals to play with  ### [Call us](tel:01184021733) [Phone our friendly BB4K team on 0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733)  ### [Message us](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org) [Email our team on BB4K@pactcharity.org](mailto:BB4K@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Visit our referrals page to request support for you and your family](/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [One-to-one support](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/one-to-one-support/) **Published:** October 24, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # One-to-one support When a woman is referred to Alana House, Reading, she is given a warm welcome and given an assessment appointment, where her needs are assessed and depending on these, she is then allocated a trained support worker. Each woman is offered an induction session which covers the range of services provided by Alana House as well as her background, presenting issues, needs and desired outcomes. The Alana House support worker will talk with her about how she can achieve her outcomes and jointly produce a support plan. Support workers at Alana House use a holistic approach to ensure that women can access the best possible support and tools to achieve their goals. Each woman is offered regular one-to-one sessions with her support worker, and encouraged to utilise the range of Alana House services to help her to achieve the outcomes outlined in her support plans which may also include support from our [partner agencies](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/partner-agencies/).  ## Refer yourself or someone you know Complete our referral form or contact the Alana House team [Make a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/)  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Alana House - What's On?](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # What’s on for service users at Alana House? Alana House Reading is a holistic hub where women can access support from different agencies in a friendly, safe, trauma-informed environment. Agencies we work closely with include [Change, Grow, Live](https://www.changegrowlive.org/) drug and alcohol service, [CommuniCare](https://www.communicare.org.uk/), which provides welfare rights advice, and [Reading Borough Council](https://servicesguide.reading.gov.uk/kb5/reading/directory/family.page?familychannel=7) which runs parenting classes. Find out more about our current activities on our [groups](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/) and [one-to-one support](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/one-to-one-support/) pages.  [ One-to-one support ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/one-to-one-support/) [ Group work ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/groups/)  ## Crèche Alana House provides a crèche facility in our Reading location, accommodating children up to the age of five years. **The crèche is currently available on Wednesdays, dependent on needs. For more information please call the team on 0118 921 7640 or email ** The crèche provides children with somewhere stimulating and safe to play and be cared for whilst their mother utilises the other facilities at Alana House. It is staffed by qualified NVQ early years practitioners who work with each child on an individual basis. The crèche is free of charge for women registered with Alana House. Please call in advance to check opening hours and availability.  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Alana House stories ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-stories/) **Published:** June 21, 2022 **Author:** Cip Timpau **Content:** Since its opening in 2010, Alana House has worked with hundreds of women seeking support to help them make positive choices and improve their futures. Some of the women who use our services have agreed to share their stories about the impact Alana House has made in their lives. *\* Names have been changed for confidentiality reasons* [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Recipe Book](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/recipe-book/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** ### Love, Trust, Hope – Cooking to build and strengthen a community # Recipe Book This book was created and inspired by the women of Alana House. With the success of the [Alana House Community Café](https://www.pactcharity.org/community-cafe/), and seeing how the women thrived in this setting, came the inspiration to create a cookbook, filled with recipes from the women, as well as those who work with Alana House. As the women at Alana House come from so many different backgrounds, all with different skills and interests, this book is a reflection of the diversity and creativity of the women, including not only their recipes, but also poems, creative writing, artwork, and photography that captures the women’s passion, hope and vision for a better future for themselves. [Buy the book](https://www.pactcharity.org/product/alana-house-cook-book/)   Our hope with creating this book was to bring the Alana House community together, over the shared love of food and creativity. With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the past year has been challenging for us all, but even more so for those who face vulnerability, are isolated, and with little access to support such as the women who attend Alana House. During the covid-19 pandemic, the creation of this book has been a focus for the women and the team, and is something to be celebrated in a difficult year. We are grateful to cookery writer and *Great British Bake Off* judge Prue Leith for supporting our project by writing the foreword. The proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to continue the important work at Alana House supporting women in need. Order a copy for yourself or as a gift for someone special, in our [shop](https://www.pactcharity.org/product/alana-house-cook-book/)! ## It is a wonderful thing to see the transformation of a woman, not just in cooking skills, but in attitude, in outlook, in spirit. Prue Leith, author of the foreword to the recipe book  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Painting with Purpose](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/painting-with-purpose/) **Published:** November 16, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Painting with Purpose #### Inspirational artwork created by the women of Alana House In the summer of 2022, Alana House service users took part in the *Painting with Purpose* project to learn how to create unique and meaningful artwork using an expressive, intuitive artistic process. Professional artist [Chrissie Hawkes](https://www.chrissiejhawkesart.com/) led a series of sessions in which attendees learned how to use colour, texture and blending to create striking pieces of art. Starting with three primary colours – red, yellow and blue – each woman mixed their own paints and added light and dark to create a range of colours, tints and shades. Using a variety of textures and techniques such as scraping, scratching and stamping, they created beautiful intuitive designs which expressed their creativity. High quality prints of the artwork are available to buy in our online shop. All proceeds from the prints go towards PACT’s work supporting people who have experienced trauma, abuse or disadvantages. [Browse art prints](/product/art-prints-painting-with-purpose/)  One woman who took part in the project said: *“Making the art for me was something liberating, it enabled me to clear my mind and leave all my stress, worries and anxieties on that piece of canvas. You don’t always realise it at first, but when you become open to creativity, it enables you to find creative solutions for all your problems and situations.”* Another said: *“I find art therapeutic. I was able to turn something simple into a meaningful piece of art for others to enjoy and reflect upon.”*     ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Community Cafe](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/community-cafe/) **Published:** September 27, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Alana House Community Café Alana House runs a community café to help women who attend the project to learn and practice valuable new skills, connect with other service users and engage in activities. The café is available for Alana House service users, PACT staff and volunteers as well as invited professional guests. (Please note we are currently unable to accommodate children.) We offer home-baked cakes and biscuits as well as hot drinks served by Alana House women to a professional standard. Guests will be asked to make a suggested non-compulsory donation of £1 per drink or piece of cake, with all funds raised being used to run and support the café. Alana House women who have completed barista and food and hygiene training will be able to help out in the café on a rota basis. We are currently limited with numbers and priority will be given to service users, however if you are in the building do please come by and we can give you a takeaway or if there is space, you can sit down and have a chat. Email [alanahousecafe@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alanahousecafe@pactcharity.org) if you would like to attend either to sit down or have a takeaway.  The café was created to help give Alana House women the chance to learn new skills and to practise these in a friendly and non-judgemental space, helping to boost their confidence and enhance their employability prospects. The project has been made possible by funding from the Ministry of Justice and support from local organisations, including Kingdom Coffee, which provided barista skills training, and IKEA, which donated a new kitchen plus furniture and accessories. We will be reviewing how the café is working so any feedback from people who have attended would be most welcome! Feedback can be emailed to Safiya via[ alanahousecafe@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alanahousecafe@pactcharity.org) ## Opening times (subject to change): - **Thursdays from 10am-12pm** for service users, staff, volunteers and invited guests. Address: 2 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS Any changes to our opening times will be shared on our [Facebook page.](https://www.facebook.com/AlanaHousePACT) **Booking required: email** [**alanahousecafe@pactcharity.org**](mailto:Alanahousecafe@pactcharity.org) **to book** Please see the calendar below for more details. Current Month          ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Celebrating the Alana House community](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Celebrating the Alana House community People are at the heart of everything we do at Alana House. Here you will find a selection of photos and quotes celebrating the work we do supporting women and transforming lives. You can also see some of the projects created and run by the women of Alana House: ## Our community cafe --- [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/community-cafe/) ## Our recipe book --- [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/recipe-book/) ## Our photography exhibition --- [ Find out more ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/alana-house-online-exhibition/) ## Alana House Gallery ### July’s Fareshare table ### Cakes made by the baking group! ### A visit to The MERL as part of Alana House’s summer picnic ### Drawing on pebbles at Alana House’s summer picnic! ### Drawing on pebbles at Alana House’s summer picnic! ### Six of our Alana House women attended John Lewis Reading for afternoon tea! It was a wonderful afternoon of chatting, laughing and good food, followed by perfume and hand cream testing. The ladies went away with a candle and goodie bag. ### February baking with the baking group! During these sessions, women learn new skills, socialise with one another and then take home what they bake. ### International Women’s Day celebrations! Alana House women and staff had a great day talking, bracelet making, nail painting, drinking coffee, eating cakes and looking at some of the incredible women who have changed the world. ### Alana House service users and their children were invited to Ufton Court. The day started with visiting the farm to see the chickens, pigs, goats and sheep. Next was a low ropes course, lunch and finally, den-building in the woods. ### Some of the amazing baked goods cooked by some of Alana House’s service users! The baking group made lemon and blueberry cupcakes, red velvet and white chocolate cookies, spinach and cheese pinwheel and cheese scones.  “I personally think I have grown and matured so much since the support from Alana House began.” – *Alana House service user* ### Every week, Alana House receives food from Fareshare at a discounted price for our women to take anything they need or want. Fareshare is a food distribution charity. They believe that no good food should go to waste and instead redistribute surplus food to charities. ### Our Alana House gardening group, that we run with The Museum of English Rural Life in Reading, gives women a chance to meet others, socialise and learn how to grow their own plants. At PACT’s 2024 Garden Party, some of the plants on sale included those grown by our service users! ### Alana House has been named winner of The Robin Corbett Award for their important work supporting women who have committed offences but need support to make positive life changes. ### The Alana house volunteers were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Queen’s Award is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.  “I have found my support worker to be very knowledgeable at Alana House… I am thankful to have her to support at this very hard time.” – *Sophie, Alana House service user* ### We were delighted to have a visit from the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Alka Kharbanda, who met with our chief executive Natausha van Vliet and Head of Communities Kathryn Warner.  ### The women hold a fundraiser at the community cafe to raise funds for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine ### People hang their messages of support for women on our tree of hope at our International Women’s Day service ### Women from Alana House bravely share their stories and light a candle during the service  “Alana House is important to me because it’s a safe haven to express how I’m feeling, talk about my concerns, and reflect on the past weeks, in a confidential environment. Alana House support workers show so much empathy and compassion.” – *Freya, Alana House service user* ### People from the community come together to support Alana House at our International Women’s Day service ### Alana House holds their annual International Women’s Day service at Reading Minster in March 2022 ### Women make Christmas wreaths at a craft session in December 2021 ### In partnership with Anonymous Coffee, Alana House launches their own brand of coffee with proceeds split between supporting Alana House and helping girls in Ethiopia  “I want to thank Alana House and especially my support worker for all of their support. When I was released from prison, it was very scary and isolating. Being referred to Alana House gave me a safety net. It made me feel that I had someone to rely on and know that help was there when I needed it. If I had not had the support from Alana House, I would not have survived. I would have been sent back to prison.” – *Jessica, Alana House service user* ### Anonymous Coffee supports the women to improve their barista skills at the café ### The community café is able to reopen in 2021 after the pandemic to continue serving hot drinks and freshly baked cakes ### Alana House’s famous Malteser Millionaire’s shortbread, which is featured in the recipe book, goes down a treat at the café ### Alana House creates its own recipe book: ‘Love Trust Hope – cooking to build and strengthen a community’  “If you’d asked me where I would have been two years ago, I’d probably have hit the deck by now. But I haven’t, I’ve turned my life around and actually made something of myself. And I would recommend anyone to come here with anything they want help with. It’s changed my life for me.” – *Maxine, Alana House service user* ### During the 2020 pandemic, women create an online photography exhibition in partnership with the Museum of English Rural Life called ‘Unlocking our Lockdown Stories’ ### Collages made by the women at a drop-in session ### On International Women’s Day in 2020, Alana House hosts a service celebrating its 10th birthday – attendees are invited to hang their hopes for the future on our tree “Coming to Alana House has made me feel safer, and that I am not alone. If there’s something I need help with I know I can have someone to talk to or to support me. I have recently put up my own Christmas tree in my own home for the first time even, and I feel like it’s a dream come true. I know I am on a positive path now because of the support I have, which I have never had before.” – *Jenny, Alana House service user* ### MP Matt Rodda and Cllr Rachel Eden visit the café to learn about our work ### Naomi from Nibsy’s Coffee Shop in Reading visits the café and shows the baristas a few new tricks ### Lucy Zeal, High Sheriff of Berkshire, visits the café “With anxiety, the more support you have the better. No one should be alone, at Alana House there are people there. Helpful smiley people. Alana House is somewhere I can come at my saddest and at my happiest.” – *Ruth, Alana House service user* ### The Myers-Briggs Company, PACT’s corporate partner in 2019, hosts the PhotoVoice exhibition at their offices in Oxford ### HHJ Angela Morris supports us at the Reading Crown Court open day ### The Museum of English Rural Life hosts the PhotoVoice exhibition in 2019 to share the women’s stories with the community “When I walk into my Keywork I feel like I only have 1% positivity and 99% of feeling everything is against me and being unhappy. After my Keywork when I get a chance to see things from the outside in and I get to talk to you about how I’m feeling- not how others feel about me I feel like there is at least 20% that’s positive about my life and it really helps.” – *Danielle, Alana House service user* ### A typical morning at the café with cakes and coffees served by women who have been trained as baristas ### Women from Alana House attend an employability workshop hosted by Hammerson at The Oracle ### A launch party is held to celebrate the opening of the café ### Our newly-trained baristas receive their certificates in Level 1 Food and Hygiene and are ready to start using their skills in the café “I have hope again now, which I didn’t have before.” – *Alice, Alana House service user* ### Our new Alana House community café launches in 2019 ### The hard work and dedication of our wonderful volunteers is rewarded at the 2019 Reading Volunteer Awards ### The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Debs Edwards, visits Alana House “To be honest, the way I was, if I hadn’t found Alana House I think something very bad would have happened. Everything was going wrong and I couldn’t see a way out, but I was determined and I got the help I needed to rebuild. Through doing that it has actually made me realise how strong I am and I am determined to do great things.” – *Leona, Alana House service user* ### Magnets with positive messages made by the women at a drop-in session ### The PhotoVoice exhibition is created by the women in 2018 to reflect on their perspectives on identity and community ### The Love Me, Love Life project encourages women to improve their physical health “I couldn’t recommend Alana House enough… It has helped me accept that life is full of ups and downs but it’s the way you respond to them that makes the difference. I will continue to recommend Alana House to my friends that are having a difficult time because I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t linked in with you.” – *Katie, Alana House service user* ### Alana House wins its second Howard League for Penal Reform Award in 2017, this time for their Enrich programme which was set up last October ### Award-winning fashion designer Patrick Grant visits Alana House in 2017 to meet women who have been learning to sew ### Alana House wins a Thames Valley Police Reading Partnership Award in 2017 “(Alana House) is a really good use of resources… and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for.” – *Her Honour Judge Zoe Smith, Reading Crown Court* ### Our community celebrates Christmas in style! ### Christmas at Alana House includes a wreath-making class ### A team of volunteers help to paint the new crèche to make it easier for women to access support ### The women create a photography exhibition called ‘Photovisible’ “Since my seven months of support, Alana House has boosted my confidence and supported me through many activities that have been provided. I do not know what I would do without them. Thank you so much for your support.” – *Lorraine, Alana House service user* ### Alana House celebrates its fifth birthday in 2015 ### Alana House wins the Howard League for Penal Reform Award in the Community Programme for Women category, presented by HRH Princess Anne ### Alana House launches a programme in West Berkshire in 2014 to reach and support more women ### In weekly drop-in sessions, the women look at themes such as identity, wellbeing and self-esteem “Whenever I have a problem, I know I can come to Alana House and they can help me and let me know what to do. They are like family and I am proud to be a service user. When I am with Alana House, I feel free.” – *Amira, Alana House service user* ### Guests gather to cut our birthday cake ### The drop-in room is decorated for our fourth birthday party ### Alana House celebrates its fourth birthday in 2014 “Without Alana House I would have found it hard to build on my confidence and make my circumstances better. Alana House has given me the tools to live independently and to better manage my finances.” – *Malisa, Alana House service user* ### At drop-in sessions, the women create a ‘Tree of Hope’ ### The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld, visits Alana House in 2013 ### There are lots of groups and classes at Alana House for women to learn new skills “I feel safe knowing that Alana House is always on the other end of the phone… You have helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel.” – *Beverley, Alana House service user* ### The noticeboard at Alana House has quotes from the women about why they like coming to Alana House ### Alana House celebrates its first birthday in 2011 ### Alana House is founded in 2010 in central Reading  ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [AH Referrals](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Referrals Women can refer themselves to Alana House or be referred from another voluntary organisation or community-based service in any area we offer a service. If you are unsure if we are the right agency to support you, contact us and we will recommend other avenues of support if we are unable to assist you. To access any of the Alana House services please complete a referral form, call us on 0118 9217640 or [contact us](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/#form) using our form. [ Refer yourself ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-yourself/) [ Refer someone else ](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/refer-a-client/)  ## Support helplines There are many other organisations offering support for children and adults affected by domestic abuse. Visit our helplines page to see more. [View other support helplines](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-whats-on/alana-house-helplines/) ## I couldn’t recommend Alana House enough, since working with you all I have felt so supported which has helped me manage my situation. I’m able to rationalise my thought processes and accept that this time of my life will pass as long as I continue to be self-sufficient. It has helped me accept that life is full of ups and downs but it’s the way you respond to them that makes the difference. I will continue to recommend Alana House to my friends that are having a difficult time because I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t linked in with you. Thank you so much for everything. Katie, Alana House service user ## If you’d asked me where I would have been two years ago, I’d probably have hit the deck by now. But I haven’t, I’ve turned my life around and actually made something of myself. And I would recommend anyone to come here with anything they want help with. It’s changed my life for me. Maxine, Alana House service user ## Alana House is a really good use of resources and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for. ……. Lorem ipsum, Lorem ipsum ## Alana House is highly regarded and valued by a range of professional agencies as it achieves impressive results for these women that can often be life changing. The fact that there is no other service of its kind in the area makes it even more vital and a service that I feel plays a key role in tackling crime prevention in both the immediate and longer term. Suzanna Rose, High Sherriff Berkshire 2013/14 ## Whenever I have a problem, I know I can come to Alana House and they can help me and let me know what to do. They are like family and I am proud to be a service user. When I am with Alana House, I feel free. Amira, Alana House service user ## Without Alana House I would have found it hard to build on my confidence and make my circumstances better. Alana House has given me the tools to live independently and to better manage my finances. Malisa, Alana House service user ## (Alana House) is a really good use of resources… and it’s amazing to see the women’s self-respect grow and grow. If I was that person coming here to seek help, I would think that someone thinks I’m worth doing this for. Her Honour Judge Zoe Smith, Reading Crown Court ## Since my seven months of support, Alana House has boosted by confidence and supported me through many activities that have been provided. I do not know what I would do without them. Thank you so much for your support. Lorraine, Alana House service user ## I have hope again now, which I didn’t have before. Alice, Alana House service user ## Coming to Alana House has made me feel safer, and that I am not alone. If there’s something I need help with I know I can have someone to talk to or to support me. I have recently put up my own Christmas tree in my own home for the first time even, and I feel like it’s a dream come true. I know I am on a positive path now because of the support I have, which I have never had before. Jenny, Alana House service user ## To be honest, the way I was, if I hadn’t found Alana House I think something very bad would have happened. Everything was going wrong and I couldn’t see a way out, but I was determined and I got the help I needed to rebuild. Through doing that it has actually made me realise how strong I am and I am determined to do great things. Leona, Alana House service user ## With anxiety, the more support you have the better. No one should be alone, at Alana House there are people there. Helpful smiley people. Alana House is somewhere I can come at my saddest and at my happiest. Ruth, Alana House service user ## I feel safe knowing that Alana House is always on the other end of the phone… You have helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. Beverley, Alana House service user   ### [Call us](tel:01189217640) [Get in touch with the Alana House team on 0118 9217640](tel:01189217640)  ### [Message us](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org) [Drop us an email at alana.house@pactcharity.org](mailto:Alana.house@pactcharity.org)  ### [Ask for a referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [If you’d like to refer yourself, or a woman you know, please complete our form](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/ah-referrals/) [Leave this site](https://www.google.co.uk/) x --- ### [Adoptee Voices](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/) **Published:** September 13, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoptee Voices ## Events for adopted teens and young people We’re running a series of events for adopted teenagers and young people. The events are a great way to get to know other adoptees in a relaxed and fun environment. If you are an adopted teenager or young person, you have a unique perspective. We want to provide a supportive space for you to meet our team and connect with other young people who were adopted through PACT. We are running regular events for different age groups. The sessions provide a space to socialise, either virtually or in person, as well as chatting about topics that are important to you and sharing your thoughts and feelings. To book a place, please complete the form at the bottom of the page. To find out more, email our team on [adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org.](mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org)   ## Hear from someone who attends the group Olivia\* has been attending the Adoptee Voices group for several years. She said: *“It’s good because then it means that I’m not alone. For me at school, I tend to keep it to myself, I don’t really say anything about it but people do ask me about it and sometimes they ask me questions about it and then when I tell them what it is and stuff like that, they then start making horrible things about it and are not that understanding about it. So it’s good that I’m with people who have gone through something like that, and that they’re able to give me advice on what I can do.”* \*Name and image changed to protect identity [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) ## Upcoming events Current Month October 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-10-12-years-oct-2026/) [*tue27oct10:30 am**12:30 pm*In-person: 10-12 years*10:30 am – 12:30 pm(GMT+00:00)* *TBC**](#) ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . ### Time October 27, 2026 10:30 am – 12:30 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location TBC Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14232_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=In-person%3A%2010-12%20years&dates=20261027T103000Z/20261027T123000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=In-person%3A%2010-12%20years&location=TBC "Add to your Google calendar") [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-13-17-years-oct-2026/) [*tue27oct1:30 pm**3:30 pm*In-person: 13-17 years*1:30 pm – 3:30 pm(GMT+00:00)* *TBC**](#) ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . ### Time October 27, 2026 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location TBC Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14233_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=In-person%3A%2013-17%20years&dates=20261027T133000Z/20261027T153000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=In-person%3A%2013-17%20years&location=TBC "Add to your Google calendar") December 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-10-12-years-dec-2026/) [*mon07dec4:30 pm**5:20 pm*Online: 10-12 years*4:30 pm – 5:20 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details To book your place, please email . ### Time December 7, 2026 4:30 pm – 5:20 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14234_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Online%3A%2010-12%20years&dates=20261207T163000Z/20261207T172000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Online%3A%2010-12%20years&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-13-17-years-dec-2026/) [*mon07dec5:30 pm**4:20 pm*Online: 13-17 years*5:30 pm – 4:20 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Time December 7, 2026 5:30 pm – 4:20 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14237_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Online%3A%2013-17%20years&dates=20261207T173000Z/20261207T162000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Online%3A%2013-17%20years&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") January 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-10-12-years-jan-2027/) [*mon18jan4:30 pm**5:20 pm*Online: 10-12 years*4:30 pm – 5:20 pm(GMT+00:00)* ](#) ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details To book your place, please email . ### Time January 18, 2027 4:30 pm – 5:20 pm(GMT+00:00) [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14235_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Online%3A%2010-12%20years&dates=20270118T163000Z/20270118T172000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Online%3A%2010-12%20years&location= "Add to your Google calendar") [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-13-17-years-jan-2027/) [*mon18jan5:30 pm**6:20 pm*Online: 13-17 years*5:30 pm – 6:20 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details To book your place, please email . ### Time January 18, 2027 5:30 pm – 6:20 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14238_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Online%3A%2013-17%20years&dates=20270118T173000Z/20270118T182000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Online%3A%2013-17%20years&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") February 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-10-12-years-feb-2027/) [*mon15feb10:30 am**12:30 am*In-person: 10-12 years*10:30 am – 12:30 am(GMT+00:00)* *TBC**](#) ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . ### Time February 15, 2027 10:30 am – 12:30 am(GMT+00:00) ### Location TBC Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14239_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=In-person%3A%2010-12%20years&dates=20270215T103000Z/20270215T003000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=In-person%3A%2010-12%20years&location=TBC "Add to your Google calendar") [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-13-17-years-feb-2027/) [*mon15feb1:30 pm**3:30 pm*In-person: 13-17 years*1:30 pm – 3:30 pm(GMT+00:00)* *TBC**](#) ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . ### Time February 15, 2027 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location TBC Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14240_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=In-person%3A%2013-17%20years&dates=20270215T133000Z/20270215T153000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=In-person%3A%2013-17%20years&location=TBC "Add to your Google calendar") March 2027 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-10-12-years-mar-2027/) [*mon29mar4:30 pm**5:20 pm*Online: 10-12 years*4:30 pm – 5:20 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details To book your place, please email . ### Time March 29, 2027 4:30 pm – 5:20 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14242_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Online%3A%2010-12%20years&dates=20270329T153000Z/20270329T162000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Online%3A%2010-12%20years&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-13-17-years-mar-2027/) [*mon29mar5:30 pm**6:20 pm*Online: 13-17 years*5:30 pm – 6:20 pm(GMT+01:00)* ](#) ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Event Details To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. ### Time March 29, 2027 5:30 pm – 6:20 pm(GMT+01:00) [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14243_0/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Online%3A%2013-17%20years&dates=20270329T163000Z/20270329T172000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Online%3A%2013-17%20years&location= "Add to your Google calendar") ## Event adoptionsupport@pactcharity (Adoptee Voices only) Form for events that sends the submission to adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org "\*" indicates required fields URL This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ### Request to book onto an event First name\* Last name\* Email address\* Event name\* Date(s) of the event(s) you would like to book onto\* Optional message for PACT's team Please confirm you are a PACT adoptee\* I am a PACT adoptee These groups are only available to those who were adopted through PACT. If you were adopted through another agency, we unfortunately cannot book you on to any of our support events. Please tick the box to confirm you are a PACT adoptee. Please note: submitting this form does not guarantee you a place. Our team will contact you to let you know if you have been successfully booked onto the event. Submit ### Young people who have attended the events before said: ## Adoptee Voices is good actually because I know I’ve gone through some rough times and the Adoptee Voices \[group\] has helped me, given my mum advice and given me advice and stuff… It means that we can make friends with other people like us so that we can understand and care for \[each other\]. Attendee, aged 14 ## For me I joined a little bit later than everyone else but it’s been really effective for me because it’s allowed me to make new friends and talk about my experiences of being adopted… It has given me the confidence to be able to say to people it’s ok to feel differently about being adopted. Attendee, aged 17 ## Before I started Adoptee Voices I felt like I was the only one who was adopted but now I feel more connected to other people who were adopted and that it’s OK to be adopted Attendee, aged 13 ## The adoptee voices group is invaluable for my child although maybe he doesn’t realise that himself… I think it’s really important for him just to have that link with children who’ve got a bit of a shared experience… I think maybe as they’re getting older having somebody who you know they might know who has had similar experiences is also useful because they know they are not the only ones going through the same situation and troubles and actually for me coming and seeing the other parents and sort of knowing you’re not the only one going through some of the peaks and troughs of it all as well is quite good. Parent of attendee ## Looking for support? If you are a young person who was adopted through PACT and you would like to talk to a member of our friendly team about your adoption, please get in touch. You can call us directly on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800) or click the button to send us a message. [Send us a message](mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org) --- ### [Partner agency support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/partner-agency-support/) **Published:** September 29, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Partner agency support and events PACT works closely with other agencies and local authorities who run events and provide specialist support for adopters. In addition to the range of support provided by PACT, you may be eligible to access the following support depending on where you live.  ## Parenting Special Children [Parenting Special Children](https://www.parentingspecialchildren.co.uk/) is an organisation that provides specialist support for Berkshire families who have children and young people with special needs. They run webinars and groups for children who have additional needs. You can find out more on the [Parenting Special Children website](https://www.parentingspecialchildren.co.uk/) or contact the team on **07557 102623** / email:  ### We Are Family Find out more [on their website](http://www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk/)  ### National Association of Therapeutic Parents (NATP) Find out more [here on the Adopt London website](https://adoptlondon.org.uk/news/free-membership-to-natp-for-adopt-london-families-during-covid19/)  ### Adoptionplus and PAC-UK Find out more [here on the Adopt London website](https://adoptlondon.org.uk/news/adopt-london-announce-new-partnership-with-pac-uk-adoptionplus/) --- ### [Talk to an expert](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/talk-to-an-expert/) **Published:** September 16, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Talk to an expert In addition to our regular [information events](/adoption/information-events/), we offer, as part of the enquiry process, the opportunity to have a **one-to-one call** with a PACT social worker or a PACT adopter. If there are a number of issues you would like to discuss in person to help you prepare to adopt or you would like to hear about the adoption journey from someone who has been there, these calls are a good way to have a more in-depth discussion about your own situation. If you feel this service would help you, please ask when you speak to PACT’s enquiries team. Contact them on [0300 456 4800 ](tel:03004564800)or [fill in our enquiry form](/adoption-enquiry/). [Make an enquiry](/adoption-enquiry/)  --- ### [Talking Adoption shows](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/talking-adoption/) **Published:** September 16, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Talking Adoption show Each month we host a virtual Talking Adoption show where we stream a discussion about adoption live from our [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/pactcharity/) and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/pactcharity "YouTube") pages. Upcoming shows are listed in the calendar below. These talks usually feature PACT staff and adopters discussing and answering questions about adopting with PACT. There’s no need to book: simply tune in at the time the event is streaming or watch it back at a later date on Facebook or YouTube. You can click the button below to browse the whole series on YouTube. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ### Latest episode: ## Previous topics have included: - How to prepare family and friends - Understanding voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) - Adopting with pets in the household - Family finding as part of the process - Adopting sibling groups of two or three - The types of children waiting - Adopting children from Black and mixed Black/White British backgrounds - Volunteering as part of the process --- ### [Accessibility](https://www.pactcharity.org/accessibility/) **Published:** October 14, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Accessibility We want our website to be accessible and easy to use by everyone. #### Resizing the text If you would like to, you may be able to resize almost all of the text on our website using your browser controls (a few pieces of the text are graphic images and therefore have a fixed size). #### Simplifying the layout To simplify the layout you can choose to disable the style associated with the page. #### Changing your browser options You may find the links below helpful if you are unfamiliar with the controls built into your web browser. For detailed information about changing the display options for Firefox, [click here](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-options-preferences-and-settings) (link will open in a new window). For detailed information about changing the display options for Microsoft Edge, [click here](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/accessibility-features-in-microsoft-edge-4c696192-338e-9465-b2cd-bd9b698ad19a) (link will open in a new window). #### Technical All pages on this site should be valid to XHTML 1.0 Transitional and use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). We also follow the Worldwide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 and aim to meet all level A and double-A checkpoints. The site has been tested in a range of web browsers and on a range of devices. #### **Feedback** We welcome feedback from visitors to our website. If you have encountered any accessibility issue while browsing the website, please email --- ### [Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/buckinghamshire-adoption-partnership/) **Published:** January 8, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership Buckinghamshire Council has joined the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) programme, benefiting from a national network joining up adoption activity across the country. The council has secured a partnership with PACT to form Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership. We are working together to deliver the RAA following a public launch in January 2024. The RAA will build on the considerable experience and complementary strengths of both organisations with a clear focus on delivering improved outcomes for children and families. PACT will continue to operate as separate charity and adoption agency covering London, across the south of England and into the midlands region. Buckinghamshire Council is ultimately responsible for delivering the RAA. PACT will contribute its commitment to exceptional quality and business expertise to influence practice and drive improvements in performance. The key priorities of the partnership are – - Improve timeliness for children being placed for adoption – including increased opportunities for early permanence placements. - Manage the adopter and adoptee voice in the RAA by establishing a adopter/adopted person forum and by providing focused support groups for adopted children. - Undertake a full review of post order services to ensure they provide the services needed to meet the needs of children and families. - Deliver an independent birth relative support offer, to include one to one and group work support. - Establish a strong governance structure which will include multi-agency partners and key stakeholders. - Develop a robust quality assurance framework to enable us to continue to reflect and learn about the impact of the interventions/services we provide. - Explore options to share learning opportunities and training. - Complete a phased review of initial RAA practices and processes and make recommendations about where improvements can be made. --- ### [Community Socials](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/community-socials/) **Published:** April 4, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Community Socials ## In-person events for PACT adoptive families to meet-up. ☀️ PACT’s Strengthening Families Team is running monthly, informal meetups for PACT adoptive families to meet others, make friends and share experiences. Locations will include children’s farms, art galleries and local outside parks. **Individual details of each event will be sent to families through email. Keep an eye on PACT’s monthly Adopter News for details too.** **If you have any questions, email .**  --- ### [BB4K Eligibility Checker](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/bb4k-referral-eligibility-checker/) **Published:** February 15, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Refer a family to Bounce Back 4 Kids Please use our eligibility checker tool below to fill in some basic details about the family you are referring. If you meet our basic criteria, you will receive an automatic follow-up email within a few minutes asking you to provide some additional information for each individual being referred. If you have any problems completing the form, please get in touch with our team at ## BB4K Referral Eligibility Checker Parent first name(Required) Parent last name(Required) Where does the family being referred live?(Required)Please note we are currently only accepting referrals from Reading, West Berkshire, Wokingham, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire, Cherwell and Vale of White Horse. Please use this search tool to check which local authority the family being referred belongs to: [Find your local council ↗](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council) Please selectReadingWest BerkshireWokinghamOxford CitySouth OxfordshireWest OxfordshireVale of White HorseCherwellOther location Please state location:(Required) For a referral to proceed, we require that the perpetrator has left the family home and is out of the relationship. Has the alleged perpetrator left the family home?(Required) Yes No Has the relationship between alleged perpetrator and referred parent ended?(Required) Yes No This field is hidden when viewing the form Perpetrator out of relationship and left family home This field is hidden when viewing the form Perpetrator has NOT left relationship/family home Please add the name and age of **each child being referred.** You do not need to add details of additional children in the family who are not being referred. Please note: we only accept referrals for children aged **3-11 years old.** ### Child 1 Name(Required) Age(Required)Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0. This field is hidden when viewing the form Child IN age range This field is hidden when viewing the form Child OUT of age range Second child Add another child to the referral? ### Child 2 Name(Required) Age(Required)Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0. This field is hidden when viewing the form Child IN age range This field is hidden when viewing the form Child OUT of age range Third child Add another child to the referral? ### Child 3 Name(Required) Age(Required)Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0. This field is hidden when viewing the form Child IN age range This field is hidden when viewing the form Child OUT of age range Fourth child Add another child to the referral? ### Child 4 Name(Required) Age(Required)Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0. This field is hidden when viewing the form Child IN age range This field is hidden when viewing the form Child OUT of age range ### Details of referrer Your name(Required) Your email address(Required)**You will receive essential details about the referral to this address so please provide your direct email** Your phone number(Required) This field is hidden when viewing the form ### Calculations This field is hidden when viewing the form Sum of IN age range This field is hidden when viewing the form Sum of OUT of age range This field is hidden when viewing the form Family meets criteria This field is hidden when viewing the form Number of family members accepted from referral Sum of IN age range + parent This field is hidden when viewing the form Number of family members rejected from referral Sum of OUT of age range This field is hidden when viewing the form Family does not meet criteria This field is hidden when viewing the form Number of family members rejected from referral Sum of IN age range + Sum of OUT of age range + parent This field is hidden when viewing the form Referral not accepted – reason 1 This field is hidden when viewing the form Referral not accepted – reason 2 This field is hidden when viewing the form Referral not accepted – reason 3 In submitting this form, you are confirming that the parent/guardian of the child(ren) being referred agrees that the information contained within can be held securely at Bounce Back 4 Kids for the purposes of proceeding with support as outlined in the BB4K Privacy Notice which can be found [here](/online-privacy-notice/). If you require a child-friendly version of the Privacy Notice, this is also available [here](/online-privacy-notice/). If the referral does not proceed we will delete all data given within 18 months from the date the decision was made to decline the referral. How we store information and how we use data will be discussed with the parent/guardian during their first meeting at BB4K. Further consent for their data to be stored will be sought. Data protection and information sharing(Required) Click to agree to data protection and information sharing as detailed in the [BB4K Privacy Notice](/online-privacy-notice/) Submit --- ### [David](https://www.pactcharity.org/david/) **Published:** March 25, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # David David, aged 35, is an anaesthetist from Clapham, London. PACT is a charity very close to David’s heart. He said: “My wife, Charlotte and I have been approved to adopt and very recently had a little girl placed with us. I think that PACT is an amazing charity and offer such great help and resources to adoptive families.” “I have run a marathon once before but am so excited to be running such an iconic event in my home city. Training is going well and the support of friends and family is really encouraging me to continue on those dark, drizzly morning runs!” When asked what he’s most looking forward to on race day, David said: “I am most looking forward to feeling the support of the crowd and crossing the finish line where I know my family will be waiting.” [Donate to David’s fundraiser](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/david-cunningham)  ## “PACT is an incredible charity and I know that so many families will benefit from the money raised.” --- ### [Will](https://www.pactcharity.org/will/) **Published:** March 14, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Will Will is a 21-year-old construction engineering management student at Loughborough University! William has a personal connection to PACT’s work. He said: “I first became aware of how important supporting adoption is through my own family’s experience. My grandma was adopted, and more recently a family friend completed their family, having adopted an 8-year-old girl.” “It has been brilliant to watch how much joy and happiness they all now have in their lives, and the fun and laughter that a child can bring.” This will be the first time William has entered a marathon event. He said: “Although I like to think of myself as a sporty person, running a marathon is something that had never entered my head before. “To me running acts as a get-away. it allows me to take a step back from work, unwind, and not worry about anything. I have never associated running as an activity to challenge myself. However, once marathon training begun, the challenge aspect kicked in, and I have been pushing myself ever since.” [Donate to Will’s fundraiser](https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/will-senior)  ## “I am running the London Marathon as an opportunity to show my support to those who are a part of the adoption journey, whether that be parents adopting or children being adopted. I hope that by undergoing this event, I can show that I stand with you all every step of the way.” --- ### [Jez Balas](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/support-our-pact-marathon-runners/jez-balas/) **Published:** February 19, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Jez Balas Jez, aged 43, has a very special reason to raise funds for PACT. He said: “We adopted our boys through PACT back in 2013. The boys were one year old and 7 months old when we adopted them. They’re 12 and nearly 13 now!” Jez previously raised funds for PACT in the 2014 London Marathon so appreciates the time and effort needed to compete. When asked what he is most looking forward to on race day, Jez said: “Taking it in. I didn’t enjoy the second half as much as I could have last time. It’s such an incredible event and I want to be grateful for the experience. Tell me that around 20 miles in!” “The picture is me with my friend Laura (running for Dreamflight in her first marathon) wearing my one of a kind ‘running beanie’ knitted by my late Granny “Mutte” who passed away last year at 100 years old. I wear it in her memory.” [Donate to Jez’s fundraiser ](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jezbelas)  ## “PACT is a fantastic charity placing children with forever families. Adoption and fostering is a big deal and PACT are supportive and help empower parents. The London Marathon is so tough and donating will help children in the UK be with parents that will love them and keep them safe.” --- ### [Meet Grace, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer](https://www.pactcharity.org/grace/) **Published:** March 7, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Meet Grace, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer The Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer role is part of PACT’s Communications and Engagement team. I am responsible for delivering events and campaigns to reach families who could give a child or children in care a loving, permanent home through adoption. I lead on engaging prospective adopters from specific groups, particularly those who are of Black African, Black Caribbean and other Black heritage, LGBTQ+ and those of faith. I really enjoy going out into the community and meeting people. There are so many children waiting for permanent homes and they’re all as diverse as the community we live in. I feel honoured to play a part in a great team whose aim is to reach people who are considering growing their family through adoption.  ## Have you got a question for Grace? If you would like to chat with Grace, please contact our enquiries team and they can put you in touch with her. [Contact enquries ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) --- ### [Craig](https://www.pactcharity.org/craig/) **Published:** March 6, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Craig Craig Thornhill, aged 45, is a finance director from Aberdeen. Craig, who learned about PACT’s work through his close friend and PACT trustee Dean Hunter, truly believes in the importance of family. He said: “My Dad was raised in Barnardo’s and installed a huge family ethic in us as children, along with the importance of having a loving family. He could not do enough for us. I understand that not everyone is lucky to have that stable loving family environment for various reasons.” “I’m passionate about contributing to a positive environment for children to thrive in and become the best they can be. I fully believe that PACT can and do play a huge part in this and I absolutely love that I can play a small part in achieving this.” Craig is no stranger to taking on challenge events. He said: “This will be my eleventh marathon and I have completed the six World Marathon Majors.” [Donate to Craig’s fundraiser](https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/craig-thornhill)  ## “I can’t wait to experience the crowd again. It’s amazing also to see my family at The Embankment and it keeps me going. I can’t wait!” --- ### [Ciara](https://www.pactcharity.org/ciara/) **Published:** March 6, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Ciara Ciara, aged 31, is an SEN teacher from Exeter and was adopted as a child. Ciara said: “I am running the London Marathon 2025 for PACT because I was adopted at the age of five, and I have experienced first-hand the incredible, life-changing impact that adoption can have.” Ciara was recently in a car accident but still plans to take part. She said: “Despite this setback, I’m more determined than ever to cross that finish line. It will be tougher now, but that only reinforces my motivation. Life for a child in care is full of challenges, and if my fundraising can help create a better future for them, that thought will carry me through every step of the race.” Ciara really looks forward to experiencing the London Marathon. She said: “I’m most looking forward to the incredible atmosphere and the energy of being surrounded by thousands of people, all pushing themselves to complete this challenge for causes that matter deeply to them. It’s inspiring to be part of such a powerful collective effort, and I can’t wait to experience the sense of achievement on the day.” “If I can push through this to raise awareness and funds, I hope you’ll join me by making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference in a child’s life.” [Donate to Ciara’s fundraiser](https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ciara-thom)  ## “Adoption gave me the opportunity for a brighter future, and I want to help provide that same chance for other children. A fun fact is that PACT took over the charity that originally supported me so, in a way, I’m raising money for a child just like me.” --- ### [Meet Heather, PACT’s LGBTQ+ Champion](https://www.pactcharity.org/heather/) **Published:** March 3, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Meet Heather, PACT’s LGBTQ+ Champion Hi I’m Heather Liveston and my pronouns are she/her. I am a PACT Senior Social Worker, EDEI (equality, diversity, equality and inclusion) group member and LGBTQ+ Champion! In this role, I work closely with the LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering support organisation, New Family Social, to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and best practice. I recommend that you visit their website or socials if you are not aware of them already! I am also on hand to answer any questions about adopting if you’re LGBTQ+. I am LGBTQ+ myself and am a proud wife and mum of two boys, a cat, a dog, four guinea pigs and a hamster! One of my proudest achievements was contributing to a book on LGBTQ+ parenting called ‘Pride and Joy’! I love hearing from LGBTQ+ applicants and adoptive parents about how PACT has supported them on their adoption journey!  ## Have you got a question for Heather? If you would like to chat with Heather about LGBTQ+ adoption, please contact our enquiries team and they can put you in touch with her. [Contact enquries ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)  ## Blog: What Pride means to me [Read now ](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-heather-a-pact-social-worker-and-her-pride-experiences/) ## “If you are thinking of applying to adopt, go for it! We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, and I am confident that you will feel welcomed and understood.” --- ### [Jay Crossley](https://www.pactcharity.org/jay-crossley/) **Published:** February 28, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Jay Crossley Jay, aged 25, is a swimming pool engineer based in Oxfordshire. He said: “I’m running the London Marathon 2025 to support PACT because I truly believe in the work they do. Their focus on adoption services and community projects is incredible, and I wanted to be part of that mission.” Jay is no novice when it comes to challenge events, training hard to run in more than one marathon this year! He said: “It will be my first time taking on a challenge of this scale for charity, though, and I’m excited for what’s to come!” When asked what he is most looking forward to, Jay said: “I’m most excited about the atmosphere and the energy of running in one of the most iconic marathons in the world. The crowds, the support, and being part of something so huge is a feeling I can’t wait to experience. Plus, I’m excited to help raise money for PACT and support the amazing work they do.“ [Donate to Jay’s fundraiser](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jay-crossley)  ## “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run the London Marathon for such a meaningful cause. I can’t wait to take on the challenge and help raise funds for PACT’s important work. Thank you for all your support — it truly makes a difference!“ --- ### [Jason Law](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/support-our-pact-marathon-runners/jason-law/) **Published:** April 15, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Jason Law Jason Law, aged 50, is running for Parents And Children Together (PACT), a charity that provides outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and inspirational community projects. Jason, who works in business security at Invesco, said: “I have run previously for PACT and wanted to mark my 50th celebrations by raising more resource for PACT.” Running is not new to Jason. Previously, he has undertaken 10 marathons, one ultramarathon and several triathlons; in November he is taking it one step further by climbing Kilimanjaro. Jason said: “Training is not going too bad. I am doing nowhere near as much training as I used to undertake but I am hoping a bit of age and experience makes up for it!” Jason is one of five members of Team PACT who will be running the 26.2 miles around the streets of London on Sunday 21st April. He has a £1,600 fundraising target and is collecting donations to his page at [Parents And Children Together: Parents And Children Together: Jason Law London Marathon 2024 and Kilimanjaro Climb 2024 (enthuse.com)](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jason-law) and with every pound donated, Jason’s employer Invesco will kindly double the donation. When asked what he is most looking forward to, Jason said: “The support from the crowd, a sense of achievement but of course the finishing line and a cold drink.” [Donate to Jason’s fundraiser](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jason-law)  --- ### [Nick Evans](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/support-our-pact-marathon-runners/nick-evans/) **Published:** April 15, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Nick Evans Nick, aged 39, is running for Parents And Children Together (PACT), a charity that provides outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and inspirational community projects. Nick Evans, a sales manager for automative technology solutions company Keyloop, said: “Running the marathon is a bucket list achievement for me and a great opportunity to raise money for PACT – a local charity that Keyloop are proud to be working with this year.” Before this year, 10 kilometres was the furthest that Nick had run. He said: “Training has been going great. I have been running faster and going further every week. “Staying injury free has been a big part of my training. I also completed Bath Half Marathon in March as part of my training programme with a personal best time of 1 hour 52 minutes. I’ve lost weight and am the fittest I’ve ever been.” When asked what he is most looking forward to, Nick said: “I’ve been told the whole day is a once in a lifetime experience and I’m really excited to be a part of it. The crowd is going to carry me to the end.” Nick is one of five members of Team PACT who will be running the 26.2 miles around the streets of London on Sunday 21st April. He has a £1,600 fundraising target and is collecting donations to his page at [Parents And Children Together: Nick’s first Marathon (enthuse.com).](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/nick-evans-2024) He said: “I never thought it would be possible to run this far but training and dedication has got me to where I know I can actually do this! If I can do it anyone can, so dream big!” [Donate to Nick’s fundraiser](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/nick-evans-2024)  --- ### [Rosie Charlotte](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/support-our-pact-marathon-runners/test-marathon-runner/) **Published:** April 10, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Rosie Charlotte Rosie, aged 23, is a support worker for PACT’s domestic abuse recovery service Bounce Back 4 Kids, and said: “I have run for years but have always been too scared to do a marathon! This is a huge challenge for me and I’m very excited!” “Training has been…. hard. The time and dedication to early mornings and late nights has definitely taken getting used to! But it’s all been worth it for a good cause! Rosie is one of five members of Team PACT who will be running the 26.2 miles around the streets of London on Sunday 21st April. She has a £2,000 fundraising target and is collecting donations to his page at [Parents And Children Together: Rosie Runs a Marathon (enthuse.com).](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rosie-sumner-rosierunsamarathom?fbclid=IwAR1XNKTFbwQ6HQQVyET6xd7R9NFBKP7K2EwKo4ujsiwpWM9nyu5KUdYHfJk) When asked what she is most looking forward to, Rosie said: “The atmosphere…And a huge meal at the end!” [Donate to Rosie’s fundraiser](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rosie-sumner-rosierunsamarathom?fbclid=IwAR1XNKTFbwQ6HQQVyET6xd7R9NFBKP7K2EwKo4ujsiwpWM9nyu5KUdYHfJk)  --- ### [Oli Fitzgerald](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/support-our-pact-marathon-runners/oli-fitzgerald/) **Published:** April 10, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # Oli Fitzgerald Oli and his wife Ruth became parents through PACT after adopting their daughter in 2018. Ruth has also worked for PACT since 2022 so the charity has a significant place in the family’s lives. Oli used to play football regularly but stopped in his mid-20s. Training has been challenging for him, especially having to balance the work, family and training dynamic but Oli said: “It’s been a good way to clear some of my podcast backlog.” When asked what he is most looking forward to, Oli said: “The finish line! Everybody that I know who has previously run the marathon has mentioned how unique the day is, being cheered on by 1000s. “It’s unlikely I ever do anything like this again so absorbing the atmosphere of the day has to be it.” He said: “Our family wouldn’t be what it is without the work and efforts of PACT. Our daughter is our life, so the money being raised will help others achieve the same completeness. Not to mention the integral community work they do locally. The amount you’re able or willing to donate doesn’t matter, it is all greatly appreciated.” [Donate to Oli’s fundraiser](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/oli-fitzgerald)  --- ### [Rosie Charlotte](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/support-our-pact-marathon-runners/peter-sutton-2/) **Published:** August 30, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Rosie Charlotte Rosie, aged 23, is running for Parents And Children Together (PACT), a charity that provides outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and inspirational community projects. Rosie, a support worker for PACT’s domestic abuse recovery service Bounce Back 4 Kids, said: “I have run for years but have always been too scared to do a marathon! This is a huge challenge for me and I’m very excited!” “Training has been…. hard. The time and dedication to early mornings and late nights has definitely taken getting used to! But it’s all been worth it for a good cause! Rosie is one of five members of Team PACT who will be running the 26.2 miles around the streets of London on Sunday 21st April. She has a £2,000 fundraising target and is collecting donations to his page at [Parents And Children Together: Rosie Runs a Marathon (enthuse.com).](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rosie-sumner-rosierunsamarathom?fbclid=IwAR1XNKTFbwQ6HQQVyET6xd7R9NFBKP7K2EwKo4ujsiwpWM9nyu5KUdYHfJk) When asked what she is most looking forward to, Rosie said: “The atmosphere…And a huge meal at the end!” [Donate to Rosie’s fundraiser](https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rosie-sumner-rosierunsamarathom?fbclid=IwAR1XNKTFbwQ6HQQVyET6xd7R9NFBKP7K2EwKo4ujsiwpWM9nyu5KUdYHfJk)  --- ### [Adoption Process](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-process/) **Published:** July 19, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Adoption process here at PACT #### To adopt a child there is a regulated legal process that all prospective adopters must undertake. Some people may think that the process is long and intense. It is thorough but it’s important that all adoptive parents are properly prepared and assessed to be able to meet the needs of children who have experienced loss, and are likely to have had a traumatic start to their life. Our team at PACT is here to guide and support adopters through every step of this process to become a parent. ## Enquiry stage Research Contact PACT enquiries team Attend a PACT adoption information event Consider your home situation – no plans to move or have renovations Information sharing meeting with a PACT adoption social worker Gain voluntary experience with children, particularly children with needs similar to those in care Obtain references and overseas checks if you have lived abroad Choose an adoption agency Complete a Registration of Interest (ROI) form    ## Stage one Meet your social worker Statutory checks made including DBS (police check), local authority check and health assessment References obtained Attend initial adoption preparation training course Undertake some reading/additional learning activity Continue voluntary work experience Register with the Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) for online support  ## Stage two Assessment with your allocated social worker Assessment report (PAR) presented to PACT adoption panel Further training for you and your family    ## Family finding Meet your allocated family finder Link you with a child or children Local authority matching adoption panel approval Introductions – visits (around 10 to 28 days) to enable you to get to know your child(ren) Child(ren) come to live with you in your home  ## Establishing your family Becoming parents Adoption support and reviews of the placement Legal Adoption Order and celebration hearing (4-12 months after placement)   ## Ongoing adoption placement support Continuing adoption training Support groups and family fun days Access to FACTS therapeutic services ## Download our guide to adoption Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. You can also fill in our enquiry form to receive a full Adoption Information Pack which will explain each step of the process in detail. [Download our adoption guide](/adoption/adoption-guide/)   ## Could you adopt? Interested to find out how easy it would be for you to adopt? Use our interactive self-assessment tool to find out now! [Take our self assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) ## Talking Adoption show Hear our team chat about the adoption process and answer your questions. To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ## Take the next step… ## Read our FAQs Our frequently asked questions answer some of the most common questions we receive about adopting with PACT. [ See FAQs ](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Churches](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/churches/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Churches PACT was founded by the Bishop of Oxford in 1911 and is proud of its [roots in the Christian church](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/). We welcome the opportunity to work with churches of all faiths to help support our work with vulnerable families, women and children. If your church is interested in partnering with PACT to support our fundraising efforts, please contact our [Fundraising team](mailto:fundraising@pactcharity.org "fundraising@pactcharity.org"). We also offer churches the opportunity to support our work finding loving, permanent families for children waiting in care. If your church could consider inviting a PACT staff member to come and talk about adoption as a path to parenthood, please get in touch with our [Events team](mailto:events@pactcharity.org). You can find out more about our work with [families of faith here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/families-of-faith/). We have worked with many churches over the years and we are incredibly grateful to the numerous congregations and church members who have supported our work.  ## Here are some of the churches that have supported PACT ### ***All Saints Church Wokingham*** [All Saints Church Wokingham](http://www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk/) has worked closely with PACT to help us to recruit adoptive families. They displayed posters and leaflets, included a PACT article in their service book and parish magazine, as well as hosted a talk by a PACT expert. All Saints Wokingham have given generously to PACT both in terms of donating funds to support local vulnerable families and also by attending special events such as the therapy room launch in Reading and the royal visit to celebrate over 100 years of PACT. Members of All Saints Wokingham also say a daily prayer for PACT. ### ***Reading Minster*** [Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin](https://www.readingminster.org.uk/) has supported PACT for several years, providing a space to hold events which celebrate our community and raise money for those using our services. The Minster has hosted our annual International Women’s Day service several times, both in person and as a virtual event while Covid restrictions were in place, and will host our Christmas carol concert as well. Reverend Judith Sumner, Reading Minster’s Associate Minister, is one of PACT’s trustees and has been instrumental to the success of our joint work. Reverend Sumner said: *“It is always a privilege and a pleasure to support the vital work you are doing. PACT’s work makes such a difference to so many, both for those looking to build new families and those needing support following trauma and abuse.* *In all you do, PACT, you offer continuity of care and compassion and in that, the hope shines through for so many futures. We look forward to being a part of that hope and future in our continued work with you.”* ### ***St Luke’s, Maidenhead*** St Luke’s is closely connected to PACT. Rev Sally Lynch, Vicar of St Luke’s, said: “St Luke’s is proud to support PACT through volunteering, giving and activities within our parish community. I would encourage other Churches to become a PACT Parish.” ### ***The Beaconsfield Team Ministry*** The Beaconsfield Team Ministry is made up of the Churches of St Mary & All Saints, St Thomas’s and St Michael’s & All Angels. Rev Jeremy Holder, Vicar of St Mary and All Saints, said: “We are very proud to support PACT as part of our charitable giving programme. Our congregation are keen to support a cause that benefits the local community and is strongly aligned to our giving criteria including having Christian foundation and accountability. I know from personal experiences the value of post-adoption support and how this can often help to prevent a placement breaking down which can be traumatic for both the child and the parents. We would encourage other churches to join PACT Parishes and together help more children to thrive in loving and stable families.” ### ***St Peter’s, Didcot*** St Peter’s is a longstanding supporter of PACT. The church holds charity quiz nights for PACT, include PACT stories in their newsletter to raise awareness of the work we do, and remembers us in their prayers and services. For St Peter’s, supporting PACT through prayer, giving and volunteering is a way for the parish to serve their local community in line with their Christian values and faith. Being a PACT supporter ensures that St Peter’s is informed about developments in PACT projects and about how their support is making a difference to local children and families. ### ***All Saints’ Church, Sutton Courtenay*** The Priest-in-Charge of All Saints’ Church, Sutton Courtenay, Rev Helen Kendrick, and her husband, Christopher, adopted two children with PACT in 2009 so the parish has experienced at first hand the amazing work that PACT does through its adoption services. Rev Helen said: “Over Christmas 2012 the Church raised £684 from carol singing around the village and from the annual Torchlight Procession held on Christmas Eve where hundreds of people process through the village and gather around a bonfire in the Churchyard to sing Christmas Carols.” ### ***All Saints Ascot*** PACT has benefitted hugely from the support of All Saints Ascot. The church has kindly donated to PACT for several years following their gift service. All Saints Ascot has also joined PACT in the mission to help recruit permanent loving homes for the thousands of children currently in care. ## Want to find out more? Contact our Fundraising team to find out more about how your church can support PACT. [Contact us](mailto:fundraising@pactcharity.org) ## About Christian adoption PACT has a long history of working with families interested in Christian adoption and has partnered with [Home for Good](https://www.homeforgood.org.uk/) to encourage more Christian families and those who attend church to think about growing their family through adoption. Home for Good is not an adoption agency, but works with PACT to make sure that Christian prospective adopters are able to explore how their faith informs their lives and motivation to adopt and to ensure that value and respect is central to this process. Recommended by Home for Good and considered ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, PACT is committed to providing a faith-friendly service and offers fantastic post-adoption support, for life. Find out more about our work with Christian adopters by clicking below. [See our families of faith page](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/families-of-faith) ## Make a donation, change lives With your support, we can continue to provide our life-changing services building and empowering adoptive families, women and children to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future. [Donate now](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/)    ## See the impact of our work “She may be disabled and she may be adopted, but that is all just one part of who she is. She is my family and we are hers.” – Adoptive parent [Learn more](/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/) --- ### [What are your first memories of school - answers](https://www.pactcharity.org/what-are-your-first-memories-of-school-answers/) **Published:** August 16, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Here’s what other people said ## Of the 29 people we asked…  **15** said they remember wearing their uniform  **16** said they remember saying goodbye to their mum or dad  **16** said they remember sitting in assembly  **17** said they remember eating their school lunch Lots of people remember feeling nervous and excited for their first day of primary or secondary school. But for children who have grown up with abuse, neglect or loss, adjusting to a new school can be very difficult. **At PACT we believe every child deserves a chance to reach their potential.** We work with children, parents and schools to give children like Charlie\* and Libby\* the support they need. Charlie and Libby, aged eight and seven, were adopted through PACT a few years ago. They were struggling in school and their mum reached out to PACT for support. She said: *“Due to their early life experiences, Charlie and Libby are continually in survival mode and their behaviours can be complex and challenging.”* PACT’s Adoption Support team started working with the family and since then, things have been getting better for Charlie and Libby. Their mum said: *“I am so grateful to \[PACT’s Education Lead\] for the invaluable advice that she has given us over the last couple of years as my son’s educational needs have become increasingly apparent. The input we have had from both \[the Education Lead\] and the Adoption Support team at PACT has been phenomenal and our lives are certainly better for it.”* ## Could you help more children like Charlie and Libby? **£10** could pay for materials to help a child affected by domestic abuse explore their feelings through play therapy **£18** could pay for school staff to receive an education toolkit and advice from our Education Lead on supporting adopted children in school **£35** could pay for a peer support call for a family with an adopted child struggling with school transitions, delivered by a trained Adopter Champion [Donate today](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/every-child)  \*Names changed to protect identities --- ### [What are your first memories of school?](https://www.pactcharity.org/what-are-your-first-memories-of-school/) **Published:** August 16, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # What are your first memories of school? ## Tell us using our poll! I remember… Wearing my uniform Saying goodbye to my mum or dad Sitting in assembly Eating school lunch Something else What else do you remember? Submit and see results --- ### [BB4K eligibility checker submitted](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/looking-for-support/bb4k-referral-form/bb4k-eligibility-checker-submitted/) **Published:** February 15, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Form submitted Thank you for completing our eligibility screening tool. Please note: this is NOT a referral. **Please look out for an email from bb4k@pactcharity.org** which will arrive within a few minutes. This email contains important instructions for completing the referral if the family meets our criteria. If you or the client being referred have a Gmail account, please see our guidance below. **You must follow the steps in the email to provide additional information to complete the referral.** If the family are eligible for support and you do not complete the referral forms for both parent *and* child(ren) indicated in the email sent to you, we will not be able to support the family and will close this enquiry.  ## Important update about Gmail addresses Please note: Google has made changes which are preventing some emails being received by **Gmail accounts** and incorrectly marking them as spam. If you or the parent you are referring provide a Gmail address as a means of being contacted by our team, **please check your spam or junk folder for messages from our team and advise the parent being referred to do the same.** You and/or the parent can also set up a filter to always allow emails from our team to avoid missing any communications. ### Setting up a Gmail filter to always allow emails from our team To prevent messages from our team going to your spam or junk folders, take the following steps: - Open Gmail on your phone or computer - In the search box, click the filter icon on the right of the box to show search options - In the ‘From’ field, enter **pactcharity.org** - At the bottom of the search window, click ‘Create filter’ - A list of options will appear asking you which action you would like to take for these email addresses. Choose ‘Never sent it to Spam’ to make sure emails from our team always arrive in your inbox. - Clicke ‘Create filter’ to save the filter Further guidance about creating and managing Gmail filters can be found [here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6579?hl=en-GB). If you have any trouble completing our referral process or the parent referred does not hear back from our team within seven working days, please call us on [0118 402 1733](tel:01184021733). --- ### [Coronation trail](https://www.pactcharity.org/trail/) **Published:** May 2, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # Congratulations on completing PACT’s ## Coronation Royal Walk and Activity Trail! Click here to download your certificate: [Download certificate](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Coronation-Walk-Certificate.pdf) ### Could you spare a few pounds to support PACT’s work? PACT changes hundreds of lives every year through its vital services in Reading and beyond. We provide outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and inspirational community projects such as Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids to help children and adults recover from trauma and take steps to improve their futures. ### Help PACT change lives [Donate today](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/) ## Tell us how you found the trail… What were your favourite places to see?(Required) Reading Gaol (& Banksy artwork) King’s Meadow Reading Museum (& The Bayeux Tapestry) Huntley and Palmer’s Biscuit Factory Reading Abbey Ruins Abbey Hospitium The Maiwand Lion Museum of English Rural Life The Hexagon Queen Victoria Statue King Edward VII’s Statue Reading Station How would you rate the trail out of five?(Required) 1 2 3 4 5 Leave a message in our virtual guestbook… Your name(Required) First Last Would you like to be added to PACT's mailing list to stay up to date with their news and activities?(Required) Yes No Please provide your email address(Required) Submit --- ### [BB4K referral - end page](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-referral-end-page/) **Published:** October 17, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Referral complete  *100% complete* ### Thank you for making a referral, your referral forms have been submitted. We will aim to respond within seven working days. If you or the individuals referred do not hear from us within seven working days, please get in touch at [bb4k@pactcharity](). [Make another referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-1/) [Return to BB4K homepage](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/) --- ### [BB4K referral - Page 1](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-1/) **Published:** October 6, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Step 1 of 3 Data submitted in this form will be processed in line with our [BB4K Privacy Policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BB4K-Privacy-Notice-2022.pdf). You can also view a [child-friendly version of the policy here](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BB4K-Privacy-Policy-for-Children.pdf). If you have any problems completing the form, please get in touch with our team at . ## Step 1: Add details of parent/carer and referrer Please fill in the details of the primary parent/carer for the child or children being referred and click **‘Save Details’**. Then click ‘**Add a child**‘ to provide details of **each child being referred**. If this is not a self-referral, please also fill out the details of the referrer. **Useful tips:** - Fields with a \* are required and must be completed to submit the form - Postcodes must be all UPPER CASE with a space in between the first and second part - Mobile phone numbers must begin with 07 or +447 and contain no spaces - International phone numbers must begin with + and a valid country code and contain no spaces - If nothing happens when you click ‘save details’, please wait a moment as it can take a few seconds to save. ## **Important: Once you have completed this form, please click ‘Add a child’ at the bottom of the page to add details of each child referred for support.**  *30% complete* ## **Important: Once you have completed this form, please click ‘Add a child’ to add details of the first child referred for support.** Without this information we will not be able to process the referral and we will have to get in touch with you to ask you to provide these details. [Required: Add a child](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-2/)  *30% complete* --- ### [BB4K referral - Start](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-start-page/) **Published:** November 24, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** ## Before you begin…  *10% complete* # Important information ## This referral process has three steps. You **MUST** complete all steps to allow us to process the referral. Step 1: Add details of **parent** (and referrer details if this is not a self-referral) Step 2: Add details of **each child being referred**. After submitting the first form, click ‘**Add a child**‘ to provide these details. Step 3: Confirm and submit *If you do not complete all three steps, we will not be able to process the referral and we will need to get in touch with you to ask you to provide these details.* [Proceed to step 1](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-1/)  *10% complete* --- ### [BB4K referral - Page 5](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-5/) **Published:** October 6, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Step 3 of 3: Confirm and submit referral  *90% complete* ## OLD BB4K Lamplight referral form Company This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Please confirm the surname(s) of the family being referred(Required) Please confirm your own email address(Required) Please tick here if you would like an email confirmation of this referral to be sent to the above address Send email confirmation Date of referral(Required) Finish referral and submit  *90% complete* --- ### [BB4K referral - Page 4](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-4/) **Published:** October 6, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Step 2 of 3 (continued): Add details of the third child referred for support Make sure you click **‘Save Details’** after completing the details for each child before proceeding.  *80% complete* [Finish referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-5/)  *80% complete* --- ### [BB4K referral - Page 3](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-3/) **Published:** October 6, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Step 2 of 3 (continued): Add details of the second child referred for support Make sure you click **‘Save Details’** after completing the details for each child before proceeding.  *70% complete* [Add another child](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-4/) --- [OR Finish referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-5/)  *70% complete* --- ### [BB4K referral - Page 2](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-2/) **Published:** October 6, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Step 2 of 3: Add details of the first child referred for support Please submit **one child referral form for each child being referred.** You will have the option to submit referrals for additional children in the next steps. Make sure you click **‘Save Details’** after completing the details for each child, before moving on. ## Important: if you are referring more than one child in the family, please complete this form and then click ‘Add another child’ at the bottom of the page.  *60% complete* [Add another child](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-3/) --- [OR Finish referral](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/bb4k-referral-page-5/)  *60% complete* --- ### [Give £5 to help people in crisis](https://www.pactcharity.org/give-5-to-help-people-in-crisis/) **Published:** August 30, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Who do you call in a time of crisis? A loved one? A friend? What if there is no one you can call? What if you need advice or support from a specialist? For the families who have adopted through PACT whose children may have suffered abuse, neglect or loss in their early lives, the women who come to Alana House seeking support at difficult times in their lives, and the parents and children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse, **we are there in times of crisis.** Our team of therapeutically trained social workers and expert support workers are at the end of a phone to listen and to support. A donation of just £5 will help us to be there for children, women and families when they need us the most. ## Give £5 to help people in crisis [Donate today](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/donate5pounds)   Julie\* had fled from her abusive partner and was living in a new town with her six-year-old son Harry\*. Harry was struggling to settle into his new school; he was withdrawn and unable to engage with his teachers and classmates. At home he would have bouts of aggression towards his mother. Julie didn’t know where to seek help but heard about PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids service through a domestic abuse organisation. She was referred to BB4K and Harry attended a 10-week group where he learned how to deal with what he had witnessed, how to express his feelings and how to build healthy relationships. Julie attended the parents course to understand the abuse through Harry’s eyes, to support her parenting role and to help her support Harry’s recovery from the trauma he had experienced. ## PACT was there for Julie in her time of crisis [Donate today](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/donate5pounds) For more than 100 years, PACT has been building and strengthening families and supporting every single one of them in times of crisis. PACT creates families through adoption and provides specialist adoption support to all its families for life. PACT also supports and empowers women who face multiple disadvantages to make positive changes to their lives through its Alana House Community Project and supports children to heal from the trauma of domestic abuse through its Bounce Back 4 Kids programme. PACT is a non-profit making charity that relies on fundraising and donations to be able to provide its vital trauma-informed support to families, women and children. ## Give £5 today to help people in crisis [Donate today](https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/donate5pounds)  *\*Names changed to protect identities* --- ### [I am adopted](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/) **Published:** August 24, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # I am adopted If you were adopted through PACT, we are here to support you in every way we can. If you are a teenager or young person who was adopted through PACT, we invite you to join our Adoptee Voices groups. These get-togethers are a great way to meet others who were adopted in a safe and supportive setting to have fun together and chat about topics that are important to you. If you are an adult who was adopted through PACT and you are looking to obtain information about your records and family history, we are here to help. ## Support for adopted young people and adults  ## Adoptee Voices groups --- Our Adoptee Voices get-togethers provide a supportive space for teens and young adults who were adopted through PACT to meet our team and connect with other young people. [Find out more](/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/) ## Adoption records --- If you were adopted through one of the following adoption agencies, PACT may be able to help you obtain information about your adoption files and family history. [Find out more](/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoption-records/) ## Looking for support? If you are a young person who was adopted through PACT and you would like to talk to a member of our friendly team about your adoption, please get in touch. You can call us directly on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800) or click the button to send us a message. [Send us a message](mailto:adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org) --- ### [Adopter stories](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/) **Published:** July 16, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** PACT has been operating as an independent adoption charity since the 1950s and has helped to grow hundreds of families. Many PACT families have agreed to share their adoption stories with us. Click on a family below to read their story or use the filter to search for particular family situations. *\* Some names and details have been changed for confidentiality reasons* --- ### [Personalise your order](https://www.pactcharity.org/personalise-your-order/) **Published:** December 9, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Personalise your virtual gift cards ## Personalise your virtual gifts Your email address(Required) Please use this form to add personalisation for your virtual gifts. Ticking the box at the bottom of the form allows you to add details for multiple gift cards. Please add one set of personalisation details for each gift you have ordered and tell us which design of card it is for. ### Virtual gift 1 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 1 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 2 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 2 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 3 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 3 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 4 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 4 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 5 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 5 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 6 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 6 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 7 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 7 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 8 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 8 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 9 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 9 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 10 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 10 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 11 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 11 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 12 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 12 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 13 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 13 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 14 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design 14 Click to add personalisation for an additional virtual gift ### Virtual gift 15 Name of recipient as you would like it to appear in the card Message for recipient (max 180 characters) Your name as you would like it to appear in the card Which card design is this personalisation for?(Required)Please choose one of the designs you have orderedFather's day gardening designFather's day hands designFather's day bucket and spade design Submit --- ### [Cookie Policy](https://www.pactcharity.org/cookie-policy/) **Published:** November 23, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Cookie information for visitors to our website ### What are cookies? Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. ### How do we use cookies? Cookies provide information about individuals’ usage of the website, which may identify you as the same individual even if we do not know your name, we can identify location, IP address and device information. As such, we make sure you have a choice about the cookies that are placed on your device for our statistical purposes by Google Analytics, which help us to understand more about the ways in which people use our website. We would appreciate it if you opt-in to accept these cookies when the website asks you, as it will help us to improve it over time. ### What cookies do we use? We use first-party cookies (cookies set by PACT) and third-party cookies (cookies set by other providers, e.g. analytics providers such as Google). Details of the cookies in use are available below: ### **Necessary cookies** Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. No consent is required for Necessary cookies. Cookie nameDurationCategoryDescriptionPHPSESSIDsessionNecessary This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users’ unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary1 yearNecessarySet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the “Necessary” category.cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional 1 year NecessaryThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category “Functional”.cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance1 yearNecessarySet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to store the user consent for cookies in the category “Performance”.cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics1 year Necessary Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the “Analytics” category .cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 year Necessary Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the “Advertisement” category.cookielawinfo-checkbox-others1 year Necessary Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to store the user consent for cookies in the category “Others”.### **Non-essential cookies** Non-essential cookies have a range of functions, from allowing the website owner to understand how users are moving around and using their website (statistical) to third-party cookies which look to build a profile of individuals that can inform their online marketing decisions (marketing). Non-essential cookies require a user to ‘opt-in’ to accept the cookie onto their device. Cookie nameDurationCategoryDescriptionYSCSessionAdvertisementYSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.VISITOR\_INFO1\_LIVE5 months 27 daysAdvertisementA cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.yt-remote-device-idNeverAdvertisementYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.yt-remote-connected-devices Never AdvertisementYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.yt.innertube::requests Never AdvertisementThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.yt.innertube::nextId Never AdvertisementThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.tk\_or5 yearsAnalyticsThe tk\_or is a referral cookie set by the JetPack plugin on sites using WooCommerce, which analyzes referrer behaviour for Jetpack.tk\_r3d3 daysAnalyticsJetPack installs this cookie to collect internal metrics for user activity and in turn improve user experience.tk\_lr1 yearAnalyticsThe tk\_lr is a referral cookie set by the JetPack plugin on sites using WooCommerce, which analyzes referrer behaviour for Jetpack.CONSENT2 yearsAnalyticsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.tk\_tcsessionOthersNo description available.Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit [www.aboutcookies.org](http://www.aboutcookies.org) or [www.allaboutcookies.org](http://www.allaboutcookies.org). --- ### [Lending library book request form](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-lending-library/lending-library-book-request-form/) **Published:** October 21, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Request to borrow books from our library "\*" indicates required fields LinkedIn This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. First name\* Last name\* Email\* Contact number\* Please tell us how you are connected to BB4K.\*Please choose an optionI am known to the BB4K team and currently use/have previously used the BB4K servicesI have never worked with BB4K or used their services before Our library is for families who are currently receiving support from BB4K or have received support in the past. If you have never previously worked with BB4K or used their services, we will need to contact you to understand who you are any why you are requesting books. ### Your book requests Please write the titles of any books you wish to borrow from our lending library. You can request up to three books from the list on [this page](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/other-bb4k-support/bb4k-lending-library). Book request 1 Book request 2 Book request 3 ### Collection details The BB4K Library is open every Monday (unless otherwise indicated at the top of this page). Please indicate a date and time slot when you would like to collect your books, or check the box below to request postal delivery of your books. Are you able to collect the books from our Reading office?\* I can collect the books from the Reading office I cannot come to the office; please post the books to me Preferred collection date (must be a Monday)DayDay12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MonthMonth123456789101112 YearYear202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Preferred collection time slot10am-11am11am-12pm12pm-1pm1pm-2pm2pm-3pm3pm-4pm Please provide the address you would like the books posted to Street Address Address Line 2 City County Post code Optional message for the BB4K team Submit --- ### [Support for Black and mixed heritage adopters](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/support-for-black-and-mixed-heritage-adopters/) **Published:** February 14, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # Support group for Black and mixed heritage adoptive parents Our support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters is a safe, empowering space to share experiences, build connections and navigate the unique joys and challenges of adoption. Together, every month, we meet online to celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. To register your interest, email PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer Grace at [events@pactcharity.org](mailto:%20events@pactcharity.org?subject=Support%20group%20register). [Register your interest](mailto:%20events@pactcharity.org?subject=Support%20group%20register) ## Dates and times Current Month October 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-black-and-mixed-heritage-adoptive-parents/var/ri-1.l-L1) [*thu15oct8:00 pm**9:30 pm*Support group for Black and mixed heritage adoptive parents*8:00 pm – 9:30 pm(GMT+01:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Join us at our monthly online support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters. Celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. This ### Event Details Join us at our monthly online support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters. Celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. This group is a safe, empowering space to share experiences, build connections and navigate the unique joys and challenges of adoption. To register your interest, email . ### Time October 15, 2026 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm(GMT+01:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14961_1/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Support%20group%20for%20Black%20and%20mixed%20heritage%20adoptive%20parents&dates=20261015T190000Z/20261015T203000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Support%20group%20for%20Black%20and%20mixed%20heritage%20adoptive%20parents&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") November 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-black-and-mixed-heritage-adoptive-parents/var/ri-2.l-L1) [*mon16nov8:00 pm**9:30 pm*Support group for Black and mixed heritage adoptive parents*8:00 pm – 9:30 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Join us at our monthly online support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters. Celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. This ### Event Details Join us at our monthly online support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters. Celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. This group is a safe, empowering space to share experiences, build connections and navigate the unique joys and challenges of adoption. To register your interest, email . ### Time November 16, 2026 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14961_2/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Support%20group%20for%20Black%20and%20mixed%20heritage%20adoptive%20parents&dates=20261116T200000Z/20261116T213000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Support%20group%20for%20Black%20and%20mixed%20heritage%20adoptive%20parents&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") December 2026 [](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-black-and-mixed-heritage-adoptive-parents/var/ri-3.l-L1) [*thu17dec8:00 pm**9:30 pm*Support group for Black and mixed heritage adoptive parents*8:00 pm – 9:30 pm(GMT+00:00)* *Online**](#) ### Event Details Join us at our monthly online support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters. Celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. This ### Event Details Join us at our monthly online support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters. Celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. This group is a safe, empowering space to share experiences, build connections and navigate the unique joys and challenges of adoption. To register your interest, email . ### Time December 17, 2026 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm(GMT+00:00) ### Location Online Other Events [Add to calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/export-events/14961_3/?key=637f165d93 "Add to your calendar")[Add to Google calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=Support%20group%20for%20Black%20and%20mixed%20heritage%20adoptive%20parents&dates=20261217T200000Z/20261217T213000Z&ctz=Europe%2FLondon&details=Support%20group%20for%20Black%20and%20mixed%20heritage%20adoptive%20parents&location=Online "Add to your Google calendar") ## CATCH resources You will need to be registered to our Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) to view the below resources. You will have free access to CATCH as a PACT adoptive parent. If you need help signing up, email . - [Webinar: Adoption and identity](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-adoption-and-identity/) - [Webinar: Learning about race – How to talk to your children about racism](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-learning-about-race-how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-racism/) - [Books for children and young people: Ethnicity and culture](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/books-for-children-and-young-people/) - [Books for parents, carers and guardians: Ethnicity and culture ](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/useful-books-for-parents-carers-and-guardians/) ## Read some of our adopter stories [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [## Aidan and Julien adopted their son through PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/)Aidan\* and Julien\* adopted their son Casey\* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [## Mia and Sai adopted their son Ebi](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/)Five-year-old Ebi\* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia\* and Sai\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [## Sonya and Alison adopted Micah at 10 months old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/)Micah\* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya\* and Alison\*… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [## Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/)Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy\* in 2018 when she was 14 months old. Ruth used to work as a train station manager and Oli works as a train driver… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [## Sarah and Omar adopted after having a birth child](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/)Sarah\* and Omar\* had their first child, Aliya, a year into their relationship and 15 years later they adopted their second child, Samir… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) [## Zena and Jamie adopted Rico when he was two-and-a-half](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/)Zena\* is of mixed white New Zealand and Maori heritage and Jamie\* is white British. They adopted Rico\*, who is also mixed heritage, at age two and a half… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/) [## David and Hannah adopted three children under four years old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/)Curate David\* and his wife Hannah\* adopted three children under four years old through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jonny-michael-harry-and-leyton/) [## Same sex couple Jonny and Michael adopted brothers Harry and Leyton](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jonny-michael-harry-and-leyton/)Jonny\* and his partner Michael\* approached PACT following the advice of New Family Social, the UK network for LGBT+ adoptive and foster families… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jonny-michael-harry-and-leyton/) --- ### [Adoption leave in the UK: eligibility and pay](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-leave-eligibility-and-pay/) **Published:** July 31, 2025 **Author:** Joe W **Content:** # Adoption leave in the UK: eligibility and pay Learn more about adoption leave, eligibility and pay for adoptive parents. ### What is adoption leave? Adoption leave is offered to individuals when they adopt a child. It allows eligible employees to take time off work to care for their new child and adjust to family life. Individuals who become legal parents through [**early permanence**](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/fostering-for-adoption/) (previously referred to as foster to adoption) are also eligible for statutory adoption leave or statutory adoption pay.  ## **Who can take adoption leave?** ### You’re eligible for adoption leave if: - You’re adopting through a UK or overseas adoption agency. - You’ve received official confirmation of a match and the expected placement date from the adoption agency. - You agree to the placement and expected placement date and confirm this with the agency. - Your partner is not taking adoption leave (though they may be eligible for paternity or shared parental leave). ### You’re not eligible for adoption leave if: - The adoption is private or not newly matched (adopting a stepchild or relative) - You become a special guardian or kinship carer. ## Frequently asked questions about adoption leave ### How long do new parents get for adoption leave?  All eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks: - 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave (OAL) - 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave (AAL) Only one period of leave is allowed per adoption, even if multiple children are adopted at once. ### Adoption leave and pay employment requirements  **Adoption Leave** is available from day one of employment. **Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)**: You must have: - 26 weeks of continuous employment by the end of the matching week. - earn at least £125 a week, before tax, for at least 8 weeks before the week you’re matched with a child If you’re not eligible for statutory adoption pay, you may still qualify for adoption leave without pay. ### When to tell your employer about adoption leave  Employees should notify their employer as soon as possible about their adoption placement and within **seven days** of being matched with a child for adoption or confirmation of fostering a child permanently and becoming their legal parent (fostering to adopt). Use the *Notification of Intention to Take Adoption Leave Form* to confirm your plans. Early notice helps with planning and gives you time to discuss preferred leave dates. ### Can you take adoption leave if you’re self-employed?  If you’re self-employed or working under a zero-hours or agency contract, you may still qualify for SAP but not adoption leave. Discuss leave arrangements directly with your employer if you’re not entitled to statutory adoption leave. Agency workers might also be able to get statutory adoption pay. ### Adoption leave for couples  Only one partner can receive adoption leave and pay. Couples must decide who takes the lead as the **primary** or **main adopter**. The other partner may be eligible for: - Adoption Paternity Leave and Pay - Shared Parental Leave and Pay ### Early permanence (previously referred to as foster to adoption)  Usually, adoption leave begins once the child or children are placed with their early permanence carers. Since April 2015, parents adopting through [**early permanence**](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/fostering-for-adoption/) (previously referred to as foster to adoption) have the same rights to adoption leave and pay as any other adoptive parent. ## **PACT’s guide to adoption leave** For more information about adoption leave, statuary adoption pay (SAP), your legal right and more, [download our detailed guide to adoption leave.](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Adoption-FAQ-June-2025.pdf) ## Find out more about adoption leave with PACT Dean Hunter, Founder of Hunter Adams and Lead HR Trustee of Parents and Children Together (PACT) answers [frequently asked questions about adoption leave](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-adoption-leave/) in our blog. Be sure to visit our YouTube channel, where you can see Dean’s episode of PACT’s Talking Adoption show, along with many other episodes covering an array of adoption topics. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adopting older children](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-older-children/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopting older children Children aged three years and older wait longer to be adopted. PACT is looking for more adoptive parents who could welcome a children aged three, four, five or older into their family. Last year, 23% of the children we placed in loving families were aged 5 years or older. There are lots of reasons why adopting an older child might be right for your family and there are still lots of ‘firsts’ to experience with an older child. PACT provides extensive supporti to all its families for life and will be there to support you at every step of the process. Continue reading to find out about the benefits of adopting an older child and hear adopters share their stories.  ### Some of the benefits of adopting an older child: - There are more older children waiting for adoption so you may find that your adoption journey moves forward more quickly than those looking for young children or babies. - Older children can communicate with you more easily which allows you to talk, laugh, joke and have fun with them from day one to start building a connection. They are also more able to communicate their thoughts and feelings. - If you already have older children or you are older yourself, a child who is older may be a good fit for your family. We do recommend that adopted children are at least two years younger than any existing children. - There is less uncertainty with older children because the professionals working with them will have a better idea of their development and needs. - There are still lots of ‘firsts’ with older children such as losing their first tooth, the first time they ride a bike, starting school, celebrating your first Christmas or birthday together, going on holiday for the first time, or the first time they call you ‘mummy’ or ‘daddy’. Read our [blog post](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-why-should-you-consider-adopting-an-older-child-this-autumn/) to find out more about the benefits of adopting an older child. ## Talking Adoption show In this episode of our Talking Adoption show, parents Rhi and David spoke about adopting an older child. They said: *“The idea of the family we had in our head was not necessarily a baby. We were thinking of us going on holidays, going on the swings, going places.”* They brought their daughter home when she was five and a half years old and said they still experienced lots of ‘firsts’: *“She lost her first tooth when she was with us–that was incredible. She managed to ride a bike without stabilisers–that was amazing. She went on a two wheeled scooter, she went to school… It’s tough, adopting any child is tough but at the same time you get all these firsts and those are things to celebrate… And sometimes it can just be the littlest things, the tiniest little steps forward.”* [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, PACT offers specialist therapeutic support. All PACT adopters have access to a [wide range of support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) including [tra](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/)i[ning](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/), support groups, education support, activities for children and access to our online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](/adoption-support/catch/) and PACT’s therapeutic services [FACTS](/adoption-support/facts/). If you’d like to have a chat about starting your adoption process, you can speak to one of PACT’s Enquiries Officers. They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT Adoption Information Event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Our Enquiries Line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You can also [fill in our enquiry form here](/contact-us/#form "https://www.pactcharity.org/callback-enquiry"). ## Read the stories of families who adopted older children with PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [## Alice and Ethan adopted twins with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/)Parents Alice\* and Ethan\* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla\* and Poppy\*, nine years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/) [## Darren adopted as a single father](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/)Darren\* is a 43-year-old single father who became a dad to his son Finn\* in early 2017 when he was four years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/gemma-and-phil-adopted-five-year-old-emily/) [## Gemma and Phil adopted five year-old Emily and her baby brother](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/gemma-and-phil-adopted-five-year-old-emily/)After adopting five-year-old Emily\*, Gemma\* and her husband Phil\* were approached by PACT a year later to see if they could adopt Emily’s new baby brother… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/gemma-and-phil-adopted-five-year-old-emily/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/) [## Theresa adopted seven-year-old Sadie and Lara](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/)Theresa\* adopted Sadie\*, who was seven years old, through PACT in 2014. Three years later she adopted seven-year-old Lara\* through a local authority… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/) [## Melody, who is a vicar, adopted siblings aged seven and six](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/)Melody\*, who is a vicar, adopted two brothers, seven-year-old Harry\* and Ethan\*, six. She said: “I knew I had a lot of love to give children… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/george-andrew-cait-and-oliver/) [## George and Andrew adopted siblings Cait and Oliver](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/george-andrew-cait-and-oliver/)George\* and Andrew\* adopted siblings Cait\* and Oliver\*, aged eight and six, after first seeing PACT at Brighton Pride… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/george-andrew-cait-and-oliver/) ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Why Choose PACT?](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/why-choose-pact/) **Published:** September 3, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Why choose PACT? If you’d like to adopt, you can choose to do this through your local authority, a regional adoption agency, or a voluntary adoption agency, like PACT. ## Here are some of the reasons why we think adopting with PACT is a great choice: - PACT is a long-standing, established charity and has been building and strengthening families since 1911. We have a [long history ](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/ "Our Story")of providing adoption services and specialist adoption support for life. - As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been rated outstanding by [Ofsted](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/pact-ofsted-inspection/ "PACT Ofsted Inspection") four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. - PACT has a stable and committed workforce, with a [passion to support families](/about-us/our-story/visions-and-values/) and a desire to deliver the highest quality services. - Last year, PACT found loving and permanent homes for 81 children. See the [impact of our services](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/). [Download our guide to adoption](/adoption/adoption-guide/)   ## What is a voluntary adoption agency? Voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) are independent, not-for-profit organisations which are smaller than most statutory agencies and offer a personalised service to adopters from all backgrounds. VAAs work in partnership with local authorities and regional adoption agencies across the whole of the UK to find families for children in care who are unable to stay with their birth relatives. To learn more about VAAs, [read our blog here](/whats-the-difference-between-a-voluntary-adoption-agency-and-a-regional-adoption-agency/). We are always looking for more people to consider becoming parents through adoption. To find out if you are eligible to adopt, take our short online quiz. [Take our self assessment quiz](/self_assessment/) ## What support does PACT offer? As a charity, PACT fundraises to provide enhanced adoption support services: - Our online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) including one-to-one webchat with other adopters, eLearning and an adopter forum - Experienced adoptive parents in our [adopter champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/ "adopter champions") team - Support from therapeutically-trained social workers in our [strengthening families team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/ "Strengthening Families") - Our specialist therapeutic support services [FACTS](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/ "FACTS") - Specialist [education support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/ "Education Support") for children, parents and schools - Extensive adoption [training courses and workshops](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/ "PACT Adoption Training")  PACT runs adoption events through the year where adopters can meet other PACT families. The most popular of these are [Family Fun Days](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/ "Support for Families"), held in Brighton, London and the Thames Valley, and our online [adopter support evenings](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/online-support-groups/ "Support for Adopters") with a different monthly theme. PACT’s family finding team works in partnership with adoption agencies around the country to find families for children in care who cannot remain with their birth family. ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) ## We’ve had a smooth journey with PACT and we’re forever grateful for \[our social worker\]. She’s been brilliant, and the whole PACT team have been wonderful. PACT parent ## The social worker I was assigned to was very good. I felt that she understood where I was coming from and I was able to talk through issues without feeling there was any judgment formed against me. PACT parent ## PACT has been on hand at every stage to help with any query we had. Our social worker responded quickly to all of our emails, and even when things were tricky they were proactively checking in with us. Even now that the Adoption Order has been granted we are still able to contact them for help and support, which is tremendously reassuring for the future. PACT parent ## One of our key priorities was that there would be support longer term if we needed it and we were really impressed with PACT’s training and support events, as well as their dedicated therapeutic social workers who would be available for support after our child came home. PACT parent ## I really feel that PACT prepared us brilliantly for the transition and the early days. We will always be learning but I come back to things from training every day! PACT parent ## I felt I was well equipped and informed at each part of the journey and the training days were interesting and enlightening. PACT parent ## Find out why five families chose to adopt through a voluntary adoption agency You can watch the whole film series [here on our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvO-3o1Of3gE7dxN5cq7VTZr) ## Talking Adoption show In this episode of our Talking Adoption live series, Grace interviews PACT adopter Lesley to find about why she chose to adopt through a voluntary adoption agency like PACT. To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below. [View the Talking Adoption show on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH) --- ### [Adopt a Child in Berkshire or Reading](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/adopt-a-child-in-berkshire/) **Published:** April 11, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Adopt a Child in Berkshire ## You can adopt If you live in Berkshire and are thinking about becoming a parent through adoption, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help! PACT is an independent adoption agency rated as outstanding by Ofsted four times in a row in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2026. We have a team based in Reading who work across Berkshire to recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption, and place them with their permanent family. In 2025/2, we found secure and loving homes for **81** children. We are actively seeking enquiries from people living in and around Berkshire.  PACT is looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities and heritages who would consider becoming adoptive parents for the children who wait the longest for adoption. These include: - Single children aged three years old or older - Brothers and sisters of all ages who need to stay together - Children of Black and mixed heritage - Children with additional needs or disabilities We recommend that you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) as a first step and then come to one of our [adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) for more information about adoption. We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most [frequently asked questions](/adoption/adoption-faqs/) but you can also contact our friendly adoption enquiries team using this [form ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)or by calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Right now there are children waiting for adoption. We need prospective adopters who, with our specialist package of adoption support, can become parents to a child (or children) who needs a loving and secure family. ## To anyone considering adoption I’d say ‘Do it! Jump all over it!’ Its the best thing we’ve ever done! Hannah, PACT adopter ## Take the next step… ## Read our adoption guide Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process. [ Download our guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## Contact our enquiries team Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT. [ Make an enquiry ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you. [ See our events ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) --- ### [Adoption Support Calendar](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/adoption-support-calendar/) **Published:** November 3, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Support and Training Events Calendar ## For PACT adopters, adoptees and families We run a range of events to support PACT adopters, adoptees and families. To find out which events are coming up, see our calendar. To find out more about any of these events and how to book, click on an event to see the details.  ## Upcoming events Current Month Apply No Events ## See the impact we make Find out how PACT makes a difference in the lives of the many children and families who use our adoption and adoption support services. [How we make a difference](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/how-we-make-a-difference/)  --- ### [Support for parents with children with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/additional-needs-support/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # Buddy support for parents with children with additional needs Are you are a parent of a child or children with additional needs? Would you like to speak to other parents with similar families for support. We can arrange to link you with another family for buddy support. If you would like buddy support, please email Adoption Team Manager Lara Rowlinson. [Email Lara ](mailto:%20lara.rowlinson@pactcharity.org?subject=Buddy%20support) ## EHCP application support We understand that completing an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) application can be daunting. If you are a PACT adoptive parent and would like support filling out an EHCP application, a fellow PACT adoptive parent is happy to help. Please contact Sam Ward to request support and she will put you in touch. [Email Sam](mailto:%20sam.ward@pactcharity.org?subject=EHCP%20application%20support)  ## Could you be a buddy? We are looking for parents who have experience of completing DLA and/or EHCP applications who would be happy to help other families navigate these areas. Please contact Sam Ward if you would like to help. [Email Sam ](mailto:%20sam.ward@pactcharity.org?subject=Buddy%20support) ## Advice from parents who have adopted a child with additional needs PACT adopters were among the parents who contributed to this advice guide, produced by the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA), containing helpful information for anyone considering adopting a child with additional needs. [Download our advice guide ](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CVAA-Adopting-a-child-with-additional-needs-guide-Feb-24-1.pdf)  ## CATCH resources You will need to be registered to our Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) to view the below resources. You will have free access to CATCH as a PACT adoptive parent. If you need help signing up, email . - [Helpful information: Disability support](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/disability-support-helpful-information/) - [Useful organisations: Disability support](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/useful-organisations-disability-support/) - [Webinar: Disability Living Allowance (DLA)](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-disability-living-allowance/) - [Webinar: Adapting your home for children with additional needs](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-adapting-your-home-for-children-with-additional-needs/ "https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-adapting-your-home-for-children-with-additional-needs/") - [Video: Adopting a child with additional needs as a single adopter – Kay (Adopter)](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-adopting-a-child-with-additional-needs-as-a-single-adopter-kay/) - [Webinar: Homeschooling children with additional behavioural needs](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-homeschooling-children-with-additional-behavioural-needs/ "https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-homeschooling-children-with-additional-behavioural-needs/") - [Webinar: When Dreams Change – What happens when our hopes and dreams change because of our child’s needs](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-when-dreams-change/) - [Additional help with travel and visiting attractions](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/additional-help-with-travel-and-visiting-attractions/) - [Video: Parenting a child with FASD – Abigail and David (Adoptive parents)](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-parenting-a-child-with-fasd-abigail-and-david-adoptive-parents/) - [Video: Adopting a child with Global Developmental Delay – Kyle (Adopter)](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/video-adopting-a-child-with-global-developmental-delay-kyle/) - [Webinar: An introduction to ADHD](https://www.catchconnect.org/resources/webinar-an-introduction-to-adhd/) ## Read about families who adopted children with additional needs through PACT [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [## Alice and Ethan adopted twins with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/)Parents Alice\* and Ethan\* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla\* and Poppy\*, nine years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/) [## Louise and Ryan adopted Noah who has FASD](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/)Parents Louise\* and Ryan\* are a family of six. They adopted their youngest child, Noah\*, two years ago through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/) [## Natasha and her husband adopted Amelia who has cerebral palsy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/)Natasha and her husband adopted Amelia\*, who has cerebal palsy, when she was 18 months old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jill-and-sean-adopted-william-who-has-additional-needs/) [## Jill and Sean adopted William who has additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jill-and-sean-adopted-william-who-has-additional-needs/)Jill\* and her husband Sean\* adopted William\*, who has a chromosome disorder and severe development delay, because of Jill’s experience as a special needs teacher… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jill-and-sean-adopted-william-who-has-additional-needs/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/tom-and-connor-adopted-kyle-who-has-autism/) [## Tom and Connor adopted Kyle, who has autism](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/tom-and-connor-adopted-kyle-who-has-autism/)Tom\* and Connor\* adopted Kyle\*, who has autism and a sensory processing disorder, when he was three years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/tom-and-connor-adopted-kyle-who-has-autism/) --- ### [Big Adoption Day 2026](https://www.pactcharity.org/big-adoption-day/) **Published:** December 11, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:**  # Big Adoption Day 2026 On Wednesday 21st January 2026, PACT will be among the voluntary adoption agencies across the UK who will be opening their doors simultaneously to mark **Big Adoption Day 2026**. 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, adopters and adoptees sharing and celebrating their experiences and a moment to celebrate the benefits of working with voluntary adoption agencies through this process. **PACT is hosting an online information event for Big Adoption Day for anyone who would like to find out more about becoming a parent through adoption. PACT is also inviting people to ‘meet the team’ sessions at four locations, in London, Reading, Milton Keynes and Brighton.** Voluntary adoption agencies are independent, not for profit organisations, offering a boutique, personalised service to adopters from all backgrounds. Some have been working for over 100 years and collectively they have a wealth of experience having placed thousands of children with adoptive families, particularly older children, those in sibling groups and children from the global majority or with disabilities. Over a quarter of adopters VAAs approve are LGBTQ+ and almost a fifth of are from a minority ethnic/global majority group. VAAs also have the ability to match adopters with children from across the UK. VAAs also provide their families with lifelong support, which is flexible and responsive to what families need, whenever they need it. With the experience and support that VAAs offer, it’s no wonder that every single one is rated Outstanding or Good by Ofsted. Anyone who would like to find out more about adopting with PACT can [download a guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/), attend one of our online [information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) or use our [self-assessment tool](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) to check if they are ready to become an adoptive parent. [Download our adoption guide](/adoption/adoption-guide/)  Current Month No Events ## Get in touch to book onto our Big Adoption Day events Talk to our friendly enquiries team today [Make an enquiry](/adoption-enquiry/)  ## Could you adopt? Interested to find out how easy it would be for you to adopt? Use our interactive self-assessment tool to find out now! [Take our self assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) ## Come to an information event to find out more Book on to one of our online information events [See upcoming events](/adoption/information-events/) ## We’ve had a smooth journey with PACT and we’re forever grateful for \[our social worker\]. She’s been brilliant, and the whole PACT team have been wonderful. PACT parent ## The social worker I was assigned to was very good. I felt that she understood where I was coming from and I was able to talk through issues without feeling there was any judgment formed against me. PACT parent ## PACT has been on hand at every stage to help with any query we had. Our social worker responded quickly to all of our emails, and even when things were tricky they were proactively checking in with us. Even now that the Adoption Order has been granted we are still able to contact them for help and support, which is tremendously reassuring for the future. PACT parent ## One of our key priorities was that there would be support longer term if we needed it and we were really impressed with PACT’s training and support events, as well as their dedicated therapeutic social workers who would be available for support after our child came home. PACT parent ## I really feel that PACT prepared us brilliantly for the transition and the early days. We will always be learning but I come back to things from training every day! PACT parent ## I felt I was well equipped and informed at each part of the journey and the training days were interesting and enlightening. PACT parent --- ### [EDEI](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/our-story/edei/) **Published:** September 3, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Content:** # Our commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Inclusion and equity for all is PACT’s ultimate goal and we believe: - that equality provides equal opportunity and access for all, for those who work for or represent PACT and for our service users. - that wider diversity can enrich our understanding of others’ perspectives, enhance our workplace and the services we provide and make a positive difference to the lives of the people we work with. - in a fully inclusive environment as we are a supportive and respectful organisation that believes each person is unique and we encourage all individuals to contribute as fully as possible and feel valued by others. PACT has extensively engaged with its workforce over the last three years and has developed key strategic focus areas and an action plan to ensure EDEI is embedded into our organisation. > We want the lived experiences of the communities we work with to be truly reflected across the organisation.” > > **“** We want to develop our culture so that everyone feels a sense of belonging with PACT.”  --- ### [National Adoption Week 2025](https://www.pactcharity.org/national-adoption-week-2025/) **Published:** October 21, 2024 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** # A welcome home – National Adoption Week 2025 This National Adoption Week, we are celebrating the “perfectly imperfect” homes that make adoption possible with this year’s campaign A Welcome Home. The campaign from [You Can Adopt](https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/) aims to inspire more people to consider adoption by challenging the myth that you need a ‘perfect’ home to adopt. It highlights what truly matters: love, stability, and a sense of belonging. Like all families, adoptive homes come in all shapes and sizes. You can welcome a child into the heart of your home – whether that’s owned or rented, big or small, or whether it’s just you, a partner, other children or your extended family. 🥰   PACT is urging people to consider becoming a parent through adoption as there are currently more children waiting for a family than people approved to adopt. Latest data shows a worrying drop in adoption interest with 12% fewer families stepping forward to register to adopt compared to last year, leaving 2,940 children in need of adoption. On average, it now takes 292 days from the moment a child is approved for adoption, to when they’re placed with a family – 11 days longer than last year. These delays highlight the urgent need for more people to consider adoption. If you’ve ever wondered about becoming a parent through adoption, connect with PACT today! [Download a guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/), attend one of our online [information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) or use our [self-assessment tool](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) to check if you are ready to become an adoptive parent. [Download our adoption guide](/adoption/adoption-guide/) ## We asked PACT parents to share how our [life-long support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) has made a difference to their family…  ## Theresa\* and her daughter were supported by PACT’s Strengthening Families Team! [Read their story ](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/)  ## Lisa’s\* family was supported by PACT’s Specialist Education Worker [Read their story ](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/)  ## Could you adopt? Interested to find out how easy it would be for you to adopt? Use our interactive self-assessment tool to find out now! [Take our self assessment](https://www.pactcharity.org/self_assessment/) ## Get in touch to find out more about adoption Talk to our friendly enquiries team today [Make an enquiry](/adoption-enquiry/) ## Come to an information event to find out more Book on to one of our online information events [See upcoming events](/adoption/information-events/) ## Adoption support for life Whether you need support before, immediately after placement or years down the line, PACT is here to walk alongside you. Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential and to ensure every adoptive parent feels supported, empowered and connected. 💙 [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/)  ## We’ve had a smooth journey with PACT and we’re forever grateful for \[our social worker\]. She’s been brilliant, and the whole PACT team have been wonderful. PACT parent ## The social worker I was assigned to was very good. I felt that she understood where I was coming from and I was able to talk through issues without feeling there was any judgment formed against me. PACT parent ## PACT has been on hand at every stage to help with any query we had. Our social worker responded quickly to all of our emails, and even when things were tricky they were proactively checking in with us. Even now that the Adoption Order has been granted we are still able to contact them for help and support, which is tremendously reassuring for the future. PACT parent ## One of our key priorities was that there would be support longer term if we needed it and we were really impressed with PACT’s training and support events, as well as their dedicated therapeutic social workers who would be available for support after our child came home. PACT parent ## I really feel that PACT prepared us brilliantly for the transition and the early days. We will always be learning but I come back to things from training every day! PACT parent ## I felt I was well equipped and informed at each part of the journey and the training days were interesting and enlightening. PACT parent --- ### [Fertility and adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/fertility-and-adoption/) **Published:** November 2, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Fertility and adoption PACT is one of the largest adoption charities in England and was rated as outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents to create loving, safe and secure homes for children waiting in care. PACT has extensive experience of helping to create families with people who have explored alternative routes to parenthood first. We understand that many people also explore fertility treatments, surrogacy, sperm or egg donations as a way of having children. Here at PACT we know that families are made in many different ways and each of them is special. We understand the challenges that there can be when hopes to have a child do not happen as first planned and it takes time to think about another way of growing your family.   ## Blog: fertility and adoption “We are here ready to listen to your story and consider with you whether those hopes to be a loving parent could happen through adopting a child or children who need a family.” [Read blog post](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-fertility-and-adoption/) PACT is looking for people to become parents to the children who wait the longest for adoption. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/ "Find out more") about the children waiting for a permanent family. PACT offers support for life to its families and will support parents and children every step of the way. Our support services include our [Strengthening Families Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/), the [Children And Trauma Community Hub](/adoption-support/catch/) , our [Adopter Champions](/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) team, support from our [Education Lead](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/), our [Family And Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/) and a range of [training and support events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/). We recommend you download our [Guide to Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-guide/ "Adoption Guide") as a first step and get in touch with our team and speak to one of PACT’s Enquiries Officers. They can give you some more information, answer any questions you may have and book you onto a [PACT Adoption Information Event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) where you will hear a bit more about the adoption process from PACT social workers and a PACT adopter will share their story. Our Enquiries Line is open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday. You can also [fill in our enquiry form here](/adoption-enquiry/). We welcome enquiries from people across the south of England. We have teams located in Reading, Oxford, London, Milton Keynes, Brighton and Devon. ## Adopters story: Lily and Alex Adopters Lily\* and Alex\* began their adoption journey with PACT after one failed round of IVF and a subsequent round which unfortunately ended in miscarriage. Their gorgeous daughter Cassie\* came home to live with them in 2020. Speaking about why they considered adoption after IVF, Lily said, *“We just didn’t want to wait any longer to start our family; we knew from experience that biological connection is in no way essential for strong and loving familial relationships to flourish. We decided to give ourselves some time to recover emotionally from the IVF process so we could start our adoption journey the following year.”* *\*Names changed for confidentiality purposes* [Read their story here](/story/lily-and-alex-adopted-their-daughter-in-2020/) ## Adopters story: Ruth and Oli Ruth and her husband Oli adopted their daughter in 2018 after many unsuccessful cycles of IVF and a miscarriage. They said meeting their daughter for the first time was one of the best moments of their life. *“We hardly slept the night before. As soon as we saw her little face, she became the love of our lives. “* Their story was featured in The Sun’s Fabulous magazine. [Read their article here](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Fabulous-magazine-Rainbow-Babies.pdf) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Fabulous-magazine-Rainbow-Babies.pdf) ## Read about some of our families who adopted after exploring fertility treatment [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/) [## Adopting siblings: Mariana and Rob’s experience adopting sisters with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/)Mariana\* and her partner Rob\* adopted two girls through PACT in 2019. Their children, Isla\* and Evie\*, are now five and three years old… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/lily-and-alex-adopted-their-daughter-in-2020/) [## Lily and Alex adopted their daughter in 2020](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/lily-and-alex-adopted-their-daughter-in-2020/)Lily\* and Alex\* live in Oxfordshire with their gorgeous daughter, Cassie\*, and their elderly black cat, Baggy. Cassie came to live with them in November 2020… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/lily-and-alex-adopted-their-daughter-in-2020/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [## Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/)Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy\* in 2018 when she was 14 months old. Ruth used to work as a train station manager and Oli works as a train driver… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [## Sarah and Omar adopted after having a birth child](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/)Sarah\* and Omar\* had their first child, Aliya, a year into their relationship and 15 years later they adopted their second child, Samir… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [## Same sex adoption: Mel and Julia’s experience adopting two boys with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/)Julia\* and Mel\* are a lesbian couple who adopted two boys, aged 20 months and six months, through PACT… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) [](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/george-andrew-cait-and-oliver/) [## George and Andrew adopted siblings Cait and Oliver](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/george-andrew-cait-and-oliver/)George\* and Andrew\* adopted siblings Cait\* and Oliver\*, aged eight and six, after first seeing PACT at Brighton Pride… [Read more](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/george-andrew-cait-and-oliver/) Each year, PACT attends The Fertility Show in London to speak to people who are considering growing their families about adoption. To find out more about The Fertility Show, [visit their website](https://www.fertilityshow.co.uk/). [](https://www.fertilityshow.co.uk/) --- ### [Partnerships](https://www.pactcharity.org/partnerships/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** # Partnerships ## About our work PACT has a wealth of experience from delivering quality adoption services and community projects for vulnerable families, women and children for more than 100 years across southern and central England. In doing this we work collaboratively with a number of key stakeholders including local companies, schools, churches, healthcare professionals and childcare practitioners. This enables us to confidently provide holistic services that assess and meet the individual needs of the children, families and women who we support, and to ensure the best outcomes and life chances are realised. Our expertise is across the sectors of adoption, adoption support, women’s centres, women in the criminal justice system, domestic abuse, supporting people affected by adverse childhood experiences and digital support platforms for families and professionals. We welcome enquiries from organisations and local authorities to partner with us in any of these fields. Please get in touch to find out more. [Contact us](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/)  PACT has excellent local knowledge and networks, demonstrated with many local partnerships including local companies, churches, schools and healthcare providers. This ensures we are best placed to reach the children and families most in need, and to work together in partnerships, to ensure the best outcomes and life chances are realised. To find out more about the services PACT can provide please [contact our team](https://www.pactcharity.org/contact-us/).  ## Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership Buckinghamshire Council has joined the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) programme, benefiting from a national network joining up adoption activity across the country. The council has secured a partnership with PACT to form Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership. We are working together to deliver the RAA following a public launch in January 2024. The RAA will build on the considerable experience and complementary strengths of both organisations with a clear focus on delivering improved outcomes for children and families. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/about-us/buckinghamshire-adoption-partnership/) ## Foundations PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) programme has received funding from Foundations as part of a national five year plan to transform domestic abuse services. Shocking figures from Foundations, the country’s leading research centre for family support services, reveal that more children could suffer domestic abuse than start primary school in England and Wales this year. Foundations has launched REACH, a 5-year plan to find out what works and transform domestic abuse services. This could make England the first country in the world to identify a set of proven approaches to support child victims. BB4K is one of six programmes that are being funded and evaluated as part of REACH. [Find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-receives-funding-as-part-of-plan-to-transform-domestic-abuse-services/)   ## Oxford Diocese PACT’s partnership with the Diocese of Oxford dates back to 1911 when the then Bishop of Oxford, Bishop Francis Paget, appointed a rescue worker, Miss Sharpe, who visited unmarried mothers to help them build a better life for their children. The Oxford Diocesan Council for Prevention and Rescue Work was established and, more than a century later, is still helping women, children and families today as PACT! Although now an independent charity working with people of many different faiths, or no faith, PACT retains its strong affiliation with the [Diocese of Oxford](https://www.oxford.anglican.org/ "Diocese of Oxford") and is proud that The Rt. Rev the Lord The Bishop of Oxford is our patron. ## University of Reading PACT also has academic partnerships with local schools and universities. We offer placement opportunities to students at the [University of Reading](https://www.reading.ac.uk/). The university fully supports this partnership, knowing that their students will gain knowledge and experience which will enhance their studies and future career. Every year, we offer placements to University of Reading psychology students to work within our BB4K team. In this year-long placement, students gain an insight into the way our BB4K works with children and families affected by domestic abuse. Students are encouraged to join groups, undertake training and receive regular supervision from BB4K’s senior staff. Recently, PACT has offered placements to two law students who have shown an interest in custody and court work. We are excited to offer further opportunities in the future.  --- ## Events ### [In-person drop-in event (London)](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-drop-in-event-london-3/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Mollie Potter **Content:** Thinking about becoming a parent through adoption? PACT’s new London drop-in sessions offer a friendly place to start. These free in-person sessions give prospective adopters the choice to ask questions and explore adoption with no pressure or obligation to begin the process. You will meet members of PACT’s adoption team and learn information about: – Who can adopt – The adoption assessment process – The children waiting for adoptive families – The support available before, during and after adoption - To request to book onto this event, please call our team on 0300 456 4800 or fill out our adoption enquiry form here: [**www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry**](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2Fadoption-enquiry%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeFuySpT0cGAQgoLD73DdDUr41WQMzoj42v1WIIKV0Doj1UHoICcFPQmdinH4_aem_5iEEQTsO9_O7-fGvItux6w&data=05%7C02%7Cmollie.potter%40pactcharity.org%7C1795661827c9487fb0ce08df13049deb%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C639250582709562978%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iDcgNHOZUCIwyjjSeAT8iBYhIigW5GzYqYfpegLmQIs%3D&reserved=0). - You will then be able to choose a time slot for a half hour informal, no-obligation chat with our social work manager. **Event Location:** London **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [In-person drop-in event (London)](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-drop-in-event-london-2/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Mollie Potter **Content:** Thinking about becoming a parent through adoption? PACT’s new London drop-in sessions offer a friendly place to start. These free in-person sessions give prospective adopters the choice to ask questions and explore adoption with no pressure or obligation to begin the process. You will meet members of PACT’s adoption team and learn information about: – Who can adopt – The adoption assessment process – The children waiting for adoptive families – The support available before, during and after adoption - To request to book onto this event, please call our team on 0300 456 4800 or fill out our adoption enquiry form here: [**www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry**](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2Fadoption-enquiry%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeFuySpT0cGAQgoLD73DdDUr41WQMzoj42v1WIIKV0Doj1UHoICcFPQmdinH4_aem_5iEEQTsO9_O7-fGvItux6w&data=05%7C02%7Cmollie.potter%40pactcharity.org%7C1795661827c9487fb0ce08df13049deb%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C639250582709562978%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iDcgNHOZUCIwyjjSeAT8iBYhIigW5GzYqYfpegLmQIs%3D&reserved=0). - You will then be able to choose a time slot for a half hour informal, no-obligation chat with our social work manager. **Event Location:** London **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Support group for Black and mixed heritage adoptive parents](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-black-and-mixed-heritage-adoptive-parents/) **Published:** September 21, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Join us at our monthly online support group for Black and mixed heritage adopters. Celebrate identity, culture and community, while offering support and understanding. This group is a safe, empowering space to share experiences, build connections and navigate the unique joys and challenges of adoption. To register your interest, email . **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Support group for Black and mixed heritage adoptive parents --- ### [Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/support-group-for-lgbtq-adopters/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Support group for LGBTQ+ adopters. This group, led by PACT adoption staff with lived experience, offers LGBTQ+ adopters the chance to meet together virtually, to talk through challenges, ask questions, and share support, encouragement and advice. The group is for parents and parents-to-be. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** LGBTQ+ Support Group, Training and Support Events --- ### [Online information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-information-event/) **Published:** September 8, 2026 **Author:** Mollie Potter **Content:** Take a break during your lunch hour and find out more about adoption in a relaxed, friendly setting. This free online information event is a chance to hear from Lara, one of PACT’s adoption team managers and an adopter who will share their personal experiences of their adoption journey with PACT. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the process, with no obligation to take the next step. Simply register to receive the Microsoft Teams joining link to join us. **What to expect: - An introduction to adoption - Insights from an adopter - Information from a PACT adoption team manager - A chance to ask questions - A relaxed and informal discussion **No pressure, no commitment, just an opportunity to find out more about adoption. **PACT welcomes enquiries from people across Southern and Central England.** Our adoption teams are based in Reading, Oxford, London, Milton Keynes and Brighton. If you live within approximately 50 miles of one of our offices, or in any of the following areas, we’d be delighted to hear from you: Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, South Warwickshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire. **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Boundaries and therapeutic parenting](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/childrens-identity/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you have any questions around boundaries and therapeutic parenting that you would like to raise with us or if you would just like to try out some new ideas, then please feel free to come along and join us in our conversations. To request the joining link, please email **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Drop in sessions, Training and Support Events --- ### [Monthly stay and play drop-in](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/monthly-stay-and-play-drop-in/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Mollie Potter **Content:** Starting in September 2026, our Milton Keynes adoption team will be running monthly stay and play sessions. These sessions will be for PACT families to drop in for a play, meet and chat with other PACT families, and have a coffee. Join us on the first Tuesday of every month in Milton Keynes. For further information, please contact: **Michelle Finan**: 07787834871 **Aaliyah McClean**: 07845 659465 **Event Location:** Milton Keynes **Event Type Categories:** Drop in sessions, Training and Support Events --- ### [The power of therapeutic play](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/the-power-of-therapeutic-play/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you have any questions about therapeutically‑informed playtime with your child and would like a space to talk things through and gather some creative, innovative ideas you can use at home, we’d love for you to join us. **What’s included?** Together, we can look at things like: - What therapeutic play can look like and consist of - Why therapeutic play is so important - What tips and techniques you can take away and use in your parenting at home and outside of home To request the joining link, please email **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Drop in sessions, Training and Support Events --- ### [In-person information event in West Sussex](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-information-event-in-west-sussex-oct-2026/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Find out more about the adoption process and PACT’s life-long support, hear from a PACT adoptive parent and ask any questions you may have, all in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our information events are free and there is no pressure to start the adoption process. To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. **Event Location:** West Sussex. Full address to be given upon booking. **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Online: 13-17 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-13-17-years-mar-2027/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [Online: 10-12 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-10-12-years-mar-2027/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** To book your place, please email . **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [In-person: 13-17 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-13-17-years-feb-2027/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . **Event Location:** TBC **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [In-person: 10-12 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-10-12-years-feb-2027/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . **Event Location:** TBC **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [Online: 13-17 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-13-17-years-jan-2027/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** To book your place, please email . **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [Online: 13-17 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-13-17-years-dec-2026/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** To book your place, please email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org. **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [Online: 10-12 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-10-12-years-jan-2027/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** To book your place, please email . **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [In-person: 10-12 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-10-12-years-oct-2026/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . **Event Location:** TBC **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [In-person: 13-17 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-13-17-years-oct-2026/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Details TBC. Please note, times may vary. To book your place, please email . **Event Location:** TBC **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [Online: 10-12 years](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/online-10-12-years-dec-2026/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** To book your place, please email . **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Adoptee Voices --- ### [Navigating the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/navigating-the-adoption-and-special-guardianship-support-fund-asfg/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** Do you have questions about funding for therapeutic services such as how to access services and/or how the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund funding works? If so, then please come along and join us so we can talk things through together. **What’s included?** Together, we can look at things like: - What amount of funding is available for your child - How is funding applied for and secured – what are the processes - What services can the funding actually be used for To request the joining link, please email **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Drop in sessions, Training and Support Events --- ### [In-person information event in Milton Keynes](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-information-event-in-milton-keynes-december-2026/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Tania Sentobe Bruun **Content:** Find out more about the adoption process and PACT’s life-long support, hear from a PACT adoptive parent and ask any questions you may have, all in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our information events are free and there is no pressure to start the adoption process. To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. **Event Location:** Milton Keynes. Full address to be given upon booking. **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [In-person information event in Milton Keynes](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/in-person-information-event-in-milton-keynes-october-2026/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Tania Sentobe Bruun **Content:** Find out more about the adoption process and PACT’s life-long support, hear from a PACT adoptive parent and ask any questions you may have, all in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our information events are free and there is no pressure to start the adoption process. To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. **Event Location:** Milton Keynes. Full address to be given upon booking. **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### ['Being Dad' support evening for adoptive fathers](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-dad-support-evening-for-adoptive-fathers-9/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Are you an adoptive father or father to be? Would you like to meet and connect with other dads? PACT’s Strengthening Families Team are pleased to be running a group just for you. We are looking forward to meeting you to share support, encouragement and advice. The group will meet virtually via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org or complete the form at the bottom of [this page](/adoption-support/adopter-support-groups/being-dad-groups/). **Event Location:** Online **Event Organizer:** PACT adoption support team **Event Type Categories:** Adopter support groups, Online support evenings, Training and Support Events --- ### [Being Mum: Mothers and mothers to be with children with children aged 11*-17](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-mum-mothers-and-mothers-to-be-with-children-with-children-aged-11-17/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet together online to talk through challenges, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* *\*Mothers of 11 year-old children, please attend the session that matches your child’s school setting – primary or secondary* **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Being Mum, Training and Support Events --- ### [Being Mum: Mothers and mothers to be with children under 11](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/being-mum-mothers-and-mothers-to-be-children-under-11/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Content:** Support group for PACT adoptive mothers. This group, led by PACT’s Adoption Support Team, offers mums and mums-to-be the chance to meet together online to talk through challenges, ask questions and share support, encouragement and advice. A link will be provided to attend online via Microsoft Teams (full details will be sent after booking). To book, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or email . *Please note: these sessions are only available to approved PACT adopters (with or without children placed), and those in Stage 2 of the adoption assessment process with PACT who have completed a DBS check.* *\*Mothers of 11 year-old children, please attend the session that matches your child’s school setting – primary or secondary* **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Being Mum, Training and Support Events --- ### [Virtual information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/virtual-information-event-132/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Tania Sentobe Bruun **Content:** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have! To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. We’d love to see you there! **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Navigating contact](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/navigating-contact/) **Published:** April 30, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Our online bite-sized learning workshops are designed to be light, brief and down to earth. They are perfect for parents who are time-short but who want tips, reassurance, and a chance to share experiences. Come along, join us and let’s figure it out together. **Why attend?** If you’ve got any questions about contact and just want a space to chat things through with others who ‘get it’, then come along and join us. **What’s included?** Together, we can look at things like: - Letterbox and direct face-to-face contact with birth family members, foster carers and others - How to keep all contact safe, positive and child‑focused - Ideas to use if things feel a bit tricky - Hearing and learning from others about their own experiences To request the joining link, please email **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Drop in sessions, Training and Support Events --- ### [Maintaining relationships workshop](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/maintaining-relationships-workshop-4/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Support your child’s identity and wellbeing through meaningful connections with birth family and significant others. This online workshop will cover: - Why relationships matter in adoption - Legal and research context - Ways to stay in touch: face-to-face, digital, postal - Supporting sibling contact - Trauma-informed approaches - Minimising risks and planning safe contact To book, please contact [karen.simmons@pactcharity.org.](mailto:karen.simmons@pactcharity.org) **Event Type Categories:** Maintaining relationships --- ### [Time for you](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/time-for-you-8/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Chat virtually to a FACTS therapist about how your family is getting on and discuss any concerns you may have, in a relaxed and informal setting. Baljit, our FACTS therapist is highly experienced in adoption work and has a background in psychotherapy, social work, training and groupwork and is also trained in Theraplay and DDP. To book your private 50-minute session, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org and you will be sent the full details and joining link. **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Coffee and consultation session --- ### [Time for you](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/time-for-you-7/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Chat virtually to a FACTS therapist about how your family is getting on and discuss any concerns you may have, in a relaxed and informal setting. Baljit, our FACTS therapist is highly experienced in adoption work and has a background in psychotherapy, social work, training and groupwork and is also trained in Theraplay and DDP. To book your private 50-minute session, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org and you will be sent the full details and joining link. **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Coffee and consultation session --- ### [Time for you](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/time-for-you-6/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Chat virtually to a FACTS therapist about how your family is getting on and discuss any concerns you may have, in a relaxed and informal setting. Baljit, our FACTS therapist is highly experienced in adoption work and has a background in psychotherapy, social work, training and groupwork and is also trained in Theraplay and DDP. To book your private 50-minute session, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org and you will be sent the full details and joining link. **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Coffee and consultation session --- ### [Time for you](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/time-for-you-5/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Chat virtually to a FACTS therapist about how your family is getting on and discuss any concerns you may have, in a relaxed and informal setting. Baljit, our FACTS therapist is highly experienced in adoption work and has a background in psychotherapy, social work, training and groupwork and is also trained in Theraplay and DDP. To book your private 50-minute session, email adoptionsupport@pactcharity.org and you will be sent the full details and joining link. **Event Location:** Online **Event Type Categories:** Coffee and consultation session --- ### [First year of family life (Day 2)](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/first-year-of-family-life-day-2-2/) **Published:** January 19, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** PACT’s Strengthening Families Team’s exciting workshop aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. This virtual catch up will enable you to maintain the links that you have made during Day 1. To book your place, please email **Event Location:** Online Event **Event Type Categories:** First year in adoption, Training --- ### [First year of family life (Day 1)](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/first-year-of-family-life-day-1-2/) **Published:** January 19, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** PACT’s Strengthening Families Team’s exciting workshop aims to support families through the ups and downs of early placement. This virtual event will be both interactive and practical. It will also be a valuable opportunity for you to spend time with other parents who are at a similar stage in their adoption journey. The day will include; - Thinking about what your child has brought to the family - The parenting rollercoaster - Therapeutic parenting and boundaries - Dealing with challenging issues There will also be a facilitated virtual catch up two weeks later to enable you to maintain the links that you have made. To book your place, please email **Event Location:** Online Event **Event Type Categories:** First year in adoption, Training --- ### [Battersea Park Chase the Moon 5k & 10k](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/battersea-park-chase-the-moon-5k-10k/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Find out more 👉 www.runthrough.co.uk/event/chase-the-moon-battersea-park-5k-10k-october-2026 Your 2026 adventure awaits! Get in touch at and we can help you make the most of your run. **Event Type Categories:** Runs in the south east --- ### [Virtual information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/virtual-information-event-129/) **Published:** October 31, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have! To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. We’d love to see you there! **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Virtual information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/virtual-information-event-128/) **Published:** October 31, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have! To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. We’d love to see you there! **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Virtual information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/virtual-information-event-127/) **Published:** October 31, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have! To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. We’d love to see you there! **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Virtual information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/virtual-information-event-126/) **Published:** October 31, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have! To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. We’d love to see you there! **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Virtual information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/virtual-information-event-125/) **Published:** October 31, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have! To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. We’d love to see you there! **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ### [Virtual information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/events/virtual-information-event-124/) **Published:** October 31, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Find out more about adoption, adopting with PACT and ask any questions you may have! To request to book onto this event, please [fill out our adoption enquiry form here](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ "Adoption Enquiry") or call our team on [0300 456 4800](tel:03004564800). Information events are led by a PACT social worker and will include a talk from someone who has adopted through PACT. You may want to read through PACT’s Guide to Adoption before attending. This will be made available to you after filling in the enquiry form. We’d love to see you there! **Event Type Categories:** Adoption Information Event, Info events --- ## Products ### [Alana House Recipe Book](https://www.pactcharity.org/product/alana-house-cook-book/) **Published:** August 6, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Cooking to build and strengthen a community: a book of recipes and inspiration from Alana House. Our hope with creating this book was to bring the Alana House community together over the shared love of food and creativity. **Content:** We thank you for your support! You can choose to have your books delivered to you, or to collect them from our Reading office. Shipping is free and there is a limit of three books per shipping order. Click and collect is free and there is no limit. Should you wish to order more than three books and have them shipped to you, please contact . **Product categories:** Uncategorized **Product tags:** charity, cookbook, cooking, gift, mothers day, mothers day gift, recipe book --- ### [Alana House Art Prints - Painting with Purpose](https://www.pactcharity.org/product/art-prints-painting-with-purpose/) **Published:** November 16, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** High quality giclée prints of art created by the women of Alana House. **Content:** All proceeds support PACT’s work with people who have experienced trauma, abuse or disadvantages. Alana House, PACT’s community project in Reading, uses a holistic and trauma-informed approach to support and empower women facing multiple disadvantages. These pieces of artwork were produced through the [*Painting with Purpose*](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/painting-with-purpose/) project at Alana House led by professional artist Chrissie Hawkes. Through these sessions, attendees learned how to use colour, texture and blending to create striking pieces of art. Starting with three primary colours – red, yellow and blue – each woman mixed their own paints and added light and dark to create a range of colours, tints and shades. Using a variety of textures and techniques such as scraping, scratching and stamping, they created beautiful intuitive designs which expressed their creativity. One woman who took part in the project said: *“Making the art for me was something liberating, it enabled me to clear my mind and leave all my stress, worries and anxieties on that piece of canvas. You don’t always realise it at first, but when you become open to creativity, it enables you to find creative solutions for all your problems and situations.”* Each piece of art has been reproduced through a high quality giclée printing process on textured fine art paper. **Art print size** 6″x4″: artwork measures 6×4 inches and comes in an 8×6 inch white mount Each print also includes the story of the artist’s Alana House journey. Please choose an option below to indicate which piece of artwork you would like to buy. Artwork can be delivered to UK addresses only and orders take up to 5 working days to be shipped. **Product categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Virtual cards](https://www.pactcharity.org/product/virtual-cards/) **Published:** September 26, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Give an e-card with a difference! We have a range of incredible designs for you to choose from, including Christmas cards! All made by the children, women and families we support and empower. You can choose the amount that you would like to give and you will be sent a virtual card to give to your loved one. **Content:** Our virtual cards are sold on the external website – [Don’t Send Me A Card](https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/parents-and-children-together2). Click the button below to purchase your virtual card. **Product categories:** Virtual Gifts --- ### [Virtual gifts](https://www.pactcharity.org/product/virtual-gifts/) **Published:** September 26, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Give a gift with a difference! A virtual gift is a donation that you make on behalf of a loved one. You can choose the amount that you would like to give and the design you would like (all made by our children, women and families), and you will be sent a virtual card to present to your loved one. **Content:** Our virtual gifts are sold on the external website – [Don’t Send Me A Card](https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/parents-and-children-together2). Click the button below to purchase your virtual gift. **Product categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/product/donation/) **Published:** November 3, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen --- ## Stories ### [Jodie reflects on the magic of Christmas since becoming a family of four… ✨](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jodies-familys-christmas/) **Published:** October 22, 2025 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Mariana* and her partner Rob* adopted two girls through PACT in 2019. Their children, Isla* and Evie*, are now five and three years old... **Content:** My name is Jodie\* and along with my husband Noah, we adopted our daughters Mia in 2009 and then Poppy\* in 2015 through PACT. Our first Christmas as a family of four was magical – filled with traditions, laughter and the joy of simply being together. PACT has been with us every step of the way, from helping us navigate early challenges to supporting our daughters throughout school. Their care has made a lasting difference in our lives. That’s why we’re proud to support [PACT’s Grant a Wish campaign](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/). This Christmas, please consider making a [donation ](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/)so PACT can continue changing lives. ## **Our first Christmas🎄** Our first Christmas as a family of four was 10 years ago. Mia was seven, and Poppy, who we’d only welcomed a few months before, was two-and-a-half. We began a tradition of choosing a new tree decoration each year, visiting the garden centre turned festive wonderland, and decorating the tree whilst listening to Christmas songs. Over time, our tree has become a joyful collection of dangling baubles, woodland creatures and quirky ornaments. On the first Christmas Eve, there was lots of anticipation. The girls slept in the same room – a tradition that still lives on! We agreed Father Christmas would leave presents under the tree, not in their rooms, which made them feel more comfortable. Coming downstairs together on Christmas morning was magical. Mia received a teddy from her grandparents which she hugged tightly and ever since, she calls my father “Bear”. In those early days, Noah and I were careful to treat the girls equally – even counting presents! But we soon realised it wasn’t about the gifts, it was about time spent together. The girls are very different. Where Mia wanted to play make believe with her dolls and play food, Poppy has always been about making a mess with paint, playdough and glitter. These differences brought up some challenges that PACT’s [Strengthening Families Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/strengthening-families/) supported us with through workshops and phone calls. Speaking to someone who understood us without being judged was amazing. When Mia started school, she began expressing grief for her birth mum. PACT ran a workshop to explore attachment and the love that surrounded her in her adoptive family. Primary school brought with it happy Christmas memories too, one that Mia still remembers vividly: > *One year at school, they had a secret grotto. I saw a colourful bead necklace that I knew my Mum would love. I was so excited to give it to her on Christmas Day that I almost told her what it was beforehand! I find keeping secrets difficult. It was the same when we made some silver cufflinks with my fingerprints on for my Dad. Luckily I couldn’t remember the word cufflinks, so I didn’t give the game away.”* Mia’s Dad loves those cufflinks to this day. I’ll never forget that first Christmas together as a family of four. It felt like we had truly become a family, and that was a powerful moment. ## **Christmases since** 💕 So, what have our Christmases been like since our first as a family of four? Special. Even more special with the different traditions we have built over time, like going for a walk to the park after lunch but this seems to be less popular as the girls get older! My daughters, Mia and Poppy have festive traditions they look forward to! **Mia:** *“I love the traditions we have at Christmas as they are the same each year so I know what’s going to happen. We get up early (very early) to open our presents and my Mum always gets a bin bag for the rubbish and my Dad takes photos of us opening our presents. I now love sharing Christmas with my sister and helping her with her presents.”* **Poppy:** *“I like watching Christmas films with the family, like Home Alone and all the Princess Diaries ones on Netflix. I really liked the film ‘Daddy’s Home 2’ because it shows that families don’t have to be perfect to enjoy Christmas.”* The holidays also bring a welcome break from school. For Poppy, this has been a time to recharge and unwind but for Mia, it used to be a source of anxiety with the countdown to school weighing on her mind. School and adolescence have been challenging, and making friends hasn’t always come easily. PACT’s craft and drama workshops helped Poppy connect with other adopted children in a supportive environment. Mia found joy through [Adoptee Voices](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/) activities like the Tree Top Challenge, where young adoptees came together for fun and confidence-building. Weekly chats with a PACT [Adopter Champion](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/) helped me understand the challenges of adolescence. PACT’s Adopter Champions are adoptive parents themselves so talking to someone who understood what we were going through helped a million. With their support, Poppy accessed art therapy to explore how her early trauma and visual impairment affect her learning. I am so proud of her for this. She has shown deep understanding and resilience, as well as a caring nature towards other students with learning difficulties. Thinking more about school in the festive season, Poppy particularly enjoys and looks forward to the nativity. **Poppy:** > *I love the school nativity, I kept being an angel each year and then we moved house and I changed school, and finally I was a sheep.”* Christmas and family are words that go together for me. School is out and when all the shops are closed, it’s a time to spend an extended amount of uninterrupted time together. ## **Wishes for Christmases to come** 🌟 As Christmas 2025 approaches, I look forward to life slowing down and being at home together as a family. The girls bring Christmas to life and we all share in their joy, excitement and the magic they create. What are my girls looking forward to and wishing for this Christmas? **Mia:** *“Christmas has always been a family time for me. I love the feel of Christmas in the air, like when the Christmas songs come out. My favourite one is ‘All I want for Christmas is you’. I always sing along to that, and my parents laugh because I sing it exactly like her. When she sings, “I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree”, it just reminds me of how exciting Christmas Day is.”* **Poppy:** *“I love the food at Christmas, but I don’t like turkey as it’s so chewy, so we have chicken instead. I look forward to tins of Quality Street and Roses, where I can help myself to my favourite ones. I like the strawberry and orange ones the best. I can’t wait to sleep in my sister’s room on Christmas Eve even though she can be a bit bossy!”* This Christmas will be especially meaningful. Poppy will have completed her first term at secondary school. Since receiving support from PACT’s [Specialist Education Worker](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/) and moving Poppy to a smaller, more inclusive secondary school that embraces diversity and disability, we’ve already seen a positive difference. Her academic progress is accelerating as she feels more confident. Meanwhile, Mia will be one term closer to finishing her apprenticeship at a top hair salon. Christmas feels like the end of a cycle and the start of a new one, marking another year as a family together. It’s a shared celebration that brings everyone together for a special day without the spotlight being on one person. Ultimately, Christmas is all about the quality time we get to spend together as a family! Knowing PACT is there for our family, and all the other families, women and children who need it, is so important. Please support PACT this Christmas so they can continue helping children, women and families for many years to come. [Donate today](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal/). Merry Christmas, From Jodie, Mia, Poppy and Noah *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Grant a Wish to support more families like Jodie, Noah, Mia and Poppy’s this Christmas PACT aims to bring light, hope and joy to children, families and women affected by trauma, helping them to enjoy a brighter and happier Christmas. **Together, we can help make wishes come true.** [Donate to Grant a Wish](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/christmas-appeal-donate/)  --- ### [Same sex adoption: Mel and Julia's experience adopting two boys with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mel-and-julia-adopted-two-boys/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Julia* and Mel* are a lesbian couple who adopted two boys, aged 20 months and six months, through PACT... **Content:** Julia\* and Mel\* are a lesbian couple who adopted two boys through PACT. They brought their first son, Jake\*, home in 2014 when he was 20 months old and their second son, Oli\*, in 2017 when he was six months old, completing their family of four. They decided to adopt because they were unsuccessful with fertility treatment and they really wanted to have children. They said: “We knew we had infinite love to give and adoption seemed the obvious way for us to have a family.” ## PACT’S adoption support Mel and Julia chose PACT as their adoption agency because of the many positive stories they read about PACT. They felt that, with the support of PACT’s social workers and staff, their adoption journey would be the best it could be. Throughout the [adoption process](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-process/), Julia and Mel felt supported by PACT. They said: “It can sometimes feel stressful, emotional and invasive but any organisation dealing with vulnerable children has a duty to investigate potential parents fully and responsibly. At every step of the way we had brilliant support, advice and help.” [Adopting as a same sex couple](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/lgbt-adoption/) did not affect their experience at all and they felt they were treated in just the same way as the couples and single people on their preparation courses. ## Experience with same sex adoption Mel and Julia said that meeting Jake for the first time felt different for each of them. “It was a dream come true to be meeting our future child, but we also felt we had all the weight of the world on our shoulders. We really wanted it to go well and to make a good first impression. Again, the[ adoption support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) during this time by the social workers, our families and close friends was wonderful.” After Jake moved in with them, Julia and Mel stayed within their home and garden for the first few weeks to help him feel safe and grounded. They slowly expanded their trips out to go to the park, and after a few months they introduced him to their extended family, beginning with video calls and then meeting them in person. “We were learning his ways and he was learning ours – it was an exciting, yet exhausting, settling-in period as we were trying so hard to help him feel safe, loved and secure.” Their experience was different with Oli. They felt more at ease when they first met him because they knew the process and he was just six months old. The learning curve was also different when he moved in with them because he was just a baby and they had to learn how to take care of his day-to-day needs. When it was time for Jake to start school, Mel and Julia needed some [education support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/) from PACT. Jake has some speech and language delay and his birthday is late in August so they were keen to defer his school place for a year. They felt this was absolutely the right decision to take and it has really benefitted Jake, who is now meeting or approaching all his targets in the curriculum, but at the time it proved to be a huge challenge to get a deferral. “Without the support of Clare \[a Senior Social Worker at PACT\], I don’t think we would have been successful. Her support was incredible.” Clare also helped them with some behavioural issues over the telephone, giving them ideas of ways to calm Jake down by naming his feelings for him and suggesting games and activities to deflect physical signs of frustration. ### Q: What have been the biggest challenges during the adoption journey so far? “Being thrown into parenthood with a toddler! And sometimes worrying that certain behaviours are because of their adoption journey instead of just being patient and dealing with it.” ### Q: What have been the highlights of the adoption experience? “The cuddles, unconditional love and trust shown to us by our boys.” ### Q: What should you know if you’re considering adoption? “It has been, and continues to be, a wonderful way of being a family for us. Matching you with your child is carried out sensitively and carefully. We have been matched with two beautiful boys and we feel like we struck gold! You will be guided and supported through the entire adoption process and we think the preparation for adoption has helped us to be better parents.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* Find out more about [LGBTQ+ adoption in our Talking Adoption show ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrXnvt6AOLQ&list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH)or if you’re thinking about adoption, [get in touch ](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/)with our friendly enquiries team. ## Help more families like this one With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Adoption support, Fertility, LGBT+, Siblings --- ### [Adopting siblings as a same-sex couple: How Ellie and Andrea adopted three children under five with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ellie-and-andrea-adopted-three-children-under-five/) **Published:** April 24, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Ellie* and Andrea* adopted two brothers and a sister. Their children came home to them when they were aged one, two and four years old... **Content:** Ellie\* and Andrea\* adopted three children through PACT; two brothers and a sister. Their children came home to them in the summer of 2021 when they were aged one, two and four years old. Andrea and Ellie said adoption was always their first choice as a path to parenthood: “We never considered any other route to growing our family. Of course, as a same sex couple our options were reduced anyway, but adoption was our natural choice!” ## **Adopting siblings process with PACT** The couple chose to adopt through PACT after doing lots of research. They attended information evenings with other agencies and their local authority but decided PACT was the best fit for them. “Following a very informative [adoption information event](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) (featuring an adoptive family of three incidentally), an excellent track record with [LGBTQ adopters](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-stories/lgbt-adoption/), an outstanding Ofsted rating and excellent post adoption support, we decided to proceed with PACT.” Once they had chosen PACT, they continued their journey through the various stages of the [adoption process](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-process/): this involved checks, references and training during stage one, a more in depth assessment, further training and panel during stage two, and then on to the family finding process. Reflecting back on the process, Ellie and Andrea said: “While stage one and stage two were not without their challenges, we appreciated the need for such thorough information gathering and checks; it was family finding that we found the most challenging and emotionally draining. We had an excellent relationship with our PACT social worker, who remained with us for the duration of the process, which undoubtedly made the process easier.” ### **Meeting their adoptive children** The couple were unfortunate to experience two failed links during family finding due to errors of the children’s social workers, which is extremely unusual. They found this to be a challenging time but were finally matched with a group of three siblings. They were then able to meet them for the first time at a ‘bump into meeting’ in a nearby park; they found this meeting “invaluable” and said the experience was “surreal; terrifying and beautiful.” > It not only confirmed to us that these were our children, it made approval panel infinitely easier – previously, we had rehearsed answers; using ‘buzz words’ and terminology we thought people would want to hear. Meeting the children brought everything into context, and we were able to answer in a heartfelt, honest way, which would have been impossible had we not had that half an hour in a sunny park.” Following this first meeting, the match was approved and Andrea and Ellie began the process of introductions with their children. They said: “We will always look back on our period of introductions as one of the happiest times of our lives. I have honestly never been more terrified than the morning we rang the doorbell of the foster carers for the first time, but all of the worries and fear we had melted away within moments.” When the children moved in with them, it was a big change for all of them but they quickly settled into life as a family of five. Andrea and Ellie said: “The first night was very strange, we woke up at various intervals with the shock realisation that there were three small strangers in our house, who we are responsible for for the rest of our natural lives!” “However, it was strange how quickly we acclimatised: people comment, ‘Wow – three all at once, how do you do it?’ Well, truthfully, we know no different – our lives are full and busy. Our house is loud and we’ll never have a spare bedroom or an empty washing machine ever again!” ## **What are the benefits of adopting siblings?** The couple said there have been so many highlights since they grew their family: “On the day the children moved in, we celebrated our first family day, with a red velvet cake, singing ‘happy family day to us’ to the tune of happy birthday. To mark our first year together we were granted special permission to have the day off school to celebrate. We spent the day swimming in the river and playing in the sunshine, before heading to a local Italian restaurant, ending our meal with red velvet cake and a round of ‘happy family day…’ which made our hearts swell with joy, and will be a tradition forever more.” “The arrival of adoption certificates, passports and our own name change was also a very special moment, solidifying our family unit.” To anyone considering [adopting siblings](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-siblings/), Ellie and Andrea say there are lots of benefits: “They always have playmates and we have the large family we dreamt of. But, undoubtedly, the most important aspect is that they have each other. These little people have experienced so much uncertainty and change in their short lives, the only consistent factor has been their brothers and sisters – and this is something we were determined to protect.“ “Whilst there are the obvious sibling disagreements and fallings out, there is also lots of love and laughter. They adore each other and miss each other during the day when they are in school and nursery.” “Juggling work and parenting three adopted children is hard, but we are not superheroes, far from it! With good routines and structure, it is eminently manageable and enjoyable!“ > As we say to the children daily, we may not always have enough arms/hands/laps… but there is always enough love and that is what counts.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* Find out more about adopting siblings in our [Talking Adoption show – What’s it like to adopt siblings? ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6M00oloCkxN7rkmKcpMpA)Or get in touch with our friendly [adoption enquires team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/). ## Help more families like Ellie and Andrea’s With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** LGBT+, Siblings --- ### [Lisa's family was supported by PACT's Adopter Champions](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/support-from-pacts-adopter-champion-service/) **Published:** January 26, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Content:** Lisa\*, Paul\* and their adopted son Timmy\* are a family of three. They brought Timmy home when he was 15 months old and he is now nearly eight years old. When Timmy first came home with them it a was a big shock for him. He had lived with his foster carers since he was a young baby and the move to his new home was scary and unsettling for him. Lisa reflected: “Looking back on it now, he must have been absolutely terrified. Despite us working hard to build up the trust and attachment, he was often resistant, non-compliant, easily losing his temper and becoming violent and aggressive.” Lisa and Paul thought this was normal and hoped that once Timmy felt settled and safer, things would improve. This was sadly not the case and five years down the line, Timmy was still exhibiting the same behaviour and it was getting worse. Lisa said: “It was having a massive impact both at home and at school. Timmy was not able to regulate his emotions and neither was I! I was exhausted and could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. I love my son and really didn’t want to give up on him, however I was at breaking point.” ### Support from PACT’s Adopter Champion service for adoptive parents and children The couple contacted PACT and were referred to the [Adopter Champion service](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/pact-adopter-champions/). They spoke first with the adopter champion team leader to discuss the issues they were facing, and were then matched with Adopter Champion Mark. They received monthly calls from Mark, who Lisa said was “truly amazing”. They spoke initially about their issues and what had led them to contact PACT, focusing on Timmy’s anger, aggression and resistance to everything. “Mark was able to reassure us that we were not alone in experiencing these issues and he reminded us of why they might be happening. He was able to identify areas of need and liaise with myself and PACT to get the support our family needed.” Further support from PACT included attending an attachment-focused parenting course run by the [Family and Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/facts/), receiving a MIM assessment to identify a disrupted attachment between Lisa and Timmy, Theraplay support, [a sensory assessment by an occupational therapist](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/paediatric-occupational-therapists-with-sensory-integration-training/), and assessments to provide supporting evidence to access the Adoption Support Fund so that Timmy could receive further therapy. Lisa said that after a few months of support, Mark was very good at helping them reflect on Timmy’s progress and identify the areas which had improved. ### PACT’s education support after adoption Mark also contacted Timmy’s teacher because his school was experiencing the same behaviour. He was able to advise the teacher to help improve Timmy’s school experience and refer them to [PACT’s education lead](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/education-support/) for support. Since the support started, Lisa commented that their home life improved dramatically. “We all are so much happier now. We have a better understanding now of ourselves and our son, what our triggers are and how we can self regulate. We still have our moments, however we can see the triggers behind the behaviour and can support Timmy accordingly. He is still emotionally delayed, but we are seeing this improve.” Two years since the support began, Lisa says they are doing well as a family. “We have a far happier little boy which makes the whole household happier. We continue on this journey as he still needs support and therapy for his emotional self regulation, anxiety and self esteem, especially at school as we continue to have daily issues.” PACT’s education lead is continuing to support the family and the school to help improve Timmy’s school life. ### Q: Would you recommend PACT’s Adopter Champion service? “Without a doubt I would recommend the Adopter Champion service. It has truly saved my family! We now have a wonderful little boy who enjoys spending time with his family, and comes to us for comfort. At home now we are not just surviving, we are thriving.” “My only regret is that I didn’t contact PACT and the wonderful Adopter Champion service sooner.” \**Names changed for confidentiality* ## Support more adoptive families like Lisa’s With your[support](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/), we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Adoption support --- ### [Adoption Process Steps with PACT: Susan's experience adopting adopted nine-year-old Leyton](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/susan-and-leyton/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Susan* adopted nine-year-old Leyton* through PACT after seeing a poster appealing for adopters in the waiting room at her GP’s surgery... **Content:** Susan\*, 48, is adopting nine-year-old Leyton\* through PACT. She first became aware of PACT after spotting a poster appealing for adopters in the waiting room at her GP’s surgery. Susan had long been interested in adoption and a few years ago, whilst in the RAF, had made some enquiries with a local authority but hadn’t proceeded with this. By the time she saw the PACT poster she had relocated and left the RAF. “I took the number down and then a few days later while taking the dog for a walk I called up and had a half hour chat with a lovely person on the [PACT enquiries team](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) in London. I think it was just a question of right place, right time.” Susan attended one of [PACT’s adoption information events](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/information-events/) and found the agency’s approach to be “welcoming and engaging”. ## Overcoming Adoption Challenges with Support from PACT She decided to go ahead with adoption and in the summer of 2016 Leyton was placed with her, aged seven at the time. She remembers how on the first day of introductions Leyton was waiting for her at the door. “As I pulled up in the car he ran out and put his arms around me and called me Mummy. We had great fun that day, it all went really well and when the time came for him to move into my home with me he never looked back.” Around six weeks later Leyton did become very unsettled, and was upset and distressed most nights for several months. Susan said throughout this difficult time she felt extremely well supported by PACT. “I can’t fault the [adoption support](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/) I’ve had from PACT. There were a couple of times when things were particularly challenging, when I called my social worker late at night and she was there at the end of the phone supporting me and coaching me through things as they happened. You couldn’t ask for more than that and just to know someone is there is very reassuring.” Susan advised anyone considering adoption to think it through carefully. “I think be honest about what you want, and what you can deal with. Adoption isn’t always about walking away with a six-month old baby and playing happy families. “I’d also say that however well prepared I felt and PACT had made me, however much information and [adoption training](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/training/) I’d got, until you are actually in that situation, you have no true understanding of what it’s like. I think then you have to trust in your own resilience and know that if you can get through those first few months the rewards will come.” Susan said Leyton is now much more settled and that the two of them are very happy, enjoying lots of walks and outdoors activities. ## Volunteering with PACT Susan has recently become a [volunteer for PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/), supporting other adopters on the agency’s [online adoption support website](https://www.catchconnect.org/)[ (CATCH)](https://www.catchconnect.org/). In this role she helps provide a vital first line of support to other adopters via live web chat and online forums. She said: “I think actually what I have found is that you can find strength by listening to what other people are going through – sometimes it’s helpful just to know there are other families experiencing the sorts of behaviours you are, and sometimes it makes you realise that you’re actually doing all right.” [Get in touch](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) to learn more about adopting with PACT. *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Leyton with adoption With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Older children, Single adopters --- ### [Alice and Ethan adopted twins with additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/alice-and-ethan-adopted-twins-with-additional-needs/) **Published:** September 16, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Parents Alice* and Ethan* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla* and Poppy*, nine years ago through PACT... **Content:** Parents Alice\* and Ethan\* are a family of six. They adopted their twin girls, Layla\* and Poppy\*, nine years ago through PACT. The girls are now 15-years-old and the couple have two younger birth children, Noah\* aged four and Casey\* aged seven. They also have three cats and lots of fish. Layla and Poppy both have moderate learning difficulties and developmental delay as well as epilepsy. Alice and Ethan met in Paris when Ethan attended a church group that Alice ran. It was when the couple visited a project in Romania called Caminul Felix, that they decided adoption was something they wanted to do. The project, which translates to ‘The Happy Home’, aims to place orphaned and abandoned children in a family as this, they say, is the best place for a child. Fast forward a few years and the couple decided they were ready to adopt and were “on a mission” to do so. Alice was booking tickets for an adoption and fostering information conference on the Home for Good website when she read the words ‘could you adopt five-year-old twins?’. Layla and Poppy had been part of a child-specific family finding campaign run by PACT, which aimed to give children who had been waiting a long time another chance of finding a loving, permanent adoptive family. Alice said she had always had a connection to twins. As a child, her favourite dolls were twins and she had a twin toy pram for them. So when Alice saw the posting about the girls, she thought “it was meant to be.” The adoption process took nine months. In the early stage of the process, Alice and Ethan had to remain persistent as they didn’t live in PACT’s usual catchment area. “We felt we had everything needed to provide these girls with a home and distance shouldn’t stop that.” Alice said: “The adoption process was full-on and hard work but our social worker Louise was absolutely incredible and helped bring our family together.” Louise often travelled to where the couple lived at the time to carry out assessments and give support. The couple had a contact meeting with the children’s parents. “It was emotional and when I shook hands with the children’s birth mother I held on. I just wanted to hug her! We are glad we had the chance to meet them and would recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity.” The couple met the girls and their foster carer for the first time at a play area. Alice recalls the moment when one of them was on the top of the slide and put her arms out to Alice to help her down. “It was incredible.” When Layla and Poppy moved in with Alice and Ethan, “it was like they’d always been there.” Leading up to their move, Alice had been very anxious as she felt like she was turning their lives upside down. Alice said: “In their foster home, our girls learned what a family was, but they knew it wasn’t their family. So when the twins moved in and slowly met the rest of our families, it was as if they just knew this was *their* family.” Alice recalls how quickly the girls grew in the first couple of years due to their newfound stability. “They thrived.” School is one of the biggest challenges that the girls have faced. Alice and Ethan have had to fight for the girls to receive accessible learning that challenges Layla and Poppy to reach their potential. > If we were happy for them to just bobble on, there wouldn’t be a challenge. But we’ve always said that they are capable of more than people give them credit for.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* Alice’s family received a lot of support from PACT post-placement. In one instance, when the girls first moved in, Layla experienced night terrors. Layla was supported by PACT’s Family And Children Therapeutic Support team (FACTS) where she received therapy. “We weren’t ashamed to pick up the phone and say we need support.” When asked about the couple’s four children and the sibling dynamic, Alice said: “The girls can sometimes struggle with jealousy but ultimately watching the girls love their brothers and be loved by their brothers is amazing.” Layla, Poppy and Casey all grew up together. “Despite Casey being many years younger, it gave the girls a chance to go back to their early childhood and experience what they had missed out on. When Casey was ready to move onto Lego, that’s when the girls moved onto Lego.” The twins are moving into Year 11. They are at a specialist school so will not be doing GCSEs but instead, they will focus on life skills. After that, Alice and Ethan hope that Layla and Poppy will be able to take part in college-link whereby they will spend some time in a mainstream college and the rest of the time at the specialist school. > I have no doubt that the girls are capable of contributing to society, whether that be through voluntary or paid work. I believe they can do something – whatever that might be.” Alice said: “The girls’ bond is really, really special and they are best friends. The twins have several hobbies and groups that they attend including Irish dancing and horse riding. The Irish dancing class is mainstream which is really good for the girls and once they reach 18 years old, they can move up to the adult group.” Alice said that there have been so many highlights. She loves watching the girls thrive and grow. “It’s their smiles, it’s their eyes. I see their eyes sparkling and for us, that’s a huge highlight.” Another is seeing the girls handle situations that in the past they wouldn’t have been able to. Alice describes the moment that this year on a holiday to Paris the twins ordered candyfloss by themselves in French for the first time. “Layla put her shoulders back and walked over there and Poppy followed. They came back with candyfloss and beaming faces.” Up until now, visiting Disneyland Paris has always been Alice and Ethan with either their girls or their boys – not all of them together. Yet this year, Alice told her husband “I think we’re at the stage that next year we can do it with the four of them. The girls are now able to regulate themselves better.” To anyone considering adoption, Alice said: > If it’s the right thing for you, do it. It’s incredible. The support is there, you just sometimes have to fight for it. We’ve had ups and downs but we’ve never ever regretted adopting.” > > “You have to be selfless to adopt. It can’t be about you, it’s always got to be about the child.” ## Help more children like Layla and Poppy With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Additional needs, Older children, Siblings --- ### [Sasha adopted Maya as a single adopter](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sasha-adopted-maya-as-a-single-adopter/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Sasha* is a single adopter who brought her daughter Maya* home in May 2019 when she was 13 months old. Sasha works as a children’s nurse and has always wanted to be a mum... **Content:** Sasha\* is a single adopter who brought her daughter Maya\* home in May 2019 when she was 13 months old. Maya’s adoption was legalised four months later in September 2019. Sasha works as a children’s nurse and has always wanted to be a mum, but never found the right person to settle down and start a family with. As time went on, she knew the likelihood of having a birth child was decreasing and when she turned 40, she started to seriously consider adopting a child. “Adoption seemed the obvious choice to find a way of fulfilling my dream.” She preferred the permanence of adoption over fostering, for both herself and her child, and felt that giving a child who had already had a difficult start in life the chance to have a loving, stable home was the best thing she could do. She spent around a year considering adoption and working out how she would manage financially, practically and emotionally. “Once I had convinced myself that it could be feasible, I knew that I would always regret it if I didn’t take the next step of starting along the adoption process.” Sasha assumed that she would simply adopt through her local authority until she spoke to a friend who had adopted two children through PACT. “She was full of enthusiasm and praise for PACT, not just through the initial adoption process, but also with the lifelong support and access to things like FACTS, the Adopter Hub and relevant training days.” Sasha liked the look of PACT from their website and also saw that PACT was rated outstanding by OFSTED. With that, she made her decision: “I booked on to an information event and never looked back.” The different stages of the adoption process went smoothly for Sasha. “I had heard many stories both good and bad about the adoption process, and I’m pleased to say I found it all pretty straightforward and much less invasive than I had been expecting.“ Her social workers were very friendly and made her feel at ease throughout the home visits. She reflected that the lengthy home study that the social workers have to undertake is an interesting opportunity to look in great detail at things like your childhood, family, relationships and ambitions. While this can be challenging for some, Sasha had a stable and loving upbringing and found this to be a mostly enjoyable reflection. Overall, Sasha said, “I felt I was well equipped and informed at each part of the journey and the training days were interesting and enlightening.” The most challenging part of the process for Sasha came next, when it was time for her to choose her child. She worried about how she would know if the child was right for her and how she would manage to choose one profile out of 3,000. “Having to narrow it down to just a handful of children is tough and emotionally exhausting, as every child is in desperate need of a new family and I can only take one. It felt to me like a leap of faith, and I just had to trust that I’d made the right decision, with the support of my family finder and social worker.” Once she had chosen her child, the time came for her to meet Maya for the first time. Sasha first met her at the foster carer’s home and felt uncertain about how to react. “It was exciting, but also nerve wracking to finally meet the child that you have agreed to adopt and read so much about.“ However, her fears were put to one side when Maya greeted her with an enormous smile and happily sat and played with her. Sasha said it felt surreal to hold her future child, knowing that one day soon Maya would come and live with her forever and she would become a mother. While interacting with Maya, she noticed that there were some areas of development where Maya was behind which had not been picked up on in the reports, but after some reflection Sasha felt this was not a barrier. Once she had taken time to process the visit, she felt that her choice was still the right one. “I was filled with a sense of calm and knew that I would be able to make it work and would do my best to give her all the opportunities to reach her full potential.” When Maya moved in with her, Sasha said it was easier than she expected and Maya adapted really well to her new home. There was some initial separation anxiety and Maya would sometimes cry through the nights in the first few weeks but her attachment to Sasha grew and grew. Within weeks, her development was progressing and Sasha felt privileged to be able to experience so many firsts with her daughter. “Watching her grow and develop has been a joy and I think I was on a high for months.” Thinking about how having a child compares to looking after children as a nurse, Sasha reflects on how different it is to be a mother. “I’m used to looking after sick children in my job, but looking after your own child and being ‘mummy’, not a nurse when they are ill, is not always easy. I now understand why the parents I see at work are so frequently tearful. I think I will now be a better and more empathetic nurse when I go back to work.” Q: What have been the highlights of your adoption journey so far? “There have been so many highlights – from the first time she cried when I left her, to watching her learn to clap, wave, point, crawl, walk and now learning to talk. The first time she said “mummy” was magic, along with “cuddles” and “love you”. Our first mini holiday to Bournemouth was super special and our first Christmas together was amazing too. Seeing her joy at mastering new skills and exploring the world has been just amazing. Seeing her thrive and catch up, and being so settled and secure is more than I ever hoped to achieve in this first year. She has also been completely loved, accepted and adored by my family and friends, which has just made me realise how my decision to adopt was completely the right thing to do.” Q: What have been the biggest challenges? “I think for me the biggest challenge as a parent is still to come, when I return to work and have to balance working as a single mum with a young child, and having to be up and out of the house by 7am! ” Q: What would you say to anyone considering adoption? “Just go for it and see where it leads you. I never imagined I’d be a mum to the most gorgeous little girl; she has completely transformed my life. She has filled a gap that I didn’t know existed and she is such a blessing. I totally hit the jackpot and am so proud to call myself her mummy. At the time, the process feels like it’s going to be a long journey, but it really does fly by and once you have them at home, you totally forget and it feels like it just took a few months. I would advise talking to people who have adopted, keep reading lots of books and keep remembering that the process may feel tough at times, but it is totally worth it. You have the opportunity to transform the lives of any children you adopt, and to make your dreams come true at the same time.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Maya With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Keyworkers, Single adopters --- ### [Sandra and Rob became grandparents for the first time through adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sandra-and-rob-became-grandparents-for-the-first-time-through-adoption/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Sandra* and Rob* became grandparents for the first time when their son George* and his partner Andrew* adopted siblings through PACT... **Content:** Sandra\* and Rob\* became grandparents for the first time when their son George\* and his partner Andrew\* adopted siblings Cait\* and Oliver\*, aged eight and six, through PACT in 2016. Sandra said it had been lovely getting to know the adoptive children, although they had been careful to take their time doing this. “We were apprehensive at first as we were not sure how they would react to new grandparents. It took a while to get to know them but we knew it would be a slow process.” Sandra is adopted herself so said she had some insight into how they would be feeling. To help further understand what the children were going through they met with George and Andrew’s social worker who was helpful at explaining the reasons for certain behaviours and how they could help. Through regular visits Sandra and Rob gradually got to know Cait and Oliver and they now really enjoy spending time with them, watching them learn new skills such as swimming or cycling, or having a game of football together. “We also love taking them out to parks, zoo, farms and the beach. We always get together for birthday celebrations and had a lovely holiday last year in Devon.” “We love seeing them and it is amazing how much they have grown in confidence over the last two years.” Sandra and Rob, who now have a third grandchild, say they really enjoy seeing the three of them playing together. Sandra said that both Cait and Oliver had also developed a close bond with one of their aunties. “They have settled in really well, are enjoying school and are very happy children – they are a pleasure to be with.” Andrew’s parents Liz\* and Clive\* already had grandchildren, including a grandson who was adopted a few years earlier, but said they had also been initially nervous about meeting and bonding with Cait and Oliver. Liz said: “We were aware that there were issues in the children’s past that might make forming a bond difficult. However, we have had a lot of close familial experience of the adoption process, so we were not stepping into the unknown.” “We shouldn’t have been concerned. We both quickly found that the children were open to the idea of new grandparents, and the makings of a bond was forged.” “We let them decide the pace, but I think they found our easy-going attitude non-threatening, and we really did not find it difficult to get to know them.” Liz said being grandparents through adoption was a great joy, and that they always had a lovely time with Cait and Oliver. “We like going out on walks with them, visiting National Trust sites and having picnics. They are easy to like as well as love, and it is fun being with them.” “They are receptive to us both and seem to love us as much as we love them.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more families like this With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Grandparents --- ### [Samuel, Naomi and their three children enjoy PACT's family fun days](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/samuel-naomi-and-their-three-children-enjoy-pacts-family-fun-days/) **Published:** October 17, 2022 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Each year, PACT runs family fun days for all its adoptive families. Naomi and Samuel began coming to family fun days in 2014 after they adopted their eldest two daughters and have been to every fun day since... **Content:** Samuel\* and his wife Naomi\* live in Hampshire where Samuel works as a church leader. They adopted two girls through PACT in 2014. When the children’s birth family had another child a few years later, the couple were asked if they would consider adopting her into their family. They agreed and brought home their third daughter in 2016. Each year, PACT runs family fun days for all its adoptive families. These events are provided as a chance for adoptive families to get together and have a fun day out with other adopters and adopted children, with birth children also welcome. Children enjoy meeting new friends and parents can connect with one another, with families often building life-long support networks based on their shared experiences. The events also provide an opportunity for families to catch up with PACT social workers in a relaxed setting. Naomi and Samuel began coming to family fun days in 2014 after they adopted their eldest two daughters and have been to every fun day since. Locations have included Buckleberry Farm Park, Millets Farm Centre and most recently, 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park in Berkshire. The couple said they love coming and so do their children. “It’s great to meet up with other adopters and the girls have always felt at home knowing that all the other children (but for a few birth children) are from the same type of background.” When Samuel and Naomi became parents, they did not know many other adoptive families in their community. By the time they adopted their third child, the couple had connected with many other adopters from their local area. Some of their friends who also adopted through PACT were at the most recent fun day and the children enjoyed playing together and taking part in the activities on offer, particularly the badge-making. As a church leader, Samuel is involved with Home For Good and at the event he shared some information about the group he organises for adoptive and foster families in his area. Thanks to the family fun day, he was able to meet and connect with other families who were interested in joining this support group. Samuel and Naomi said they always look forward to these events provided by PACT. “We have them circled on our diary and make every effort to be there, usually right when it opens!” They encourage every PACT family they know to come along too, and they have no doubt they will be at the next one. \**Names changed for confidentiality*  ## Help more families like this With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Adoption support --- ### [Rose and Simon are a Christian couple who adopted during the 2020 pandemic](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/rose-and-simon-are-a-christian-couple-who-adopted-during-the-2020-pandemic/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Rose* and Simon* adopted their son Jay* in 2020 when he was 14 months old. Rose is a secondary school music teacher and Simon is a church minister... **Content:** Rose\* and Simon\* adopted their son Jay\* in 2020 when he was 14 months old. Rose is a secondary school music teacher and Simon is a church minister. Rose said they always talked about adoption as a way of creating their family and had supported the work of Home for Good for some time. (Home for Good is a movement that inspires Christians to adopt or foster and equips churches to be welcoming communities for adoptive and foster families.) She said: “We felt that as Christians we should be concerned for the many, many children who were in need of a family. We discovered that it would not be straightforward for us to have birth children so decided to make adoption our positive choice as the path we wanted to go down to grow our family. We are so convinced that the best thing for a child is to grow up in a loving family and we felt that we could offer that to a child that needed one.” Simon and Rose heard about PACT through Home for Good and knew that PACT had a reputation for being efficient and supportive, both during the adoption process and afterwards. “One of our key priorities was that there would be support longer term if we needed it and we were really impressed with PACT’s training and support events, as well as their dedicated therapeutic social workers who would be available for support after our child came home.” They attended an information evening which they found to be very warm and welcoming: “Social workers were ready to answer our questions and followed up with us after the event. There was no question for us, we knew we wanted to adopt with PACT.” Rose and Simon were adopting around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rose said that while it was a strange time for everyone, it had become their new normal. “We found it was a really positive thing to be working towards in a time where we were at home more and our usual diary of events wasn’t happening.” She found that the extra time they had available while the country experienced varying degrees of local and national lockdowns was actually a benefit. “I was worried that it would slow the process but if anything, I think it probably made it a bit quicker.” She did, however, find it frustrating having to do everything virtually. “Virtual is just not as good as in real life and there always seems to be some sort of technical hitch with an online meeting!” Rose and Simon’s adoption panel was conducted virtually by PACT and they found the experience of this and the matching panel to be positive, despite not being there in person. “At both panels, they did a brilliant job of making it as warm and welcoming as it can be on Zoom but we wished we had been able to enjoy that moment of being approved and matched in person, with all of those people who had just made a life-changing decision for us!” Before meeting their son in person for the first time, Rose and Simon had several virtual introductions over video call. Though this felt strange, it also gave them a chance to get to know Jay a little before their first meeting. Rose said: “This made it all the more wonderful when we could actually see him in the flesh and hold him! It felt incredibly momentous, a day that had been so longed for and then all of a sudden you are on the floor and have a little one who wants to play and crawl all over you!” She said the foster carers were brilliant at helping them to feel relaxed in their home and they had prepared Jay really well for meeting his new family. When Jay first moved in with them, they found it to be a wonderful but exhausting experience. While it was tiring to keep going back and forth to the foster carers during the introductions, Rose said their son managed the transition to his new home really well. “Being all together at home and feeling like a proper family was the most wonderful feeling and it was a very special time.” She said that PACT had been very supportive throughout the whole process. Their family have not needed any extra support from PACT yet, but she says it is good to know that support is available. “It is a real comfort to know that we can access support from them in years to come.“ The training Simon and Rose received during the assessment process helped them to understand more about Jay’s background and his birth parents, which gave them a new perspective on what it is like for all those involved in the adoption process. Rose said that openness is important to them, and they always want Jay to be able to ask questions about where he came from. “In time he will get a life story book which will be a really valuable resource to help him understand his story and all the different people involved in making him who he is!” Q: What have been the highlights of your experience so far? “Bringing our boy home and getting to know him has to be the absolutely highlight. It makes the whole process worthwhile and is definitely worth the wait. It has been the really normal things which we are doing together that have often been the most precious: the little moments where he comes to us for cuddles, his infectious giggle, watching him learn new things every day knowing you are part of that journey for him. “It has also been great to put all the training into practice and understand how it helps once your child comes home. I really feel that PACT prepared us brilliantly for the transition and the early days. We will always be learning but I come back to things from training every day!” Q: Did your faith background affect your experience of the adoption process? “We felt that our faith background and motivation to adopt was really positively valued throughout the process. We didn’t feel that we had to fit into a mould and our social worker really sought to listen and understand us. “Our faith motivation and church support network were noted as strengths throughout PACT’s assessment process.” To anyone thinking about adoption, Rose says: “Definitely consider it! We recognise it isn’t for everyone, but it has been a wonderful blessing to us. “Take it one step at a time. It is a long process but a large part of it is learning and working out alongside your social worker whether adoption is right for you and if so, what that might look like and what child might fit into your family. “Talk to other adopters and take every opportunity to ask them questions. We found it really helpful meeting up with people locally who had adopted and connecting with the adoption community on Instagram and Facebook. Even once your child or children are home, it is great to have people around who are ahead of you on their journey. “Finally, be honest and open with your family and support network. This was really important for us and helped them feel a part of the journey to our little one coming home too.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Jay With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Families of faith, Keyworkers --- ### [Michelle and Phil adopted their second child Charlie through the early permanence process](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/michelle-phil-mia-charlie/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Michelle* and Phil* have a five-year-old adopted daughter, Mia*, and are now applying to adopt 21-month-old Charlie* who they have been fostering... **Content:** Michelle\* and Phil\* are caring for Charlie\* who is just over two, through PACT’s early permanence initiative, sometimes referred to as fostering for adoption. These arrangements enable young babies or children to be placed with potential adopters who are also approved as temporary foster carers while decisions are made about the child’s future. Ideally this means that the child benefits from stability and continuity of care from the earliest possible stage in their lives. Charlie was 21 months old when he was placed with Michelle and Phil, who are now applying to adopt him. The couple, who also have a five-year-old adopted daughter Mia\*, first heard about early permanence around the time they were being matched with their daughter. Michelle said: “We thought this seemed like a good idea considering the aim was to place children as soon as possible to minimise the amount of moves they might have to make. When we decided to adopt another child, we found out that early permanence was a possibility for us, so we were keen to try it. “The main reason we decided to go down this route was that we saw it as a chance to have a child placed with us sooner, so they would be younger, and also we thought being dual approved carers (approved to both foster and adopt) would make us more attractive to local authorities and hopefully increase the number of profiles we could consider.” Michelle said they had been well supported throughout the process so far by social workers from both PACT and the local authority for Charlie. She said the main challenge they had faced initially was around helping Mia to adjust to another child joining the family, although said the two have a lovely relationship now. “With regard to Foster for Adoption, initially I found it hard to get my head around the fostering paperwork which needed completing regularly, but once I’d got to grips with it, it wasn’t too bad. “We were fortunate in that in our case Charlie’s Placement Order was granted before introductions started, so although there were no guarantees, there was less chance that things wouldn’t eventually proceed to adoption.” Michelle added that the best thing so far about early permanence was how quickly Charlie had been placed with them, with introductory sessions starting six weeks after the initial interview. She said they were also paid while fostering, which while wasn’t a lot, had helped. Her best advice to someone considering early permanence is to keep an open mind. “When we were first approached about our little one, there was information on his profile which initially made us think he wasn’t for us (we shudder at that thought now!). There were initial plans for weekly contact with his birth family which we would have had to facilitate in the early weeks, and as he was from quite a distance away this could have been quite disruptive for Mia so initially we were hesitant. “However as it turned out most of these contact sessions took place before the Placement Order and the others were managed before introductions. *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Charlie With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Early permanence, Siblings --- ### [Melody, who is a vicar, adopted siblings aged seven and six](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/melody-who-is-a-vicar-adopted-siblings-aged-seven-and-six/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Melody*, who is a vicar, adopted two brothers, seven-year-old Harry* and Ethan*, six. She said: “I knew I had a lot of love to give children... **Content:** Melody\*, who is a vicar, adopted two brothers, seven-year-old Harry\* and Ethan\*, six. She said: “I knew I had a lot of love to give children. I’d always wanted to have a family but I didn’t meet a husband to have them with in the usual way!” Melody said a friend who had adopted suggested she should consider it but initially she did not think someone who was single or a vicar would be allowed to adopt. She spoke to a social worker at a church seminar she attended and was told she would be suitable so started to think and pray about it seriously. She said as well as her desire to start a family, she was motivated to adopt by a sense of God’s compassionate call to all Christians to care for the most vulnerable members of society, especially children without parents. Melody had heard about PACT through a Home for Good seminar and met other people who had adopted through the agency at a clergy conference. “All the interactions I had with the various members of the team at PACT made me feel confident to explore the process with them. I was particularly drawn to the emphasis on an ongoing commitment to the adoptive families and the excellent aftercare which is provided.” Melody was matched with Harry and Ethan, who were placed with her in the summer of 2016. She said: “Meeting my children for the first time was amazing, I couldn’t believe how much they accepted me as their mum even on that first day. I cried when I could hear them through the front door saying ‘it’s mummy!’. What has been even more powerful has been the months that followed when they really grew to feel like my children, not just children who call me mum, but children to whom I am their mum.” Melody said the boys had settled really well with her and were making great progress. “We have had ups and downs. There have been a lot of tantrums, outbursts and tears (not all mine!) but each day I can see trust and love being built up. Acceptance has played a huge part in both my parenting and their understanding of what has happened to them. It isn’t easy but the progress they are making and the way I am able to walk with them through it is a beautiful thing to me and those around me who have seen the changes in all of us.” She said throughout the adoption process she was encouraged that her faith was seen as a positive thing, and that her church family had been incredibly supportive. “They really looked for ways to encourage and practically look after me in the build-up to introductions. They welcomed my boys with open arms and were keen to understand the particular needs of adopted children. Other adoptive families in the wider church community made particular effort to come alongside us with shared experience and empathy. Their prayers and practical help have seen me through the season of adjustment and their ongoing support enables me to balance full-time work and full-time motherhood. “My own faith has been deepened and enriched through the whole process. Theologically adoption is an important concept; in church we talk about how God has loved us and made us his children through Jesus. But when you actually take a child into your home, give them your name, write them into your will and nurture them with unconditional love, you feel the reality of God’s love for you in a completely new way.” Melody said her advice to anyone considering adoption was to fully understand what it entailed and to accept the prayers and practical help from friends and family. She said: “Trust that if God has laid it on your heart then he will also give you the strength and resources to see it through.” PACT has a long history of approving families of faith as adopters. The agency works closely with the Home for Good charity to encourage more Christian families and those who attend church to think about growing their family through adoption. *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Harry and Ethan With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Families of faith, Older children, Siblings, Single adopters --- ### [Lily and Alex adopted their daughter in 2020](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/lily-and-alex-adopted-their-daughter-in-2020/) **Published:** November 2, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Lily* and Alex* live in Oxfordshire with their gorgeous daughter, Cassie*, and their elderly black cat, Baggy. Cassie came to live with them in November 2020... **Content:** Lily\* and Alex\* live in Oxfordshire with their gorgeous daughter Cassie\* and their elderly black cat, Baggy. Cassie came to live with them in November 2020; as Lily describes it: “Like a tiny firework she exploded into our home on Bonfire Night, just a week before her first birthday.” At the time of writing, Cassie is 21 months old. “She is a confident, empathetic and beautiful girl, inside and out,” says Lily. “She is funny, smart, brave, and incredibly friendly, saying ‘hiya’ to everyone she meets! Her favourite things at the moment are reading books, going to soft play, searching for the Gruffalo, and eating as much gingerbread as humanly possible.” Alex and Lily were married in 2012, and a few years later they started thinking and planning for their future family. They had always spoken about adoption being an option for them, even before they were married, but after several years without success in starting their family naturally they eventually decided to try IVF. After one failed round of IVF and a subsequent round which unfortunately ended in miscarriage, they knew that IVF wasn’t the right option for them. Lily said: “Not only was the psychological toll of treatment too tough, we were growing increasingly concerned about the IVF postcode lottery and how incredibly unfair the system for accessing treatment is on the NHS in England. The main thing though was that we just didn’t want to wait any longer to start our family; we knew from experience that biological connection is in no way essential for strong and loving familial relationships to flourish. We decided to give ourselves some time to recover emotionally from the IVF process so we could start our adoption journey the following year.” The couple first came across PACT at The Fertility Show in November 2019. “We happened to stroll past PACT’s stand and thought we would quickly stop by to gather some information; the person we spoke to was very welcoming and we both had a really good feeling from this brief informal chat, so decided we had nothing to lose by signing up to attend a PACT information evening to find out more.” At the information event in Reading, they were impressed by the warm welcome they received, the depth of information provided to them and the real-life insights shared by speakers who had already been through the adoption process with PACT. Lily said they also felt reassured by PACT’s ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating and the friendly, personal welcome they received from PACT’s team. Three weeks later the couple returned to PACT’s offices for an initial meeting. Lily and Alex found the adoption process with PACT to be incredibly smooth, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. They started the process at the end of January 2020, just a few months before the first lockdown. Although they worried about delays, PACT provided them upfront with a timeline for each stage of the process to be completed, and adapted all their services to keep the process moving forward. Lily said, “Our social worker remained very proactive and communicative, and incredibly we didn’t experience a single delay in PACT’s timeline.” “Group training sessions were swiftly adapted to be delivered online, and the trainer managed this expertly. We also managed to create strong bonds with the other members of the training group who were also going through the process at the same time, with whom we still keep in touch.” After being approved at the adoption panel, Lily and Alex were excited to start the family finding process. Their family finder supported them well and stayed in touch regularly to share profiles and follow up on potential placements. In late August, just eight months after starting the process, their family finder sent them Cassie’s profile. “We opened the link and saw the most gorgeous baby girl with the biggest smile and the most dazzling blue eyes, and we were smitten.” The match with their daughter was confirmed a few weeks later in early September. After being sent photos and videos of her by her foster carer, they first met Cassie virtually. “It was absolutely mind-blowing; seeing her in real time and being able to speak to her and watch her play is etched in our memories forever.” After several weeks, they were able to travel to meet her face-to-face. “Meeting our daughter in person was by a distance the most incredible experience of our lives. We were blown away by how lovely and instantly lovable she was in person, and also by how small she was.” The week of introductions flew by, and Lily and Alex’s social worker supported them throughout. “On the final day, we faced the hard moment of saying goodbye to Cassie’s wonderful foster family along with the trepidation of a very long journey home with a new baby on the first day of the second lockdown and Bonfire Night. It was all a bit daunting; we were quite exhausted after a wonderful, full-on week of getting to know our girl’s routine, so we were very much looking forward to getting home!” “We hardly slept the first night we brought her home; but, after a few days of settling in, it felt like she’d always been with us, and we couldn’t really remember what life had been like before she was with us.” Lily and Alex did find it challenging in some ways to bring Cassie home during lockdown, but they reflected that there were also some positives. Although they wanted her to meet family and friends, lockdown rules meant they had plenty of time to bond and create very strong attachments with her first. “It was hard not being able to do some of the usual ‘new parent’ things, but we made the most of it by spending quality time with our girl as a family.” The couple both felt well supported by PACT throughout the process. “PACT has been on hand at every stage to help with any query we had. Our social worker responded quickly to all of our emails, and even when things were tricky they were proactively checking in with us. Even now that the Adoption Order has been granted we are still able to contact them for help and support, which is tremendously reassuring for the future.” **Q: What have been the biggest challenges of your adoption journey so far?** “Getting the medical with our GP was a challenge; it was difficult to get them to help and we discovered that GP practices can charge as much as they want to for a private medical! “Meeting Cassie’s birth mother and half-sisters felt very daunting at the time. We’re glad we did, because we believe these encounters actually turned out to be a very positive experience for all of us, and we’ll be able to talk to our girl about her birth family in the future. “The only other challenge was leaving our girl each evening during the week of introductions; we would take her back to her foster family and then wonder what to do with the rest of our day when all we wanted more than anything was to stay with her. It was only a temporary absence, but at the time we missed her sorely!” **Q: What have been the highlights?** “The highlights are too numerous to list – they still happen daily! We still get to experience so many firsts with her, and each one feels incredibly special. The day she first learned to say ‘Mama’ and ‘Dada’ was absolutely dreamy, as was the day when she took her first steps. Other stand-out moments for us include days when we finally introduced her to her grandparents and aunts and uncles, all of whom adore her. “Our most recent highlight was when a judge granted Cassie’s Adoption Order in July this year; it was an incredibly happy day for us all. Now that Covid restrictions are easing we’ve planned a celebration to mark the occasion and to give Cassie a celebration of her joining our family to look back on in the future.” **Q: What would you say to anyone considering adoption?** “Adoption can feel like a long journey but it’s entirely worth it. For us, from getting started to bringing our daughter home took only 11 months, and that was during a global pandemic! PACT’s determination to adapt and continue their work definitely helped in this regard. “Be proactive – do your research, get plenty of experience with young people and children, reach out to people who have adopted for insights. And finally, enjoy it as much as you can! Savour the landmark moments when they come to you, there will be plenty along the way!” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more families like Lily, Alex and Cassie’s With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Fertility --- ### [Same sex couple Jonny and Michael adopted brothers Harry and Leyton](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jonny-michael-harry-and-leyton/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Jonny* and his partner Michael* approached PACT following the advice of New Family Social, the UK network for LGBT+ adoptive and foster families... **Content:** Jonny\* and his partner Michael\* approached PACT in the summer of 2016 following the advice of New Family Social, the UK network for LGBT+ adoptive and foster families. The couple had previously started the adoption process with another agency but this hadn’t worked out. Jonny said PACT staff were clear with them that there would be challenges ahead but were also really positive about what the couple had to offer. “We just felt really heard and understood from the start. We have always felt that PACT has been very invested in us and throughout the process we knew they were there on hand to support us if we needed it.” The interracial couple were approved to adopt in April 2017 and started the family-finding process. Originally they had planned to adopt one child, but then they read about two brothers Harry,\* who was 20 months old, and Leyton,\* who was ten months old. “Michael was really keen and just had an instinct about them from the get go. I was more reluctant, I’d always thought we’d have just one child, and suddenly we were considering two children, with just a year apart in age, I just wasn’t sure we could do it.” “We decided to see if were a match and it turned out we were. I then remember really clearly reading the first few sentences of their Child’s Permanence Report and having this intense connection with these kids and calling Michael and saying these are our boys.” Jonny said meeting the boys for the first time was a wonderful experience, but also very surreal. “It was so lovely but also just really strange to see these two tiny humans who are going to become your children but are essentially strangers. Obviously they had no concept of what was happening but we were so keen to engage with them and want them to warm to us.” Later that same day Jonny and Michael met the boys’ birth mum, which they found a very difficult experience. “It was really hard. Her perception was that we were taking her kids away from her. At the same time it was helpful to get a sense of who she was and what her wishes were for her children.” The boys moved in with Jonny and Michael in September 2017, and settled in really well. Jonny said life as parents to two young boys had taken a bit of adjusting to initially. “The hardest challenge for us was from having no children to having two children 24-7. People can try and prepare you for it, but the reality is something else and with them both being so small a lot of it was repetitive and just all about the naps, the nappies and the feeding.” Jonny said both him and Michael love family life, and being parents. “We’re obviously still learning all the time but I think parenting did come very naturally to us, and that’s nice because it feels like we were meant to be parents.” “And the transformation in our boys is just phenomenal. They have just thrived from feeling loved and secure in our lives and our home. It’s changed our lives completely too – it’s really given us a new sense of meaning and purpose. We both just want to be the best parents we can possibly be.” Jonny, who shares his experiences of adoption at PACTs information events for prospective adopters, said his best advice to anyone considering adoption was to have belief that they had something to offer as a parent. “The other thing I’d say is to take a leap of faith. I understand that people are tentative and nervous about starting the process of adoption, and it’s actually not a bad thing to feel that, but you’ll never know for sure if it’s right for you unless you take that leap of faith and go for it.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Harry and Leyton With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, LGBT+, Siblings --- ### [Jill and Sean adopted William who has additional needs](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/jill-and-sean-adopted-william-who-has-additional-needs/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Jill* and her husband Sean* adopted William*, who has a chromosome disorder and severe development delay, because of Jill's experience as a special needs teacher... **Content:** Jill\* and her husband Sean\* adopted William\* through PACT when he was 16 months old in 2015. The couple had two older birth children following IVF treatment but really wanted another child. They had always been open to the idea of adopting, having previously considered it. They decided to adopt, and given Jill’s experience as a special educational needs teacher of many years, they were keen to adopt a child with additional needs. Jill said: “It just seemed like the obvious, right thing for us to do.” The couple chose to adopt through PACT because of the post-placement support the agency offered, as they knew they would likely need this if they did adopt a child with special educational needs. They attended an adoption information event and really liked PACTs approach. “We just loved how positive PACT were. They were realistic as well and said it would be tough but they also talked about the wonderful things about adoption too.” Once the couple were approved to adopt, they were inundated with profiles, given the demand for adopters of children with special educational needs. Soon after, they saw William’s profile and went on to be successfully matched with him. William has a chromosome disorder and severe development delay. He also needs a tube for feeding and has some physical difficulties. Jill said the day they first met him she had never been more nervous. “I work with children and know I can strike up a rapport with kids really well but it has never mattered as much before. But he liked us, and his foster carer was brilliant, she made it as easy as possible for him and us. “He was so cute, just adorable. I’ve got a big smile on my face now just remembering it.” William settled really well with the family, and has made fantastic progress since being placed with them. “At 16 months he wasn’t even sitting up, we were told he might not walk or talk. He’s come on massively and is now walking and talking, and goes to a mainstream school with one-to-one support. “It has been a huge team effort, with lots of support from physiotherapists and speech therapists, but we know that if he had stayed in care he wouldnt be where he is now.” Jill said William has a very special relationship with both his older siblings. “They are just amazing with him, we are so proud of them. Right from day one they were so good at communicating with him on his level, they weren’t fazed at all.” Jill said her professional experience had helped, certainly initially when reading William’s profile and understanding what the realities of his condition might mean in practical terms.” But she added: “Being a parent to a child with additional needs is completely different to teaching a child with additional needs. Some of it has been really daunting. “But he is an absolute joy, he really is. He gives us so much, and the rewards are wonderful. “Yes, it can be hard work and you have to be realistic about that, but he just has an incredible ability to live life in the moment. If he’s having a good day that’s all that matters. And that is an amazing gift – for us all to be able to have that perspective on life.” \**Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like William With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Additional needs, Keyworkers --- ### [Gemma and Phil adopted five year-old Emily and her baby brother](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/gemma-and-phil-adopted-five-year-old-emily/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** After adopting five-year-old Emily*, Gemma* and her husband Phil* were approached by PACT a year later to see if they could adopt Emily's new baby brother... **Content:** Gemma\* and her husband Phil\* adopted five year-old Emily\* through PACT in 2016. When Emily’s birth mum had another baby the couple were approached to see if they could adopt him too, and in 2017 Sam\* was placed with the family when he was nine months old. Gemma said she and Phil initially decided to adopt as they both wanted children, but hadn’t met until she was in her late 30s. “I was aware of the clock ticking. We did look at fertility treatment and tried that but it just felt too late. For us adoption seemed like a really good option.” The couple contacted their local authority, and attended an information event and a couple of follow-up meetings, but then Gemma saw an advert for PACT on a bus. They attended a PACT information event and really liked the approach. “We just got the impression that they really cared about the children and the families they worked with, and were clearly passionate about what they did – we were really impressed.” After being approved to adopt, the couple started the family-finding process, looking at profiles of children waiting to be adopted, including one of Emily. Gemma said: “As soon as I saw her picture I just knew! I had been so determined with myself not to do that, but I couldn’t help it, she just had such a smiley face.” The first time they saw Emily was at a blind viewing where she didn’t know who they were. “It was a bit strange because it was such a big thing for us but she obviously had no idea who we were and all we wanted to do was scoop her up and take her home with us. It was just so lovely to see her in person, we were both quite emotional.” After the couple were officially matched with her, Emily moved into their home, settling with them really well. “From the minute we picked her up she was fine and very happy to be coming home with us. Her foster carer had done a really good job preparing her for it, and the two weeks we’d spent getting to know her had gone really well. She was referring to me as mummy within two or three days.” Emily has since needed some additional help with emotional issues as a result of her early childhood. Gemma said: “The biggest challenge has been getting her to trust us and know that we will keep her safe. There was some difficult behaviour in the first few months, she could be quite controlling and she did have some issues with men as there had never been a male in her life before.” Gemma said the family had been well supported by PACT, particularly via their social worker and the Strengthening Families Team, which carried out some Theraplay sessions with Emily. Gemma also said the training they had received from PACT had been “invaluable” during the first few months. “I don’t think we could have done it without the training we’d had and the support we got. For us, we found the best approach was about being transparent and trying to empathise.” When asked if they could consider adopting Emily’s brother, Gemma said they sat down with her and talked it through together as a family. “We’ve always been very transparent and clear about her birth mum, and if we’d had a really negative reaction from her we wouldn’t have gone ahead but she was happy with the idea of it, and we involved her throughout the whole process. She even came with us to the introductions.” When Sam first joined the family Emily was a little unsettled but they worked through this. Gemma said the two of them get on really well, and that Emily was a super big sister. Gemma advised anyone thinking of adoption to make sure they have first thoroughly considered any other options, and are emotionally committed to it. “For me, I think it’s just so important to be honest throughout the process, and be realistic that it’s not always going to be easy but it is completely worth it.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more families like this With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Older children, Siblings --- ### [Finn attends PACT's Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/finn-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) **Published:** October 6, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Finn* was adopted when he was three years old along with his older brother. He is now 16 and attends PACT's Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people... **Content:** Finn\* was adopted when he was three years old along with his older brother. Finn is now 16 and his brother is 20, and they live with their parents and their black labrador. They also have a younger brother who was adopted separately and lives elsewhere. Finn’s mum Nicki\* first heard about PACT’s Adoptee Voices group a few years ago through an email from PACT and suggested it to Finn. Finn began attending the sessions during the pandemic, when they were held online. When the in-person sessions resumed, the first activity Finn attended was rock climbing. Nicki said that being able to get together in person really improved their experience of the group. “When they all met face to face I think that made it, because they could see each other in person and it was a chance for us to see the organisers as well. So I think as soon as they all met up, I think that was when it all really clicked.” Before Finn joined the group, he didn’t know many people his age who were adopted. Nicki thought the group would be a good way for Finn to meet up with other adopted young people in a safe space. She said: “I think then they can talk about their different experiences and what they’re going through. I think it’s a really good thing to be able to talk to other children who are going through the same thing.” Since joining the group, Finn has attended several activity sessions including a climbing wall, dragon boating, kayaking and a pizza night. He said the meetups are fun and his favourite activities so far have been the two rock climbing sessions and the kayaking activity where they all jumped off the pontoon at the end. He said: “We finished and just started dive bombing ourselves into the water just for the fun of it!” Finn has made friends with another young person through the Adoptee Voices sessions and keeps in touch with them outside of the group, messaging regularly and playing games online. Nicki said: “I think, with all adopted children, they struggle with friendship groups and it’s really nice for them both to be able to talk online.” As a parent, Nicki says she has enjoyed going along to meet and chat to other parents while their children go off to do the activity. She only knows one other couple who have adopted so it’s a good way to meet other adoptive parents in a relaxed setting. “It’s always nice to chat to other people… I do enjoy talking to other parents and just seeing what they’re doing.” Finn says overall he enjoys the sessions and would recommend them to other young people. “The meetups are quite fun… It’s quite entertaining just to go out and do these activities. Some of the issues that are talked about are good.” He plans to continue with the sessions for as long as he is able to. Nicki says she would definitely recommend the group to other PACT parents. “They put on really good activities and they’re free as well! And they always pitch the activities just right so it’s things that the young people are interested in doing. They make sure they get a lot of feedback after each one, and they use their sessions online to talk about what they might do next so they involve all the young people in what activities they want to do next. I think that’s a really good thing. And it’s definitely a good way to meet other adopted children and young people and you can forge friendships through that which is what Finn has done, so I’m really happy about that.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## About Adoptee Voices PACT’s Adoptee Voices group was created to support adopted teenagers and young people. It provides a fun, safe space for young people to meet others who were adopted, spend time together and share their opinions, feelings and experiences. Sessions take place every two months through a mixture of online and in-person events. They are led by a PACT social worker and the young people are regularly consulted on how they would like the group to operate and which activities they want to do. Parents can also attend the in-person sessions and spend time together while their children take part in the activity. All sessions are provided to PACT families free of charge. [Find out more here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/ "Adoptee Voices") ## Help more young people like Finn With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to support adopted young people like Finn. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Adoption support --- ### [David and Hannah adopted three children under four years old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/david-and-hannah-adopted-three-children-under-four-years-old/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Curate David* and his wife Hannah* adopted three children under four years old through PACT... **Content:** David\* and his wife Hannah\* adopted three children under four years old through PACT in 2018. Curate David had always been keen to adopt. “It’s been something I have dreamed of doing since I was about 13. My grandma lived on a farm in Uganda and she would open her place up to orphans and people who were hard up, and my mum used to look after street kids. “That life of generosity towards others was engrained in me from a very early age, and the make-up of what a family was going to look like for me was always going to include people who were not of the same blood.” Hannah was just as keen to adopt, and they did lots of research into adoption, including other agencies that offered this, before choosing to proceed with PACT. David said: “We just felt the whole approach from PACT was good. The sense I got from the people involved was good and the sense of PACT’s commitment to their adopters was good.” David and Hannah found the adoption process rigorous but straightforward. “We weren’t asked anything we haven’t been asked before. We’re both quite open people so it wasn’t difficult to answer some of the questions. I think also because we wanted to be the best parents possible we wanted the process to be detailed enough to know that other people also thought we could make good parents.” Once approved to adopt, they started the process of family finding, which they found more challenging. As David is black and Hannah white, the couple were inundated with profiles of children waiting to be adopted. “We did find that very hard, to work out who we were meant to be a parent to, and also just seeing how many kids there were with black or dual heritage background waiting for a home.” The couple, who were keen to adopt a sibling group, found themselves drawn to a sister and brother pair, who were of dual heritage. David said their choice was not based on the children’s ethnicity, but more to do with something his wife saw in the smile of the boy. “We didn’t set out to look for children with dual heritage. For me it’s more about giving a child a home, and who is best able to do that and give them the love and affection, they need. I think that’s what matters most.” The couple then found out there was a third sibling due to be born later that year, and they were asked if they could also consider adopting this child. David said: “It wasn’t even something we had to consider. We just looked at each other and knew what was going to happen. We wanted these kids to grow up together.” After some frustrating delays and quite a lengthy period of introductions, the children moved in with them. “When they moved in there was such a clear sense of relief, especially from my son. He just kind of relaxed and hasn’t looked back since, he became a different kid almost overnight.” His eldest daughter has needed some additional help but David said PACT had been supportive both pre and post-placement, and that they had both found the training offered by PACT particularly helpful. He said the children were all doing really well now and he couldn’t remember what life was like before! “It’s not without its challenges – we are a work in progress, but things are good. “It is harder because there are three, which means the one-to-one time we get with each child is less than if we’d adopted one or two, but the good thing about the three of them together is watching them help each other. Whereas my eldest girl might be a bit apprehensive about something, my boy will jump into the situation which then gives her the confidence to join in too.” David said his faith had been really vital throughout the process as had the “phenomenal” support the family had received from his congregation. “We weren’t the first family to adopt within this church but by me doing it as one of the clergy, it has led to a bigger conversation surfacing in a way that hasn’t happened before. The community has just soaked in the story of adoption and how to handle adoptive children in terms of how to approach and respond to children who have been through trauma. “They have demonstrated such love, care and support to us, and I am so incredibly grateful to them for this.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more families like this With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, Families of faith, Siblings --- ### [Colin and Margaret became grandparents again through adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/colin-and-margaret-became-grandparents-again-through-adoption/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Colin* and Margaret* became grandparents to two boys when they were adopted by the couple’s daughter and her partner... **Content:** Colin\* and Margaret\* became grandparents to seven-year-old Oscar\* and two-year-old Jack\* in the summer of 2017 when the boys were placed with the couple’s daughter Susan\* and her partner Faye\*. The couple, who have four other grandchildren, said they were absolutely delighted when Susan and Faye started the adoption process with PACT. They said meeting Oscar and Jack for the first time was a very special moment. “We had feelings of excitement as well as concerns however the first meeting with them went really well – in fact they referred to us as Nanna and Grandad straight away.” Colin and Margaret said they love being grandparents. “We love treating all our grandchildren and seeing them all regularly. It’s great to be involved in helping them to develop and learn things.” Colin and Margaret said the whole family had been very well supported by PACT through the adoption process, and that they would definitely recommend the agency to other families considering adoption. “PACT has been very supportive, and that support is ongoing.” They have both attended PACT’s Family and Friends course, which they said had been incredibly helpful, and had given them a really valuable insight into the specific needs of adopted children and how to develop an attachment with them. They said: “It opened our eyes to a whole host of things and we quickly realised that adopted children have to be treated as very special.” “It is a real learning curve – and hopefully we are going in the right direction. “We love our two new grandchildren and they seem to love us as well.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more families like this With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Grandparents --- ### [Chloe and Dan adopted baby Megan through PACT's early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/chloe-and-dan-adopted-baby-megan-through-pacts-foster-for-adoption-scheme/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Chloe* and Dan* adopted Megan* through PACT following a Foster for Adoption placement. Megan was five weeks old when she was placed with them... **Content:** Chloe\* and Dan\* adopted Megan\* through PACT following an early permanence placement (sometimes referred to as fostering for adoption). Megan was five weeks old when she was placed with the couple in 2018. Chloe, a special needs teacher, said they chose to adopt because of a hereditary condition affecting Dan’s family which his father had died of and which they did not wish to pass on to future generations. “We are also both passionate about how many children there are in this world who need parents. For us, adoption, was just the right thing to do.” After some online research the couple arranged to attend three adoption information events, and chose to proceed with PACT as they liked the agency’s personal approach. “They were so encouraging and friendly, and happy to answer all our questions. They really took the time with us.” From the start Chloe and Dan were open to the idea of early permanence, although as the process went on, they become more aware of the risks involved and were less inclined towards this route. They were then sent a profile of an unborn little girl. “It was only a quarter of a page long, there wasn’t much to go on at all. Our social worker Carly sat down with us for an hour and a half and we talked through whether this was a route we wanted to go down given the risks involved. “We then heard that she had been born, and had a name. The more we spoke about it with Carly, and the more we heard about this little girl, I just knew. “We did think about it long and hard, and went into it with our eyes wide open, but there were just these little things, like her birth date was meaningful for us and the timing of her being born just a few days after we were approved, it did really feel like it was meant to be.” The couple met Megan when she was five weeks old and six days later she came home with them. Chloe said: “Everyone says don’t fall in love with the child you are fostering – there is always the chance they will not stay with you. But I couldn’t help it. The moment we set eyes on her we were in love with her.” She said one of the hardest parts of the placement was parental contact meetings as well as the fear that Megan could be returned to her parents. They also had to endure a very stressful last-minute delay to the placement order being approved by the courts. “It was always there, right until the placement order finally went through, that feeling that someone was going to take away the baby that you love.” But Chloe says despite all they went through it was completely worthwhile and she would not hesitate to choose early permanence again, even over straightforward adoption. “It is an emotional rollercoaster but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I think one of the main advantages about Foster for Adoption is that, as hard as it is and despite all the emotional stress at the end of it all, my little girl knows no different. She came to us at five weeks old and all she will ever know is me and my husband – she has just thrived being with us.” Chloe said Megan, who is now eight months old, was doing incredibly well. “She’s a little firecracker! She’s very vocal and just started to stand up. She’s into everything – just as bright as a button.” “I am 100 per cent convinced she was made for us and we were made for her. I just couldn’t imagine my life without her. She is my entire world.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Megan With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Early permanence, Keyworkers --- ### [Aidan and Julien adopted their son through PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/aidan-and-julien-adopted-their-son-through-pact/) **Published:** March 31, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Aidan* and Julien* adopted their son Casey* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French... **Content:** Aidan\* and Julien\* adopted their son Casey\* through PACT. They are a couple of mixed heritage; Aidan is Black British of Caribbean heritage and Julien is White French. The couple spoke about adopting as a path to parenthood early in their relationship. “We both agreed that adoption was the path that made the most sense for us, not just logistically as gay men, but because we both felt passionate about giving a child a loving, stable home.” The first time Aidan and Julien approached an adoption agency, they went through a local authority. Unfortunately, their first meeting was “a bit disheartening.” At the time, the couple didn’t have a spare room for a child, which is essential to continue with the adoption process. They put the idea of adopting on hold for a few years. At last, Aidan and Julien moved into a flat with an empty room so decided to give it another go – this time with a voluntary adoption agency. “Taking that first step again was a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness and hope all over again. We were ready to commit fully to the journey ahead.” Aidan and Julien found the adoption process a positive experience and a “great learning experience for both of us”. > We understood why the process is as thorough as it is. It isn’t about delays or red tape – it’s about making sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. For us, it was a meaningful and necessary step toward becoming parents.” “PACT did a fantastic job preparing us for what to expect at every stage. They were very clear and supportive, which really helped to take a lot of the mystery out of the process.” There was, of course, some stress along the way. “There were moments of stress, particularly around the panels. Thankfully, our social worker was incredibly reassuring throughout. She reminded us that we wouldn’t even be going to the panel unless she and the rest of the team were confident that we were ready. It wasn’t always easy, but we felt supported the entire way through, which made a huge difference.” Early in the process, Aidan and Julien knew they wanted to adopt a child of African Caribbean heritage. “There’s an overrepresentation of children of Black and mixed heritage waiting to be adopted, so when a potential adopter shares part of a child’s cultural identity, it’s seen as a strength rather than a barrier.” > Being able to understand the world these children will grow up in, whether it’s through shared experiences of racial challenges or simply celebrating a common cultural heritage, is such an important thing. It provides a foundation for children to feel seen, understood, and celebrated for who they are.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* After being matched with their son Casey, the couple met him for the first time. “There was an immediate, unquestionable connection, solidified when he peacefully fell asleep in our arms.” When Casey moved in, Julien and Aiden said: “It was a period of adjustment for everyone, a significant life change, but his amazing nature and the strong foundation laid by his foster carer allowed deep attachments to form rapidly.” Having a shared cultural heritage with his son, Aidan says, is amazing. “As a Black British man with Caribbean roots, I love sharing with him the stories of my grandparents and other members of the Windrush generation.” Aidan and Julien celebrate Casey’s cultural heritage in their daily lives. “The food we cook, the cultural moments we celebrate, the museums and exhibitions we visit, and even the books we choose to read are all ways we embrace and honour the heritage of our family. It’s not just about acknowledging our son’s background but making it a cherished and visible part of our lives together.” > The beauty of it all is that our child is growing up in a multicultural society, and that’s something we fully embrace and celebrate in our home. It’s about weaving all the threads of our identities together to create a rich and supportive environment where he feels rooted, confident and proud of who he is.” To anyone who is LGBTQ+ and considering adoption, Aidan said: “Our experience adopting as two dads has been very positive, and PACT made it clear from the start that being gay wouldn’t be a barrier. Our lived experiences like resilience, overcoming rejection, or navigating a world that doesn’t always understand us, have helped us develop empathy, adaptability and a deep commitment to creating a loving and accepting home.” “We also help our son understand the diversity of families by sharing stories through books and connecting with other adoptive families.” There have been so many memorable moments of their adoption journey so far. > The small everyday moments are just as special – watching him develop his own personality, his likes and dislikes, and his wonderful sense of humour. It’s incredible to see glimpses of ourselves in him while he grows into his own unique person.” ## Help more children like Casey With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, LGBT+ --- ### [Mia and Sai adopted their son Ebi](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mia-and-sai-adopted-their-son-ebi/) **Published:** November 12, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Five-year-old Ebi* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia* and Sai*... **Content:** Five-year-old Ebi\* was adopted through PACT when he was 18-months-old by his parents, Mia\* and Sai\*. Mia and Sai had always wanted a family and after looking into many agencies, they chose PACT. “PACT was by far the most helpful, considerate and kind. The adopters who talked at the information event were really honest and positive about their experience and the social workers talked through our questions.” The adoption process was intense for Mia and Sai but also unexpectedly therapeutic. “It opened up conversations between us as a couple and individual reflections on our childhoods which was helpful when going into being parents ourselves.” Mia is White British and Sai is of British Bangladeshi heritage. The couple were open to a child of either heritage but ideally, they wanted to adopt a mixed-heritage child. When they saw Ebi’s profile, they felt it would be a good match. “He looked adorable with a really cheeky smile. “ Mia noted that being a mixed heritage couple meant there were lots of children’s profiles to look at. “It was also very sad as you realise there are many more children than there are adopters.” Meeting Ebi for the first time was exciting and nerve-wracking for the couple. “It was hard to hold back and let him come to us. I really wanted to go and give him a massive cuddle and start playing with him but we needed to make sure he felt safe and remember that we were visitors to his space. “Ebi took to Sai very quickly and started playing with him straight away which was unexpected. Sai was in tears. Ebi didn’t want us to leave and we didn’t want to either!” The day that Ebi moved in, Mia and Sai were very nervous. Mia describes how she couldn’t stop crying. “It was incredibly emotional and overwhelming. I felt like we were stealing someone else’s baby. The foster carers were amazing with helping me with my feelings.” At first, Ebi was very excited but soon became distressed when he realised that his foster carers were not returning to get him. “The first few weeks were incredibly hard and emotionally draining. Ebi was angry, scared and upset. He kept crying, throwing things and didn’t smile for what felt like a long time.” Mia and Sai had the added difficulty that it was during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The couple couldn’t introduce Ebi to their families and there were no baby groups to attend. Instead they attended many online sessions with PACT and Adoption UK to connect with other parents and went to their local park. “Daily trips to the park gave Ebi and us a good routine. We made friends with another parent with a child of the same age. This was a real life-saver and we ended up timing our potty training at the same time and helping each other through development phases. “I also spent a lot of time with another adopter who we’d met through one of the online courses at PACT and the boys got on really well.” The couple also accessed support from PACT’s education support team. “We got in touch a year before choosing primary school so we could make sure we made the right decision. The team was really helpful and gave us some excellent advice and resources to support us.” Mia says that looking back, she wished they had asked for help sooner. > I think that now we would reach out much sooner. Sometimes it’s just a conversation and reassurance that we’re doing ok that we needed.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* Having different parenting styles is one of the biggest challenges that Mia and Sai have faced. “We didn’t realise until crunch points how different our natural parenting styles are. We have learned not to negotiate in the moment and instead to wait for a time outside to agree on an approach together.” The couple have also struggled to deal with questions from friends, family and parents. “When Ebi came home, we had a neighbour run across the street to say she hadn’t thought she’d seen me pregnant – even though we’d told her we were adopting. Later on, we got asked which side of the family his curly hair comes from. It’s these types of questions that add up and grate still.” Despite these challenges, Mia and Sai say that being Ebi’s mum and dad is amazing and there have been so many highlights. “He is such a wonderful, joyful little boy and has so much curiosity and interest in the world. “Reading bedtime stories, having rough and tumble play, cooking together, watching family movies, going on holidays and jumping in the swimming pool. Just the normal stuff I suppose, we feel so lucky he is in our family.” Ebi is now in Year 1 at school and has made a great group of friends. “He’s loving learning about castles and is really into music and dancing. Ebi did his first theatre holiday camp where they learned the musical *Matilda*. He loves running around the house singing the *Revolting Children* song!” Mia and Sai have raised Ebi in a family of two faiths. “I come from a mixed faith family – Catholic and Church of England and Sai was brought up Muslim. We celebrate the main festivals of both faiths and teach him to pray in both traditions, explaining that many people have different faiths and beliefs.” > Ebi often sees the wider Muslim side of the family and they have bought him a mini prayer mat which he loves to role-play pray with. We’ve also taken him to church and have told him the nativity story. He’s curious, interested and loves to incorporate faith into his play.” The couple dream of a big family and are now going through the process of adopting a second time. “It’s interesting to reflect on how our support circle has changed since our first time round. It’s been great meeting more potential adopters in our local area through PACT’s training. The training has also changed a lot and has more focus on birth family which we really like.” To anyone considering adoption, Mia said: “Do it! There are so many children waiting for families who are just right for them and there will be a child you are just right for.” > Go into it with your eyes wide open. Make the most of any opportunity for social workers to talk to family and friends. Speak to other adopters, go to adoption open evenings, follow people on social media (for example @notafictionalmum), read books and join support groups.” > > “Before your little one comes home, it’s so important that you take time to rest, go to the cinema, go on holiday, go out for the evening and enjoy your alone time.” ## Help more children like Ebi With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, Families of faith --- ### [Zena and Jamie adopted Rico when he was two-and-a-half](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/zena-and-jamie-adopted-rico-when-he-was-two-and-a-half/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Zena* is of mixed white New Zealand and Maori heritage and Jamie* is white British. They adopted Rico*, who is also mixed heritage, at age two and a half... **Content:** Zena\* and Jamie\* adopted Rico\* when he was two-and-a-half in 2006 through Childlink, an adoption agency acquired by PACT in 2010. Rico is now 14. The couple chose to adopt because of medical issues that meant Zena was unable to have children naturally. Zena, who was raised by her step-father but always called him dad, said adoption was an easy decision for them. “I knew what it was like to be loved by someone who isn’t my biological parent and not feel any different about that. My husband also has adoption in his family so it was always something that had been on our radar.” Zena said they found the adoption process reflective, intrusive, insightful and demanding. “What makes the process sustainable is the care and support you get from your social worker who help you navigate the process and is there for you throughout. “I don’t think people talk enough about the role of the social worker in this process and how having a great one can make such a difference. “Obviously the child is paramount but it’s important you don’t get lost in the journey and our social worker was caring, professional and supportive throughout. She really was our best cheerleader – helping to raise us up when things were tough but also the first to celebrate with us when things were great.” Zena is of mixed white New Zealand and Maori heritage and Jamie is white British. Because of this they received many profiles of dual heritage children, including Rico who is of mixed white and black Caribbean heritage. They first met him on a blind visit, watching him through the window at his nursery before meeting him properly in person at his foster carers’ home. “I remember he ran up saying ‘hi mummy, hi daddy, come and look at my toys’, it was such a lovely moment.” Zena took a year off work and Rico settled really well, bonding with them both. The only problem they had was with his sleep which they resolved after getting some help. However, a few years later, following a difficult time for the family when Jamie was very poorly, Rico developed some behavioural problems. Zena said: “There were also some issues going on at school – he basically had a lot to deal with and this came at a time when there was a lot going on at home too. “To be honest we were slow to ask for help – I think because we’d had six years where everything had gone so well. Suddenly his behaviour got really bad – he got into trouble with the police and became violent towards us and in the home.” The family received support from PACT’s Strengthening Families Team and also some specialist behavioural therapy. “As an adoptive parent you feel like you need to be perfect and you can’t fail. I think partly that’s because you are constantly being judged – initially to see if you are suitable to be a parent and then to see if you are suitable to parent the child you want. “I think that feeling stays with you and can make it difficult to reach out for help as that feels like you are admitting you’ve failed. “I would say if you need help, don’t delay in asking for it.” Zena praised the support PACT offers, including the resources available online via the Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH). She advised anyone considering adoption to look very carefully at what post-placement support is available when choosing who you decide to adopt with. “You might not know it at the time but post-adoption support is key – choose an agency or charity that offers good post-adoption support. You might well not need it but you’ll be glad if you do. PACT offers a life-long commitment to its families and I just find that so reassuring that they will be there as long as we need them. “We’ve probably faced greater challenges than most but then we’ve been lucky in that we’ve got access to resources and help. Right from the start all the training sessions we had really helps you build up your resilience and so much of it is still relevant to us today, 14 years later!” She said Rico is an incredibly loving boy, who is fun and talented, and was learning from the mistakes he had made. “We have got a kid who loves us and we love him. “And we all chose each other, which is so important. We tell him all the time – we chose to raise a family together and we chose you as our child – you were the child for us, we chose you.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Rico With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Adoption support, Black & mixed ethnicity --- ### [George and Andrew adopted siblings Cait and Oliver](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/george-andrew-cait-and-oliver/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** George* and Andrew* adopted siblings Cait* and Oliver*, aged eight and six, after first seeing PACT at Brighton Pride... **Content:** George\* and Andrew\* adopted siblings Cait\* and Oliver\*, aged eight and six, through PACT in 2016. The couple said they chose to adopt through PACT because of the support and training it offered before, during and post adoption and because of the agency’s experience of placing children with LGBTQ+ adopters. “It was during Brighton Pride that we saw the PACT stall in the park, we looked at each other and thought it would be a good opportunity for us to find out more. We were greeted by two friendly social workers and also a father and his son. We were made to feel welcome and that absolutely it was possible for us to have our own children.” “We then attended the Fertility Show and gained further information there and very quick ruled out surrogacy and favoured the adoption route. We continued our initial conversation with the social workers on the PACT stand and booked in for an information evening.” “We couldn’t imagine our lives without children now and it all started with an initial enquiry with PACT. This has been an amazing journey for us and if it is something that you are considering, when the time is right for you, PACT will be there to hold your hand throughout every stage.” They said the staff at PACT made them feel welcome from their initial inquiry, and that they had been well supported throughout the adoption process. “We had an absolutely amazing social worker who led us through the whole preparation process. We had weekly sessions that we took at our own pace to prepare to become adopters. The training and social events provided through PACT enabled us to meet with other potential adopters going through the same process, and also experienced adopters, which we found incredibly valuable and supportive. We also learnt a lot about each other, how we were brought up, our strengths and challenges – all of which has made us stronger parents.” They said meeting their children for the first time was “magical”. “We had been waiting for this moment for a long time and when we actually met our children for the first time we seemed to instantly gel. Due to the preparation work prior to the meeting, our children knew a lot about us and they asked us lots of questions to get to know more.” George and Andrew said Cait and Oliver settled with them really well as they all adjusted to their new life together. “We had to work together as a couple to set the boundaries and provide predictability and security for the children in our home as quickly as possible. We had to ensure that we worked together so that the children knew they would get the same answer from both of us. We all made mistakes and it was a steep learning curve but a process that we had to go through as all parents do.” They said life as a family of four was fantastic. “After 18 months, as we look back on past photographs and videos it is amazing to see the progress that they have made in all aspects of their lives and how we as a couple have strengthened our relationship together. We no longer have quiet lives, lie-ins or nights out clubbing, but this has been replaced with our beautiful family and all the experiences that go with that, such as attending their nativities, Christmas celebrations, family holidays, putting teeth out for the tooth fairy, hosting birthday parties and many more.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Cait and Oliver With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Fertility, LGBT+, Older children, Siblings --- ### [Emma adopted Josh through PACT’s early permanence scheme](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/emma-josh/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Emma* adopted Josh* through PACT in 2018 when he was nine-and-a-half months old following a Foster for Adoption placement... **Content:** Emma\* adopted Josh\* through PACT in 2018 when he was nine-and-a-half months old following an early permanence placement (sometimes referred to as fostering for adoption). Emma first started to consider adoption following the break-up of a relationship in her early 30s because her boyfriend didn’t want children. “Having children was one of the things I wanted to do most. It was on my mind for a long time, before it became clear that this was the path I needed to take and the path that I believed was the right one for me. I then started to tell friends, family and my church and everyone was so supportive of my plans. That really strengthened my resolve.” Emma, who is a primary school teacher, did lots of research into adoption and went for an interview with four different agencies, including PACT. She decided to proceed with PACT after getting a call from one of the adoption team saying how keen the agency was to work with her. “I loved the fact they really wanted to work with me. There was this amazing personal touch right from the start.” Her plans unfortunately had to be put on hold for a year after a medical exam showed she had a heart murmur that needed surgery. Emma said: “At the time this was very frustrating but I also realised how incredibly lucky I had been that it was picked up.” Once better she resumed her adoption journey and in January 2018 was approved to adopt. Emma was immediately inundated with profiles and said she found this part of the process quite challenging, seeing all the children who needed parents and having to make decisions about them. “Lots of people say they saw a profile and just knew it was their child, and I didn’t feel that, and I remember Hannah, who was family finding for me, saying not to worry about this and that it doesn’t always happen, I should just keep going with the process.” Emma said she really valued the support of Hannah and her social worker, Cornelia, and the way they championed her throughout. “They were such good advocates for me. I just felt that they were on my side and wanting it to work, which I appreciated so much, particularly I think because I was doing it on my own.” Emma was very keen on early permanence and the idea of being able to provide care for a young child. “I was long-term fostered from the age of 18 months when my birth mum died and my birth father couldn’t look after me. It was a private arrangement, the kind which wouldn’t happen today, but there was a lot of uncertainty throughout for me and my parents, which was very difficult for us all. “I think possibly because of this I do feel very strongly that permanence for a child is just so crucial to their development. That’s why I was so keen on Foster for Adoption, that because although there was a risk, it was a risk that was picked up and borne by the adults, which really resonated with me.” Hannah spotted the profile for Josh and suggested he would be a great match. Josh was a relinquished baby, and had been put up for adoption as his birth mum felt that she couldn’t give him the emotional and financial stability he deserved. Emma vividly remembers meeting Josh, and has a photo of the moment they first met. “I just have the biggest smile on my face – I remember they put him in my arms and I was thinking ‘I could be this child’s mum’. It was so incredible and exciting and overwhelming all at the same time.” Emma said: “I was always aware of the risk, that his mum could change her mind, and it was difficult managing that feeling because once he was placed I was just in love with him. I remember thinking that even if it did go wrong, and he wasn’t able to stay with me, then I had done the very best for him and I would know I had done all I could to help him along the way. “I also remember trying to be mindful to live in the moment rather than thinking too far ahead.” In September 2018 the adoption order was officially made, and Emma said Josh is doing incredibly well. “He is a very happy, charming baby. He sleeps well and at the moment is in a lovely phase of being interested in everything around him. “He is just delightful and I love being a mum even more than I thought I would. *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Josh With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Early permanence, Families of faith, Keyworkers, Single adopters --- ### [Sonya and Alison adopted Micah at 10 months old](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sonya-and-alison-adopted-micah-at-10-months-old/) **Published:** October 6, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Micah* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya* and Alison*... **Content:** Micah\* is five and a half years old. He was adopted through PACT when he was 10 months old by his two mums, Sonya\* and Alison\*. When they began the adoption process, Sonya said they were keen to find an agency that demonstrated inclusive practices, particularly for LGBTQ+ and interracial families, as well as an agency that had ongoing adoption support. Sonya is of mixed Black Caribbean and White British ethnicity and said she heard about PACT from a friend who is also LGBTQ+ and Black, who had a good experience with PACT. After progressing through the adoption process, Sonya and Alison began the family finding stage and were looking through children’s profiles. When they saw Micah’s profile, they felt it would be a good match. Sonya said: “He has a very similar heritage to me and I felt I could support him to understand his background and his birth family. There was some comfort in knowing that we might be able to connect through similar experiences. His birth family also shared lots of information and in some ways reminded me of my own family. We were never too worried about being parents to a child that looks like us, but weirdly the photos on his profile looked exactly like the photos I have of myself as a baby.” Before they began the adoption process, the couple had already decided they wanted to adopt a boy. Sonya said: “We’d read a lot of reports and articles about boys, particularly Black boys, waiting longer to be adopted which is awful and we had no interest in contributing to that statistic. I’m so glad we decided to adopt a boy, he’s the funniest little ball of love.” Reflecting on why it’s important for children to be matched with families who share a similar culture and ethnicity, Sonya said: “I think he gets a lot of comfort from having physical things in common with me. We talk a lot about our hair, our skin, and how we look different and the same. He struggled for a while to understand that being Black or mixed race isn’t a bad thing – all of the cartoons on TV associate the colour black with ‘bad guys’ and villains, so it can be confusing. Internalised racism starts early because of these things, so being able to say, ‘Look, I’m the same as you and I love being me’ can help counteract that.” Micah understands that he is adopted and loves to read his life story book and ask questions. “He also thinks Prince Eric from the new Little Mermaid film is cool because he’s adopted too!” says Sonya. When asked what have been the highlights of her journey so far, Sonya said: > The first time my son said ‘I love you mummy’. Seeing him learn new things. And listening as he confidently told a friend at school that he’s adopted and he has two mums.” To anyone considering adoption as a path to parenthood, particularly any individuals or couples of Black or Black/White mixed ethnicity, Sonya says: “Go for it! Or at least join a PACT information session. It may seem daunting, but all of the best things are.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Micah With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to support adoptive families like Louise, Ryan and Noah. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, LGBT+ --- ### [Olivia attends PACT's Adoptee Voices group](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/olivia-attends-pacts-adoptee-voices-group/) **Published:** September 26, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Olivia* was adopted through PACT when she was just over a year old. She is now 18 and attends PACT's Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people... **Content:** Olivia\* was adopted through PACT when she was just over a year old. She is now 18 and lives with her mum Jane\*. Jane’s husband passed away 11 years ago. Jane first heard about PACT’s Adoptee Voices group three years ago. Olivia was asking questions about her birth family and Jane felt unsure how to handle some of these complex topics. Olivia said: “For me, I think it was around about 15 or 16, I started asking about my birth family and whether or not I had any siblings or anything like that.” Jane added: “She was just getting older and… she wanted specific information that I didn’t quite feel that I either had or knew how to share sometimes.” Jane reached out to PACT for support and they suggested that Olivia attend their Adoptee Voices group for teenagers and young people. The group provides a safe space for young people to meet others who were adopted and may share similar experiences, and is run by trained PACT staff who are able to explore some of the questions and issues young people can have about their life story and identity. Before she began attending the group, Olivia said that she didn’t know any other adopted people: “It was really when I first joined the group that I started to know more people who were adopted, but before that I didn’t really know anyone else that was adopted. It’s sort of something that I keep to myself when I’m at school and people sometimes do bring it up. Every now and again they ask me about it but I just never know how to answer it directly.” Olivia, who is autistic, first joined the groups when they were run online during the pandemic. She is outgoing and enjoys meeting new people, though doesn’t like change. The first time she went along, she said she felt excited. “I was looking forward to it actually because it means that I can meet other people that are in my position as well and have gone through it before.” She now attends both the online and in-person sessions, where she is able to try new activities and build connections with the other young people who attend. Some of the in-person activities Olivia has attended include going to a climbing wall, dragon boating, kayaking and a pizza party. Her favourite so far has been the climbing wall. “Because I’m quite tall I’m able to reach and get to the top pretty quickly because of my long arms and long legs – I’m like a spider monkey up that wall!” Adoptee Voices provides a space for Olivia and her peers to share experiences, and Olivia said that knowing everyone else in the group was also adopted is important to her. “I find the groups really informative as well. As I said, everyone in the group, they’re always saying about similar experiences that they’ve been through, things where people have said horrible things to them about adoption and things like that. It’s a good way to sort of… talk about it in a positive way compared to those people who do tear us down for it and say things along the lines of, ‘that we weren’t good enough for our birth parents’ and things like that, and they give suggestions on how we can deal with people like that.” Olivia has made friends through the groups and stays in regular contact with another young person who attends. They message frequently and Jane notices that as well as general chat, sometimes they talk about things that they might not be comfortable sharing with other friends, which Jane believes has been beneficial for Olivia. Jane has found that, as a parent, the groups have enabled her to meet new people and get to know other adoptive parents which has been valuable. She has learned about new support services that she hadn’t heard of before, and particularly if things aren’t going well, she said it’s helpful to talk to other parents who are in a similar position. “It makes you feel not alone and that everything we’re doing has happened to everyone else so it’s normal.” She said: “It’s just nice to go somewhere for a couple of hours where you wouldn’t generally go perhaps – we wouldn’t generally go dragon boating! So Olivia gets to do something, I get to have a coffee and a chill and a chat and it works for both of us.” Both Jane and Olivia feel they are well listened to by the group leaders. Each time they meet, the young people are asked for suggestions on what activities to do next, and this shapes the way the group is run. Olivia said: “I definitely feel like when they ask us at the end of the session ‘Are there any activities you want to do when it comes to the in-person sessions and in the future?’, it’s always taken on board.” Olivia says: **“It’s good because then it means that I’m not alone. For me at school, I tend to keep it to myself, I don’t really say anything about it but people do ask me about it and sometimes they ask me questions about it and then when I tell them what it is and stuff like that, they then start making horrible things about it and are not that understanding about it. So it’s good that I’m with people who have gone through something like that, and that they’re able to give me advice on what I can do.”** Olivia would highly recommend Adoptee Voices to other adopted young people: “I definitely recommend it because you’re able to meet new people and you’re able to be able to share your experiences of being adopted and things like that, and you can be able to share your opinions without being judged for it. Because talking about adoption and being adopted is quite an important thing to talk about and sometimes, not just me but other people who were adopted may feel like it’s not getting talked about that much, it’s not getting the recognition it should be getting.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## About Adoptee Voices PACT’s Adoptee Voices group was created to support adopted teenagers and young people. It provides a fun, safe space for young people to meet others who were adopted, spend time together and share their opinions, feelings and experiences. Sessions take place every two months through a mixture of online and in-person events. They are led by a PACT social worker and the young people are regularly consulted on how they would like the group to operate and which activities they want to do. Parents can also attend the in-person sessions and spend time together while their children take part in the activity. All sessions are provided to PACT families free of charge. [Find out more here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/i-am-adopted/adoptee-voices/ "Adoptee Voices") ## Help more young people like Olivia With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to support adopted young people like Olivia. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Adoption support --- ### [Louise and Ryan adopted Noah who has FASD](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/louise-and-ryan-adopted-noah-who-has-fasd/) **Published:** September 12, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Parents Louise* and Ryan* are a family of six. They adopted their youngest child, Noah*, two years ago through PACT... **Content:** Parents Louise\* and Ryan\* are a family of six. They adopted their youngest child, Noah\*, two years ago through PACT. Noah is now four years old and the couple have three older birth children aged 12, 11 and 9. Louise describes her family life as “full and very active!” Noah has foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), caused by his birth mother consuming alcohol while she was pregnant with him. Louise and Ryan said they went into the adoption process with a very open mind about the kind of child they could welcome into their family. They went through the first two stages of the process and were approved to adopt a single child aged 0-4 years old, with no other restrictions. As a result of keeping their criteria so open, a very wide range of profiles were available to them at the linking and matching stage. After going through the many profiles, they narrowed it down and began to reach out to the social workers of some of the children. They were particularly looking for a child who would be a good fit with their family, and Noah stood out to them. “When we saw the photos of our son we just felt immediately that he was full of life. He was sparkly-eyed, looking straight at the camera, reaching out towards the camera and full of smiles and we just thought he looks absolutely beautiful.” Louise and her husband are both medical doctors so they knew about FASD before they adopted. Louise said she had certainly been aware of some of the possible negatives, such as developmental difficulties, lower educational attainment and a higher risk of anti-social behaviour and alcohol misuse later in life. However, she reflected that much of the reading and research she had done on FASD focused on children who grow up in chaotic households where the birth mother had a problem with alcohol, and it wasn’t clear to Louise and Ryan how much this affected the development and outcomes for children with FASD compared to adopted children in more stable environments. They decided to proceed with the matching process for Noah, and looked past his diagnosis to focus on the unique and wonderful child he was: “We just thought regardless of what’s happened to this child in the womb, they still need a home.” After being matched with Noah and meeting him for the first time, the couple knew it was the right decision and that his diagnosis was not a barrier for them: “When we met Noah we just felt like that was not an obstacle, we felt able to love him and to bring him into our family.” There were so many things about Noah’s personality that drew them to him and made it feel like he would be an excellent fit for their family. “He loves the outdoors, he loves music, he loves other children, he’s a sociable person. Those are the key things for us – he just immediately felt like he’s a person who’s full of energy. I think we were quite mindful of having a very busy household already… so we were really looking for that in terms of an outgoing personality which he 100% had.” Following introductions, Noah moved in with them and has been a part of their family for two years now. When asked about how FASD presents in her son, Louise said it can sometimes be hard to tell. “You don’t know how much of it is just genes. So for example, he’s very very emotional—everything in life is either the most wonderful experience or devastating and he can go between the two in a matter of seconds, so he’s very emotionally labile.” “He really struggles to learn new things… things like learning his numbers or learning his letters or learning to write or to draw, you can see that he’s going to struggle with those things. So it takes quite a lot of patience dealing with him on those two fronts because he’s not such a quick learner but also he can get quite upset quite easily.” As a result of his additional needs, Ryan and Louise have adapted their parenting style to make sure Noah has the support he needs to reach his full potential. Louise shares some advice she uses to support her son: > I read something about FASD that said you need to be the bigger person, you need to be the stable ship that rides the waves because there’ll be big waves of course, and your little one might be really rocked by something or really struggle to take very minor changes in circumstances in his stride, but as the parent, rather than becoming emotionally involved yourself, you just need to be that bigger body and just say ‘It’s okay, I’ll hold on to you and we’ll do it together’.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* In other ways, Louise notices how Noah has his own skills and talents which make him an amazing and unique child: “He’s incredibly musical, he loves a rhythm or a beat, so any sort of putting music on or dancing to the music will change his mood immediately, he responds really well to that. The other thing is he’s amazing with his hand-eye-foot coordination, in terms of kicking a ball, riding a scooter, running and jumping – I’ve not seen a child like it… And so we can just see how he’s going to have strengths that others don’t have and he’s also going to struggle in ways that not everybody would struggle, so it’s just two sides of the same coin.” Louise said Noah loves to be sociable and engage with people: “He just brings so much joy out of everybody he meets. He’ll light up a room. And maybe it’s partly because he has additional needs or maybe it’s partly because he’s adopted, but if we take him to church, the minute that we walk in, everybody’s like ‘Hello Noah, how are you today?’, they’ll shake him by the hand and he’ll always do it, he’ll always engage with that and it’s absolutely lovely how he doesn’t seem to suffer from particular shyness, he’s just really confident and just loves being around people.” Louise and Ryan found out about PACT through Home for Good, a charity working with churches across the country to help find homes for children in care. They said they have felt very supported by their church family all the way through the adoption process. “We told the church family at quite an early stage that we were exploring adoption and we really asked for prayer, for wisdom and for guidance around that. And they have prayed for us all the way through, they’ve supported us practically, especially in the early days and the introductions, providing meals, supporting us with looking after the other three children and lots of other things like passing on old puzzles, clothes or things that are no longer needed. \[They’ve been\] incredibly open and accepting of our little one and his particular needs and that’s just been absolutely beautiful and really lovely to bring him into the church.” The family have also felt fully supported by PACT on their adoption journey. Louise said: “There is a huge amount of support through PACT. When it comes to school and education, I am possibly going to reach out to PACT. He’s just about to start reception, he does have an EHCP, the school are really kind to him but I don’t think they particularly realise the best ways to support him and his needs. So there’s certainly lots to be mindful of in terms of support going forward.” Speaking about the many ways her son brings joy to their lives, Louise says: > I hope that it inspires other people to think that this is something that isn’t absolutely terrifying, and that other people might be able to manage. It’s definitely been a real blessing to us as a family.” Louise found the training they received from PACT to be very useful, and it helped prepare them for the differences in parenting an adopted child compared to their birth children: “When we did our adoption training, I remember \[our trainer\] saying that for children who are adopted, and particularly for children with additional needs, any little progress marker or step they take forward is just an amazing achievement and you celebrate it in a totally different way. So for him recently, he’s just started saying his ‘s’ sounds and his ‘sh’ sounds, and we’re literally rejoicing and having a party about it! And it just comes back to me about what we were taught before, that these little achievements will be of real significance, and that’s what we’re experiencing. It’s just really beautiful.” To anyone thinking of adopting, Louise says she would encourage prospective parents to be open to a child with additional need. > I think you need to have a good degree of resilience and the ability to ride those waves of life, but I would 100% recommend it for those that feel able because the richness of character and personality that we’re experiencing with our little one is absolutely beautiful.” ## Help more children like Noah With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to support adoptive families like Louise, Ryan and Noah. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Additional needs, Families of faith --- ### [Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/ruth-and-oli-adopted-their-daughter-saffy/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy* in 2018 when she was 14 months old. Ruth used to work as a train station manager and Oli works as a train driver... **Content:** Ruth and Oli adopted their daughter Saffy\* in 2018 when she was 14 months old. They are a mixed race couple and they met at work; Ruth, who is British Caribbean, used to work as a train station manager and Oli, who is White British, works as a train driver. Ruth said that adoption is something they had always considered as a way to grow their family. “Oli went to live with his godparents at age 11 when his mum sadly passed away. They became his legal guardians and they were happy as a family so adoption is something we always thought we would look into after having birth children.” The couple discovered, however, that they had fertility issues and after several failed IVF treatments and a loss, they decided to start the adoption process. Ruth and Oli heard about PACT through the Fertility Show in 2015. PACT runs a stall at this show each year to give out information about adoption and Ruth and Oli took home an information pack. After stopping fertility treatment, they took a break to reset and then got in touch with PACT to book onto an adoption information evening. “We found it very well organised and informative and we got a really good vibe – it made us want to adopt even more.” The adoption process was an intense experience for Oli and Ruth, with a lot of paperwork and checks in Stage one. They found the preparation course to be very informative and eye-opening and enjoyed the opportunity to meet other prospective adopters. “It was nice for us because we were all in the same boat. We are still in contact with some of the other adopters that we met on the course and try to meet up a few times a year which is lovely for us and the children.” Stage two was particularly hard and emotional at times, Ruth commented: “We had to revisit some painful areas of our past, but it was also cathartic to talk about these and gain a different insight into them.” As a mixed race couple, Ruth and Oli were advised from the outset that there were a lot of mixed race children waiting to be adopted and Ruth found this to be the case when they reached the matching stage of the process. “We looked at a lot of profiles once we were approved. It was quite difficult as it was hard to say no, but at the same time, we had to think about what was best for the child and for us.” After being matched with their daughter Saffy, meeting her for the first time was an amazing moment for the couple. “It was the most nerve wracking and overwhelming feeling ever! We hardly slept the night before. As soon as we saw her little face, she became the love of our lives. We played with her a lot and hearing her laugh was amazing. She sat down with us and we were able to feed her which was lovely. It’s definitely one of best days ever.” When Saffy moved in with them, Ruth said that they experienced a multitude of emotions: “It was joyous and happy, but also very surreal and overwhelming as we went from a couple to a family overnight and that took some getting used to.” They found that, like any new parents, they questioned themselves a lot at first but this lessened over time as they settled into a good routine. “We just made sure that we did everything we could to ensure that Saffy was happy, safe and content and we showered her with as much love as we could give her.” Since their adoption order was granted, Ruth and Oli have not needed any further support from PACT but they have maintained contact with their social worker. Ruth said the continuous support PACT provides is one of the primary reasons why they chose to adopt with the agency: “We are fully aware that if we require help in the future, we can ask for it.” **What have been the biggest challenges so far?** “Completing paperwork was arduous.” “Family finding was difficult as we saw so many profiles and had to say no to a lot of them.” “Meeting Saffy’s birth parents, especially her birth mum, was intense and emotional.” **What have been the highlights?** “Being approved as adopters – it was a massive weight off our shoulders and we knew that at some point in the near future, we would be bringing our child home and finally be a family.” “Meeting Saffy for the first time and getting to hold and cuddle her.” “The day we brought her home.” “The first time she called us Mama and Daddy and came to us for comforting.” “The day her adoption order was granted – knowing that she was legally our daughter and now had our surname.” **What advice would you give to anyone thinking about adopting?** “Go to an information event, speak to the social workers and adopters there, get as much information as you can and ask lots of questions.“ “Once you have started the process, keep on top of the paperwork. “Air any issues or concerns you have to your social worker; they are there to help and are not trying to catch you out. “As hard as it may get, try to remain positive and keep going!” Ruth spoke about her experience in [this article for the Sun’s Fabulous Magazine](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Fabulous-magazine-Rainbow-Babies.pdf "this article for the Sun's Fabulous Magazine"). *\*Name changed for confidentiality* ## Help more children like Saffy With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, Fertility, Keyworkers --- ### [Tom and Connor adopted Kyle, who has autism](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/tom-and-connor-adopted-kyle-who-has-autism/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Tom* and Connor* adopted Kyle*, who has autism and a sensory processing disorder, when he was three years old... **Content:** Tom\* and Connor\* adopted Kyle\* when he was three years old through PACT in February 2016. They had been thinking about starting a family for a couple of years and so attended a PACT adoption information event in Brighton. They decided to adopt with PACT as they liked its flexible approach and the fact that, unlike local authorities, it can search the country for the right child for its adopters. The couple was particularly interested in PACT’s family finding scheme, which it offers to local authorities for children who have been waiting a long time to be adopted, often because they are older or have additional needs. They were shown three profiles of children PACT were family finding for, including Kyle, who has autism and sensory processing disorder. Tom said: “Kyle just stood out for us. Something felt right and we both had a big smile on our faces as we looked at his profile. I think we claimed him as our boy there and then.” Tom, who has worked in social care for 17 years, said they had always been open to the idea of a child with additional needs, and were keen to help a child who might face a longer wait in the care system for a forever family. The couple said the early stages of adoption were definitely tough, but that they had fantastic support throughout from their PACT social worker. “We went to the preparation training and we were aware of what it could be like and that it wasn’t going to be easy, but I don’t think you realise until you are in the process just how tough, tiring and emotional it can be.” Once the placement was approved Kyle settled with the couple really well, and was affectionate and attached to them almost from the start. Tom said after just a few weeks Kyle was noticeably more confident.“ He is a very confident little boy. This is his home and he has made it his own. He feels very safe and secure here which is what we always wanted for him.” Kyle is now five, and attends a school for children with special educational needs, where he is making really good progress, particularly with his communication and social skills. Tom, who said he still finds it strange but lovely to be called “Daddy”, said they are loving life as a family. He encouraged prospective adopters to consider adopting a child with additional needs. “Just be open to the possibility – you obviously need to be realistic about what the journey might be like. It is hard and challenging but it is so worth it and the rewards so much greater.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Kyle With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Additional needs, Keyworkers, LGBT+, Older children --- ### [Hope and Nigel adopted two sisters](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/hope-and-nigel-adopted-two-sisters/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Hope*, 44, and her husband Nigel*, 46, adopted sisters Summer* and Rachel* through PACT in October 2015. Summer was just under two-and-a-half years old and Rachel was 16 months old... **Content:** Hope\*, 44, and her husband Nigel\*, 46, adopted sisters Summer\* and Rachel\* through PACT in October 2015. Summer was just under two-and-a-half years old and Rachel was 16 months old. The couple, who had always wanted children, hadn’t been able to conceive naturally and had just started fertility investigations when Hope was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successful treatment for cancer and two unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant using embryos which had been frozen before chemotherapy, the couple contacted PACT about adoption. They were advised to wait six months following their last fertility treatment, and as soon as they could after that, they attended an information event and started the process of adopting with PACT. A registered nurse, Hope said she found the adoption process much harder than she expected but that their PACT social worker had been fantastically supportive and had “empowered” them throughout. “Every day I do assessments with people to get their histories so as far as I was concerned it was in the bag, I thought I knew what to expect and the kinds of questions we’d get asked and why. But when it’s you sitting there telling someone everything about you, it was just the strangest thing. It was actually really cathartic but just something that nothing or no-one can really prepare you for.” After being approved for adoption, Hope, who is Black British with a Guyanese/Jamaican family heritage, and Nigel, who was born in Jamaica, were matched with Summer and Rachel, who are of Caribbean family heritage. Hope said meeting the girls for the first time was an amazing experience. “I had thought they might take a while to get used to us, but they ran up calling us Mummy and Daddy. There was this moment of realisation that this is really happening.” Following a week of getting to know Summer and Rachel and taking over their care from their foster family, the girls moved in with them. “Suddenly it was just the four of us. I remember Nigel and I just looked at each other – it was overwhelming, we were both so excited but also so nervous.” Hope, who took a year off work, said it was a steep learning curve, but that the girls settled really well. “We were really lucky, the girls took to us and their new home immediately. All the preparation work and transition went really well and they could just get on with being children. “The only real issue we had was over food. We did have at least six months of buying tinned ravioli and macaroni cheese, which at the time I did find heart breaking. Now the girls come home and ask for rice and peas and chicken so it is much better.” Hope said she felt that identity should be given careful consideration when matching children with adoptive parents. Her girls now attend a local school where there is a mix of cultures and ethnicities. “I am black and grew up in this county but I went to a school where I was one of only four black children and I vividly remember feeling that there is no-one else here who looks like me, which is not nice especially when you’re 11 or 12 and you don’t want to be different from your friends. “My parents were really proud of who they are and where they came from, and they raised us in a way that made identity important so very quickly I learned to be proud of who I was. “I just think that in their lives my girls will have 101 extra things to deal with because they are adopted so if issues over identity can be minimised, then that can only be a positive thing. For me I am absolutely determined to do what I can to make my girls proud of who they are, and I know I can help them with that.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Summer and Rachel With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, Fertility, Keyworkers, Siblings --- ### [Theresa adopted seven-year-old Sadie and Lara](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/theresa-adopted-seven-year-old-sadie/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Theresa* adopted Sadie*, who was seven years old, through PACT in 2014. Three years later she adopted seven-year-old Lara* through a local authority... **Content:** Theresa\* adopted Sadie\*, who was seven years old, through PACT in 2014. Three years later she adopted seven-year-old Lara\*, through a local authority. Theresa said she’d been interested in and open to adoption for a long time. “I’d always just thought that if I couldn’t have my own children for any reason I would adopt. I’ve always wanted to be a mother and have my own family and always been very aware of all the children out there that don’t have parents – adoption was always there at the back of my mind.” After deciding to adopt, Theresa initially approached a local authority but they had a surplus of adopters at that time and suggested she approached PACT. After being approved to adopt, Theresa was matched with Sadie and she moved in with her. Theresa said initially things were hard as Sadie’s behaviour was very challenging as she struggled to come to terms with what she’d been through. “I had nothing to compare her with and I loved her completely – to me she was just the best thing in the world, but she came from the worst imaginable background and she was very damaged.” Theresa said the support she received from therapeutic social worker Kathryn Farrow, of PACT’s Strengthening Families Team, was “amazing”. “I didn’t have a clue what to do, or how to help her. Kathryn came and helped, and was just amazing. She gave me so many practical tips and techniques to try, she just taught me so much.” Sadie, who is now 11, is doing very well and has recently settled in well at her new secondary school. Theresa said: “She’s just come on so much in the last four years. I am so proud of her, and how far she’s come. It’s amazing when I think back to what she was like when she first came.” In 2018, with Sadie’s support, Theresa adopted Lara\*. “Sadie was so excited to be getting a sister, and they get on really well most of the time. They do have their moments where they argue but mostly they’re really, really lovely together.” Theresa said the three of them are a very close and supportive team. She is now self-employed and has reduced the hours she works so she can be at home when the girls get back from school. She said a good routine, structure and discipline were really important to their family life. “I am really firm with them and that seems to work. We’re also very open as a family. The girls know where they have come from and we do a lot of life story work all the time. “It’s funny because it’s only now, with hindsight, that I realise how important all the training you get pre-placement is. Now, I use it all the time with the girls.” Theresa’s advice to anyone thinking about adopting was to be completely committed to it, and to make sure you had family and friends you could turn to for support during tough times. “You have got to really want to do this from the bottom of your heart – it’s not something you can do unless you are completely dedicated and committed to. If you are, then go for it.” “It’s the best thing but also the hardest thing I have ever done. I would never go back, and even on the days when things are hard, I know how lucky I am and I wouldn’t change things for the world. \**Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more families like this With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Older children, Siblings, Single adopters --- ### [NHS workers Phil and Gareth adopted Ben](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/phil-and-gareth-adopted-ben/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Phil* and Gareth* are a same sex couple who adopted their son Ben* through PACT in 2019... **Content:** Phil\* and Gareth\* adopted Ben\* through PACT in 2019. They initially approached their local authority about adopting but, after being told they might have a longer wait because of where they lived, they decided to explore some other options and booked onto a PACT adoption information event, where they heard a talk from someone who had adopted already. Phil said: “We really liked PACT’s approach. I think what really helped us was listening to the parents speak about their experience of adopting – they were very open about it, it was a real warts and all account. But, actually for us to hear people being so honest, and PACT being so open about the challenges and the pitfalls of adopting, actually swung it for me. “We also became more aware of all the additional support that was available afterwards with PACT that perhaps wasn’t as readily available with a local authority. Also as we started to progress our inquiry with PACT we really liked the fact that they could get the process moving quicker than local authorities could.” The couple, who both work for the NHS, said the adoption process was intrusive and stressful at times. Gareth said: “PACT were definitely trying to make sure we were as attractive as possible as adopters. I actually really liked the fact they covered all the bases and I do also think the rigour actually made us better adopters. We have built up a network of adoptive parents as friends over the last two years and we have noticed a real difference in topics covered and training provided, for example, friends and family training and support.” The process took about a year from when they first applied to Ben being placed with them. Phil said the moment they first met him was strange but emotional. “I think it all seems quite hypothetical until you walk into a room and for the first time meet the little boy who’s possibly going to become your son. It was a very surreal experience and quite emotional as well actually.” Ben moved in with Phil and Gareth just before his first birthday and settled in very well. Phil said: “It all went swimmingly – all the preparation beforehand had gone really well and it was just a really positive experience. “I think we definitely had a honeymoon period as we did have some separation anxiety issues a couple of months down the line, but this did coincide with a lot of other changes. We’ll never really know if it was just a phase in his life he was going through or whether it was because he was adopted.” Ben is now doing very well and is a sociable, busy and curious toddler, who loves exploring and being outside. Phil said: “The best thing is seeing the progress he’s made and just being able to relax and enjoy each other’s company as a family.” Gareth added: “We do feel more complete now. There’s a real sense of being more of a team. Just seeing him changing every day and knowing we are having such an impact on his life is really lovely.” The family have not needed any post-placement support from PACT to date but say it’s nice to know it’s there if they do need it. In terms of advice to anyone considering adoption, Phil recommended doing thorough research into which organisation you proceed with, and Gareth added that having a strong support network was also crucial. “Knowing there are people you can pick up the phone to after a hard day is really important. “Also it’s really helpful to have other parents around you who can help normalise the situation. And, actually, there is lots of support and resources out there you can access, such as parenting groups and New Family Social which we found really helpful. So even if you don’t have the support you might need in your immediate network, there is plenty of support out there you can tap into.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Ben With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Keyworkers, LGBT+ --- ### [Darren adopted as a single father](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/darren-adopted-as-a-single-father/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Darren* is a 43-year-old single father who became a dad to his son Finn* in early 2017 when he was four years old... **Content:** Darren\* is a 43-year-old single father who became a dad to his son Finn\* in early 2017 when he was four years old. Finn’s adoption was legalised nine months later and he is now seven years old. Darren is a social worker and throughout his thirties he increasingly wanted to have a child. Since he was not in a relationship, he felt adoption was the right choice for his situation. “I knew that it would be uncommon to adopt as a single dad but that I needn’t face any barriers.” He chose PACT because a colleague of his had adopted with PACT and spoke positively about the charity. He explored other agencies and attended different information events before he made his decision but he was most impressed with PACT’s social workers. “PACT struck me as the most professional and prompt in their responses so I decided they were the only agency with which I wanted to proceed.” From his background in social work, Darren understood the importance of the in-depth assessment that PACT had to carry out before he could be approved as an adopter. “It’s really important to tell the truth to your social worker but more importantly to be clear with yourself about what you think you can handle and what you might struggle with.” He found PACT’s adoption panel very straightforward and felt his social worker had prepared him well. The linking and matching process was more challenging for him. While the process was, on the whole, pragmatic and efficient, he said the comparing of profiles and looking for matches felt strange and it was often difficult to read about the awful early life experiences these children had gone through. He also felt that it was hard to know for sure whether the match would be right. However, his family finder and social worker reassured him that these thoughts were normal and that they would work together to find a good match. Before being matched with his son, Darren was linked twice but neither match was quite right. The third time he was linked, something about Finn’s profile felt right to him: “I really liked his picture and everything I read made me think ‘this is it’.” Darren first met Finn in an informal setting at his nursery, without Finn knowing who he was. “It felt very different to seeing the picture on Finn’s profile and I didn’t feel as much of a connection.” He later met Finn again and was introduced as ‘daddy’. This time, the bond between them was much stronger. “He was really excited. He had seen the book I’d made him about his new home many times and he was really pleased to see me.” After a short introduction period, Finn moved in with him and they began to get used to their new life together. At times, Darren found becoming a new parent to be a challenge. Sometimes Finn’s behaviour was difficult to manage and could turn aggressive so Darren sought support from a member of PACT’s adoption support team. He found the support he received to be professional, empathic and helpful and he said that his life is much easier now, although he still finds that he doubts himself or worries that he could have handled things better. He has found other parts of his new life with Finn to be great in lots of ways. “Since he moved in, I have enjoyed getting to know him, seeing him settle into his new home, being there to comfort him and growing into feeling like a parent.” What have been the highlights of your adoption journey so far? “Despite all of the challenges there hasn’t been a day when I wished I hadn’t adopted my son. To have a funny, curious, loving, playful boy who I have been able to see grow and develop has been wonderful. “He and I love each other, are really close and spend lots of time together. I love my free time when it arises and there are aspects of my life before that I miss but the trade off between the freedom that I had and the life I have now has been worth it.” ## Help more children like Finn With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Keyworkers, Older children, Single adopters --- ### [Sarah and Omar adopted after having a birth child](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/sarah-and-omar-adopted-after-having-a-birth-child/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Sarah* and Omar* had their first child, Aliya, a year into their relationship and 15 years later they adopted their second child, Samir... **Content:** Sarah\* and Omar\* are a couple with mixed ethnicities who have been together for 18 years. Their first daughter, Aliya\*, was born a year into their relationship and 15 years later they adopted their second child, Samir\*, when he was 15 months old. After Aliya was born, Sarah and Omar waited several years before trying for another child. When they had trouble conceiving, it was discovered that Sarah suffered from second child infertility. They tried some different fertility treatments but none were successful. Sarah found the whole thing physically and emotionally draining. When the last treatment failed, she felt hopeless as she went to tell the news to her husband and daughter. “Aliya was only 12 at the time and I remember her being so matter of fact about it. She said: ‘Don’t worry mum, there is always adoption to look at’, and that is where our journey really began.” They spoke about adoption as a family and decided they wanted to adopt a dual heritage baby. As they began the process of enquiring with different agencies, they worried that having a birth child would mean that other potential adopters would view them negatively, or that they would feel guilty for wanting another child when they already had one. They quickly found that this wasn’t the case at all; lots of the other couples they met during training and preparation groups had other children. “PACT was the third agency we contacted from the list on the First 4 Adoption website. We got a call back from a lovely woman who was so positive and gave us so much information. She answered all my many questions and from there, our journey with PACT began.” Sarah and Omar then attended PACT’s training course and found it a good experience, feeling excited for what was to come. Their initial assessment with a social worker was more challenging as there were several lifestyle changes that they needed to make to help them pass their medical evaluation and prepare to adopt. At first, they were disappointed with this because it felt like everything so far had been one step forward, two steps back. They knew, however, that it was important to make the required changes: “Everything asked of us would be to benefit our family and any child that we were to potentially adopt. So we picked ourselves up again, looked at what needed to be done and we got on with it.” Six months later, they were ready to attend PACT’s adoption panel to be approved as adopters. They brought Aliya along to their panel meeting; they had made sure to involve her in all stages of the process already and they wanted her to be there for the decision. Sarah remembers feeling nervous and excited on the day and feeling wonderful when they were told the result. “Being approved by the panel took us one step closer to our dream and that felt amazing. I burst into tears of happiness as soon as they told us.” Next came the linking and matching process, which Sarah and Omar found difficult. Sarah said: “Omar openly admits he would have said yes to every profile that was sent to us! In the end I had to be quite firm in sorting out which profiles we would realistically consider.“ They included Aliya in the decision-making process so that she could be involved all the way through, and a social worker also did some one-to-one work with her to help her understand the process. “It was important for her to know that if she wasn’t happy at any point and this wasn’t what she wanted then we would stop, but she fully supported us all along which was great.” When they were sent Samir’s profile, they all agreed that something about it felt right. After a few bumps, they were matched with Samir and met him for the first time. “We were so excited and nervous, but he had such a fantastic foster family that we instantly felt comfortable and just knew that this gorgeous little boy was going to be our son and complete our family.” They found that it was a big change going from having a self-sufficient teenager to having a 15-month-old who depended on them for everything, but Samir settled in really quickly and soon they had a good routine. “It honestly feels now like he’s always been here and we certainly wouldn’t be the same without him.” Both Sarah and Omar felt that they had great support from PACT throughout the process. Samir is of dual heritage and this was important for Sarah and Omar. After Samir came to live with them, Aliya mentioned to a relative that she loved finally having someone in the family who looked like her. Sarah said: “This comment has stayed with us. We had never thought of her feeling so different but when we thought about it, all her family members were either white or black. It was lovely for her to feel that she had someone else the same as her and I think this has made her bond with her little brother that much stronger.” **What have been the challenges of your adoption journey so far?** “Adjusting to having a little person needing our attention and relying on us for everything! It’s not so much a challenge but a big change.” “Also opening up about our entire life to our social worker during the process was a very thought-provoking time for us all – in a way, it’s a form of therapy. I think it has been a good thing and, among other things, it has shown us how strong our relationship is.” **What have been the highlights?** “Definitely the highlight of this whole experience is our son completing our family – we dreamed about this for so long. Being called mummy and daddy again and having our affectionate little boy tell us he loves us is like nothing else. Even hearing the two of them bicker makes us feel so extremely blessed and so lucky.” **What would you say to anyone considering adoption?** “Just go for it! It isn’t a process that can or should be rushed so you have to have plenty of patience and be prepared to be as open and honest as possible.” “It’s an emotional rollercoaster so be kind to yourselves throughout and make sure you take time together as a couple and as a family.” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Samir With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Black & mixed ethnicity, Fertility --- ### [Francesca adopted her daughter Phoebe in 2018](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/francesca-adopted-her-daughter-phoebe-in-2018/) **Published:** September 9, 2021 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Francesca* brought her daughter Phoebe* home in October 2018. Adoption was her first choice as a path to parenthood... **Content:** Francesca\* brought her daughter Phoebe\* home in October 2018. Adoption was her first choice as a path to parenthood: “I felt more drawn towards becoming a mum through adoption than having a birth child.” Although she started the process with another adoption agency, she wasn’t able to continue with them due to being out of area so she looked for other agencies and found PACT. “I wanted an agency that was there to support me and my child not just through the adoption process but afterwards as well. When I read up about PACT I liked the information I was reading, the training they were offering and that they had a Christian affiliation.” The assessment process and panel went smoothly. Francesca said: “The social worker I was assigned to was very good. I felt that she understood where I was coming from and I was able to talk through issues without feeling there was any judgment formed against me.” She found she actually enjoyed the process as it gave her the opportunity to reflect on her own motivations and strengths. “It gave me the opportunity to look back on my life and consider what I had to offer, and what I want from becoming an adoptive mother.” While the adoption panel was a little nerve-wracking, she said that all the panel members were very supportive. Francesca found the linking and matching process to be more difficult. She didn’t want to rush the process and sometimes felt discouraged when matches didn’t feel right or the child wasn’t quite the right fit with her. She didn’t like the feeling of ’rejecting’ children where the match wasn’t right. When she met Phoebe for the first time, it was scary and surreal but also an amazing experience. “She took my hand straight away which was lovely.” Early on after Phoebe came to live with her, Francesca sought support from PACT’s team to work through a few issues. She found the team to be very supportive, and they gave her some advice to help her deal with the situation. Although there are ongoing challenges, such as worrying about being a good mother or not knowing what to do in certain situations, Francesca would encourage anyone considering adoption to go for it: “It’s the most frightening but rewarding thing I have ever done. Knowing that you are involved in the development of a child and can create a new family life together is fantastic. It is a challenging experience and it is most definitely one with a lot of soul searching and a continuing emotional roller-coaster which can be hard, but I wouldn’t change it. It got me to the point of having a beautiful child to grow with. My advice would be to find out as much information about the process beforehand. Learn about the reasons children are put into care and the types of issues they could have, talk to people who have been through the process and are in a similar position to you, and go to information evenings. All the background information can help.” Q: What have been the highlights of your adoption journey so far? “Seeing how my child connects with me and my family, seeing her develop, being called mummy, seeing the enjoyment in her eyes when doing trips or new things, playing with her… too many to mention!” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* ## Help more children like Phoebe With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Single adopters --- ### [Adopting siblings: Mariana and Rob's experience adopting sisters with PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/mariana-and-rob-adopted-sisters/) **Published:** June 6, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Mariana* and her partner Rob* adopted two girls through PACT in 2019. Their children, Isla* and Evie*, are now five and three years old... **Content:** Mariana\* and her partner Rob\* adopted two girls through PACT. Their children, Isla\* and Evie\*, are now five and three years old. Mariana had always wanted to have children, and she and Rob chose to explore adoption because of difficulties with fertility. Mariana discovered several years ago that she had endometriosis, which meant that it would be very difficult for her to become pregnant and carry a child to full term. She was 41 years old when she started exploring adoption and was keen to get the process started. ## The adoption application process The couple had heard about PACT through a friend who had also adopted following unsuccessful fertility treatments. They attended an information evening and had a really positive experience with PACT. Mariana had a significant amount of childcare experience already from her work in nurseries and social services, and PACT’s team informed her that this would make them strong applicants. They were invited to attend an information sharing meeting to formally begin the application process. The process for Rob and Mariana was quick, lasting 11 months from their first meeting to when their daughters were placed with them. After progressing through the process and being approved at [adoption panel](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-panel/), the couple went through to the family finding stage. They were hoping to adopt two children and were ideally looking for two birth siblings as they only wanted to go through the [adoption process](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/adoption-process/) once. They began searching on Linkmaker and reading through children’s profiles, and both Mariana and Rob felt a connection with Isla’s profile. Mariana said, “Our little story is that I was at work, you know what it’s like, flicking through \[Linkmaker\] desperate for your child, and I came home and said to Rob, ‘I think I’ve found our family,’ and Rob said, ‘I think I’ve found our family,’ and it was Isla’s picture.” ## Experience adopting siblings Isla was nearly two at the time, and her profile stated that her younger sister Evie was about to be born. Rob and Mariana expressed their interest in Isla and her sister, and the children’s social worker agreed that it was a good match. A meeting was arranged for Rob and Mariana to meet with the children’s social worker and then to go and see Isla in person, as well as Evie who had just been born. During the meeting with the social worker, the couple were given more information about Isla’s situation which concerned them. They were informed that there were several factors in Isla’s early life that may have negative impacts on her development, including her birth mother taking drugs and alcohol while pregnant, and her birth parents having mental health conditions which could put the children at higher risk of developing these as they grew older. This meant there was a degree of uncertainty about Isla’s and Evie’s needs which Mariana and Rob had not anticipated. This was a challenging time, and they were unsure whether to proceed with meeting Isla in person. They called their PACT social worker, who helped them talk things through and encouraged them to meet her and see how they felt. As soon as Mariana entered the foster carer’s home and saw Isla, she felt that it was the right decision. > I hugged her and I said, ‘Mummy’s here,’ and that was it. Just one look at her and I knew we had to fight for her.” By this time, Isla’s younger sister Evie had been born and was staying with another foster carer. Mariana and Rob were able to meet her on the same day and were keen to [adopt both siblings](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption/children-waiting/adopting-siblings/). The match was approved, and Isla was placed with them first, followed by Evie 10 weeks later. The couple had a contact meeting with the children’s birth mother and said they were glad they had this chance to meet her. The meeting went well, and Isla and Evie’s birth mother was positive about the adoption. Mariana said to her that she promised to look after her children, and the mother said, “Don’t promise that because they’re *your* children. I won’t be disputing anything – they’re better off with you.” Rob and Mariana have since sent letters to her to provide updates about how the children are getting on, though without any reply. Isla and Evie also have four other half-siblings, and as the two sisters get older and have a better understanding of their birth family, there may be some opportunities for contact with their other siblings. Since their children came to live with them, Mariana and Rob say things have been going well. There have been a few times when they have had questions or needed some [post-adoption support](https://www.pactcharity.org/post-adoption-support-what-kind-of-support-can-you-expect/), and they have called up their PACT social worker for advice. They said they are reassured to know that PACT is always at the end of the phone should they need any further help in the future. ### What are the challenges of adopting siblings? When asked what have been the biggest challenges of their adoption experience so far, Mariana and Rob said the biggest difficulty was working with the children’s social workers and the placing local authority to try to gain access to all the medical information they needed about the children. They also noted that having children has a significant financial impact, which they knew would be the case. ### What are the highlights of adopting siblings? The biggest highlight has been bringing their children home, becoming a mum and dad and completing their family. Mariana, Rob, Isla, and Evie are about to [attend a PACT family fun day](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/events-children-families/family-fun-days/) and are looking forward to spending the day with other adoptive families. To anyone considering adoption, Mariana and Rob say: “Think about it hard. It’s not as easy as just getting a child; it can take time. Be prepared for your life to change (which I’m sure people will be). Do your research on where you want to go; I think PACT have been brilliant.” > Adopting siblings can be so worthwhile. They’ve always got each other. There’s going to be tough times for the kids \[as they start to ask about their birth family\] but I think if they’ve got each other to talk to, then that’s going to be a good thing.” “We’ve had a smooth journey with PACT and we’re forever grateful for Vicky \[our PACT social worker\]. She’s been brilliant, and the whole PACT team have been wonderful.” > If you know in your heart that you want children, go for it. It’s not easy, but parenting isn’t!” *\*Names changed in line with confidentiality* Listen to our [talking adoption show – what’s it like to adopt siblings?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLEp-XejXLPvNAYUFqURcr2T6ZW1L-cBQH&v=76w_0qIZVao&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE) If you’re considering adoption, [get in touch](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/) with our friendly adoption enquiries team. --- ## Help more children like Isla and Evie With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Fertility, Siblings --- ### [Natasha and her husband adopted Amelia who has cerebral palsy](https://www.pactcharity.org/story/natasha-adopted-amelia-who-has-cerebral-palsy/) **Published:** March 3, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Natasha and her husband adopted Amelia*, who has cerebal palsy, when she was 18 months old... **Content:** Natasha and her husband have two children; a birth son and an adopted daughter. After having their birth son through IVF treatment, Natasha and her husband decided to choose adoption as their path to parenthood for their second child. They approached PACT because they had attended some of their local events and felt PACT’s ethos and approach matched their own. They brought home their daughter Amelia\*, who has cerebral palsy, when she was 18 months old – their son was aged six at the time. The couple made the decision to be open to adopting a child with disabilities early on in the adoption process. Natasha has worked in schools for many years and in doing so, has worked with children with a wide range of needs. She said: “We had lots of discussions right from the start really with our social worker and with each other about different disabilities. We did have some pretty clear views about what we felt we could cope with and what we couldn’t cope with and our social worker also helped us.” The couple decided that they would be comfortable welcoming a child with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities or impairments. They said: “The wonderful matching team at PACT were there for us throughout the process, reassuring us it was about the right child and not just any child.” They were matched with Amelia, and at this point they knew that she had been born prematurely and had a brain injury at birth which would result in a physical disability; they later found out that the diagnosis was cerebral palsy. Natasha and her husband sought out support early on from doctors and healthcare professionals to help them understand what Amelia’s needs might look like. Natasha said: “We certainly went into it with our eyes wide open and we felt that we had done our homework.” Natasha and her husband were keen to involve their birth son in the adoption process, talking to him as much as was appropriate for his age about the decisions they were making. He was able to come to one of the introductions to meet Amelia and he was excited to be involved in creating an introductory book and recording messages to send to his future sister. When Amelia first moved in with them, it was a tough period for the family. A week after she came home to them, Natasha and her husband observed that Amelia was further behind than they had expected in terms of her physical capabilities. They met with a physiotherapist for an assessment and learned that Amelia’s needs were greater than had initially been anticipated. The couple had expected Amelia to have weakness in one side of her body, which would mean she would have weakness in one arm and walk with a limp in the future. Instead, through further assessments it was discovered that Amelia had weakness in all four limbs and would likely never walk independently, and would always need some level of support to live an independent life. Natasha said: “That was pretty catastrophic because we had not really intended to take on a child with that level of need. That was the start of the worst weekend of our lives because we had to decide very rapidly whether we wanted to keep her. We had had no sleep and suddenly had to decide whether we had the capacity to care for a child – as her full-time carers – forever.” After the initial shock, they came to the decision that they would go ahead with the adoption and began seeking support and advice to help them care for their daughter. They found that once this support began, they slowly felt better about the situation and were not so isolated. Natasha said: “It was about battling through those dark times, getting support, shouting loud and eventually it’s just normal life. It was really tough for about two or three months because you’re on very steep learning curve about how to care for a child with additional needs or disabilities. But once we had those skills, and we realised that she’s pretty tough and that we can’t actually break her and that her needs are not terribly different to any other child, we just got on with it really. And now, most of the days, quite honestly I forget that she’s disabled and she’s just our daughter.” > **She may be disabled and she may be adopted, but that is all just one part of who she is. She is my family and we are hers.“** Despite things improving, Natasha said there was still a period of grief. “When I talked to other parents who have children with cerebral palsy or any type of special needs, there is a massive period of grief because what you had anticipated for that child is suddenly kicked off course… I think that’s normal for any parent, whether you’re an adopted parent or a birth parent who gets that diagnosis.” She said they received amazing support from PACT during this time. Several years later, the family are doing well. Natasha finds that accessing support for Amelia can still be a challenge and they have to fight to make sure their voice is heard, but building up this support network has been a crucial step towards help them thrive as a family. “There are a huge amount of organisations out there that are absolutely fantastic and can help you and you’ve just got to keep finding them until you’ve got that support network. And once you’re there it’s amazing.” > **We have a whole new world now. We’re deeply involved in disability sports, parental groups, and it’s a whole new world that is amazing and that most parents don’t get to see.”** > > – Natasha reflecting on how Amelia has changed their lives for the better In terms of life story work and contact with Amelia’s birth family, Natasha and her husband have always been very open with both their children. As a family they frequently talk about her birth relatives and they have a life story book with photos that Amelia often looks at. She also has letterbox contact with one of her siblings. Although Natasha expected this aspect of being an adoptive parent to be difficult, she said they are actually very comfortable talking to Amelia about her birth family: “I had expected that to be a big painful process and very daunting but it wasn’t, and it does feel very natural to talk about these people.” Reflecting back on their journey, Natasha said there have been so many positives to adopting a child with additional needs: “She is absolutely astonishing. She has taken our lives down a path that we didn’t even know existed. For example, she’s currently playing for a cerebral palsy football team, she’s about to be a mascot in a big national game; there are conversations about in the future if she may be interested in the Paralympics and this whole very exciting world has opened up. “She is an absolute pleasure to be with because she’s taught us so much about resilience and personality and character. So I would say there are challenges you won’t have planned but the rewards are double. I really do believe she was the child for us despite those dark days because she’s amazing and this whole new world has opened up for us.” > **“I think when you have a child with additional needs you really celebrate every single little win—it’s like it’s under a magnifying glass. For example she’s now got a walking frame and she’s managed to use that to walk about 10 metres and I think if you’ve had a child without a physical disability they get up and they walk and that’s just normal, but when you watch a disabled child do that for the first time it is absolutely astonishing… you just can’t imagine what that feels like.** “Our son has got an incredible understanding of disabilities, additional needs and different lifestyles or strengths—he’s a better person for having grown up with her. I actually see on a daily basis the impact she has on the people around her because she really challenges the stereotypes of disability; she blows that apart because she’s so strong and resilient and tough and it doesn’t fit the mould. I watch the way she impacts the people around her and I’m very excited for the impact she’s going to have on the world as she grows up because she is a mover and a shaker. “And it might sound a bit cliché but it is an absolute honour to be with her and to see her develop.” To anyone considering adopting a child with additional needs, Natasha says: “I would say just be brave. The thought that we all would have missed out on this life because we’d been too scared—it’s catastrophic. And not just for her, but for us. We all would have missed out on this incredible human being who is going to change the world. If we had been overwhelmed and frightened, we would have missed everything. So I’m just so glad that we pushed through. “I can tell you that all the parents I know who have birth children with disabilities would tell you the same. They would tell you that once you come through that initial period they would never have it any other way. “Having children is hard work, and I don’t actually think my daughter is harder work than my able-bodied son, they’re just different. “So just be brave and keep pushing through because these kids will blow your mind and you won’t regret it.” *\*Name changed for confidentiality* ## Help more children like Amelia With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  **Categories:** Additional needs --- ## Alana House Stories ### [Katie's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/katies-story/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Katie* was referred to Alana House in 2020 after experiencing domestic abuse. She felt isolated and was struggling financially. **Content:** Katie\* was referred to Alana House in 2020 from Berkshire Women’s Aid after being subjected to domestic abuse by her most recent partner. At triage, it was suggested that Alana House could offer three months of one-to-one support. Katie had been receiving therapy at Prospect Park shortly before referral and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. At the time of referral, Katie was living with her two-year-old son in the flat where the abuse took place and felt isolated, continually reliving the trauma she was subjected to. She had started studying for a degree in sociology and criminology from the Open University because she felt unable to attend an in-person university course due to her mental health issues. She was struggling to manage financially due to not being able to work alongside her degree. Initially, Katie wanted support with finding new housing, increasing her support network and reducing her isolation. She was keen to attend groups at Alana House to increase her self esteem and to encourage her to leave her comfort zone. She struggled with being in crowds or and felt uncomfortable being in rooms with people she did not know. Her support worker also identified opportunities for financial assistance, including applying for discretionary housing payments (DHP) for rent arrears incurred while she was staying at Prospect Park, personal independence payment (PIP), and contacting student finance to see if Katie would be eligible for maintenance support. Katie also wanted support with applying for the disabled students’ allowance (DSA) to enable her to acquire the relevant additional tools, equipment and mentoring to support her through her degree. Together, Katie and her Alana House support worker looked at the groups on offer at Alana House and decided that the most appropriate would be the parenting course, the Power to Change course about building healthy relationships and the Healing Trauma group focussed on recovering from adverse experiences. In the three months of one-to-one support, Katie was assisted in applying for a maintenance loan, PIP, DHP and DSA. She was not awarded the maintenance loan because this is unusual for someone undertaking an Open University degree. Her initial application for PIP was not approved so Katie was supported with writing a mandatory reconsideration, which is awaiting a decision. Katie’s DHP application is also awaiting a decision following evidence she submitted about rent being deducted from her Universal Credit during her time at Prospect Park. Her application for DSA was successful and Katie’s support worker helped her write a detailed list of what was awarded in the allowance and who Katie would need to contact to begin the support. Now that her one-to-one support has come to a close, Katie is keen to continue her journey at Alana House through groups and drop-ins. She feels more able to confront any difficulties that may arise in the future with the tools she has learnt during her time at Alana House. *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## I couldn’t recommend Alana House enough, since working with you all I have felt so supported which has helped me manage my situation. I’m able to rationalise my thought processes and accept that this time of my life will pass as long as I continue to be self-sufficient. It has helped me accept that life is full of ups and downs but it’s the way you respond to them that makes the difference. I will continue to recommend Alana House to my friends that are having a difficult time because I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t linked in with you. Thank you so much for everything. Katie ## Katie has been fully engaged throughout our one-to-one support. She was able to pinpoint the areas where she needed support and has allowed herself to be out of her comfort zone often, which she has previously stated she struggles to do. By doing this, Katie has increased her self-esteem and reports to have learnt a lot from attending the parenting course which has been beneficial for her relationship with her son. Katie’s support worker --- ### [Christy's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/christys-story/) **Published:** November 10, 2022 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Christy* was referred to Alana House after being arrested. An Alana House support worker created a support plan which gave Christy a starting point to be able to make sense of what support she needed.... **Content:** Christy\* was referred to Alana House after being arrested for an alleged serious offence against her partner. Her partner was also arrested for assaulting Christy. Due to the severity of the offences Christy’s children were removed from her care and placed with their biological father and foster carers. Christy was assessed by the Liaison and Diversion team in custody and they referred her to Alana House’s Enrich programme through the Out of Court Disposal pathway. Christy attended Alana House and met with the Enrich support worker. Together they created a support plan which gave Christy a starting point to be able to make sense of what support she needed. It also enabled her to begin to understand the concerns of her children’s social workers. Christy was attending child protection meetings and court hearings; she struggled to regulate her emotions during these meetings. She had previously been subjected to domestic abuse for more than 20 years from her husband and subsequent partner and as a result, her response to all professionals was to protect herself. Christy was unable to recognise what abuse, control and coercion and emotional harm looked like. The support worker was able to make contact with the local authority and attend the child protection meetings with Christy to give her a voice which, up until that point, had not been heard. Christy found this advocacy to be immensely beneficial. She said: “It is hard to describe the amount of support Sarah has given me over the past year. I had a deep mistrust of professionals when first engaging with Alana House and it is to \[the support worker\] Sarah’s credit that she is one of the few professionals that I trust. At all times she has been honest with me, even when it involved difficult conversations. She has challenged me when necessary and this has enabled me to think about the way I see things and ways I could affect positive change for me and my children. Sarah attends meetings and court dates with me, many of which I feel I would never have been able to get through without her. She constantly pushes for my parental rights to be recognised. She also challenges other professionals on my behalf if she feels it is needed. She is the only person that is doing this.“ In their one-to-one keywork sessions, Christy and her support worker were able to identify that Christy would benefit from attending Alana House’s Parenting course. Christy attended all 12 sessions of the Emotional Regulation programme and went on to complete another 12 sessions of the Separated Parents programme. The support worker also referred Christy to another organisation to complete a domestic abuse programme. Christy completed the eight-week course and continues to receive support from her peers. Through the Public Law Order proceedings the local authority asked Christy to complete a parenting assessment and a psychiatric assessment. It was recommended that Christy should have two years of therapy to address why she was unable to meet her children’s needs. The waiting list for therapy on the NHS is currently three years, and neither Christy nor the local authority was able to cover the cost of private treatment. This meant that without Alana House, Christy would not have been able to access the support recommended by the assessment which would have put her in a difficult position. Thanks to Alana House’s own in-house counselling service, the support worker was able to place Christy on the waiting list for therapy provided by an Alana House counsellor, which has a much shorter waiting time. The psychiatrist also advised that Christy was not ready to commit to therapy yet because she was showing a trauma response in situations where she felt at risk. The support worker worked with Christy through one-to-one sessions to help her better understand the situation, so that she would be equipped to manage therapy and learn acceptance of what had happened. Following this support from Alana House, a second parenting assessment was arranged and the assessor concluded that Christy had made a remarkable change, so much so that she was ready to embark on therapy due to the support she had received from Alana House. A space became available on Alana House’s counselling service and Christy began attending therapy sessions which are still ongoing. Regarding therapy, Christy said: “Therapy was only available to me through Alana House, no other organisation could offer it to me because of my circumstances. Therapy is vital as it will help me address issues that have plagued me my whole life. Therapy will hopefully help me to have better relationships which are healthy but most importantly a relationship with my children. My therapist at Alana House said that I am further ahead than I think I am down to Sarah \[the support worker\] and the difficult conversations she has with me, the way she is always consistent and never judges me. The fact that I recognise I need therapy is all down to Sarah.” Christy and her support worker will continue to work together to embed the trauma-informed support in Christy’s life. The support worker will also continue attending child protection meetings, future court hearings and the criminal case outstanding against Christy to advocate for her and provide further support. *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## “As a whole, Alana House has provided me with unlimited support. Covering so many areas where I need help. I have attended courses which have covered emotional regulation and parenting. These courses were not easy for me, some of the topics challenged me to look at myself and my past behaviour. In that room I always felt supported and safe and I have learnt so much.” “I feel that although I still have a long way to go, I have also come a long way and that can be traced back to Alana House.” Christy --- **About Out of Court Disposals** The NHS Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services identify people who have mental health, learning disability, substance use or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or offenders. In Berkshire, every woman arrested and entering custody is assessed by someone from their NHS L&D team. The service can then support people through the early stages of the criminal system pathway, refer them for appropriate health or social care and, for low level offences, enable them to resolve the crime without going to court, which is known as an Out of Court Disposal. Alana House works alongside the local L&D team and Thames Valley Police to enable women with complex needs to be diverted to Alana House through an Out of Court Disposal. Through their Enrich programme, Alana House then works with these women, providing holistic, trauma-informed support to empower them to make positive choices in their lives and reduce their risk of re-offending. --- ## Help more women like Christy With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Gemma's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/gemmas-story/) **Published:** July 28, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Gemma* was referred to Alana House by a midwifery team from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. With support from an Alana House key worker, Gemma has been able to make positive changes to her life... **Content:** Gemma\* was referred to Alana House by a midwifery team from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Gemma was eight months pregnant and had a 6-year-old son. Gemma was presenting with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and had disclosed to the midwife that she had reported to Thames Valley Police that she was being subjected to domestic abuse. They were currently investigating her ex-partner for control and coercion. Gemma had and still was being abused by her ex-partner. This included emotional and physical abuse. The investigation was originally ‘no further actioned’ due to lack of evidence as stated by the Crown Prosecution Service. With the help of Alana House this is now being reviewed. Gemma and her Key Worker have met with the police and they are now reinvestigating the allegations. Alongside this, there were current family court proceedings for their son. Gemma advised that she was in debt because of the child arrangements order and was currently on maternity leave and unable to meet the demands of the debts. Gemma was self-harming and was unable to leave her home without experiencing anxiety. Alana House supported Gemma to work with children’s services as they had been contacted due to safeguarding concerns from Gemma’s son’s school. The ex-partner would attempt to remove their son on his non-contact days. Alana House liaised with the school explaining that under the current child arrangement order, that was not allowed. Alana House provided access to free legal advice for Gemma so that she was able to understand what her options were. This helped Gemma to understand the legal aspects which ultimately gave her more confidence in challenging any breaches to the court order made by the ex-partner. Gemma has been able to access 1-2-1 keywork sessions on a regular basis with her Key Worker. She has also completed several groups at Alana House, including Hope To Recovery and Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit. She will attend the Adverse Childhood Experiences group. Gemma’s confidence has increased as she has been given access to a trauma-informed space and her voice has been heard. Gemma’s self-harming has significantly reduced and she feels she has more control over her own life once again. She can make decisions without fear. Gemma said: “Gemma’s self-harming has significantly reduced and she feels she has more control over her own life once again. She can make decisions without fear. Gemma said: “The support from Alana has kept my head above water, it’s a holistic support network in which I’ve received both individual support that is relevant to my own personal situation but also been able to connect with other women who have experienced similar issues through the family court, which accentuates post-separation abuse. The abuse I’ve suffered has taken me to the depths of no return and just when I thought I couldn’t go on, Alana stepped in and pulled me back out. I’m not there yet and I’m not through my personal situation, but it’s comforting to know that Alana will stick with me until this hell is over.” *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## I am forever grateful for their continued support – they have such a vast breadth of experience and skills to help people like me get through. Thank you. Gemma --- --- ## Help more women like Gemma With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Kate's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kates-story/) **Published:** July 7, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Kate* was referred by Liaison and Diversion after being seen in custody on charge of Intent to Supply Class B Drugs. An Alana House key worker built up trust with Kate and put support in place to help her make positive changes to her life... **Content:** In 2023, Kate\* was referred by Liaison and Diversion after being seen in custody on charge of intent to supply Class B drugs. Her abusive husband was involved in selling drugs and Kate was erroneously implicated when she went home and unknowingly stepped into the crime scene being investigated. At the time of referral, Kate was experiencing complications with an autoimmune condition which left her very malnourished. She was also struggling with symptoms of PTSD from medical procedures, anxiety, depression and, as a result of domestic abuse, she suffered from psychotic episodes for which she was sectioned. Kate was supported by her key worker to appeal a previous PIP (Personal Independence Payment) decision which saw Kate receiving the standard rate for daily living and mobility. The appeal resulted in Kate been awarded the highest rate. This meant she could afford to buy a car so she could attend her appointments and social opportunities more easily. With Kate’s permission, a referral was made to the local commissioned domestic abuse service which successfully worked with Kate. Kate was also supported to attend counselling sessions at Alana House which changed her life. She was now able to manage her physical and emotional symptoms, and cope with stressors including those associated with her previous experience of domestic abuse related trauma. Kate was living in overcrowded conditions at home and was also being evicted by family after fleeing her husband’s abuse. With support from her key worker, Kate was offered by the council an appropriate accommodation that met her needs. Kate worked with her key worker to ensure housing benefit, council tax support, bills and bill reductions were in place. Gradually, the frequency of support stepped down from weekly to fortnightly to monthly meetings. These took place in the hospital, in the community and eventually in her home as Kate regained control over her life and symptom management. Kate wanted to go back to university but she found it difficult due to previous issues around her student finances. With the help of her key worker, which included supporting letters and phone calls, the situation was successfully resolved and Kate was able to return to university and just recently obtained a first in her first year. Kate is healthy and she is in control of her depression and anxiety, having found coping strategies that work for her. Kate recently participated in a Ministerial visit to Alana House, where she shared her experience of the criminal justice system, the relationship between this and domestic abuse and her impactful reflections on how women’s centres should be funded. Kate said: “Thank you so much – I’m so pleased the meeting went well. I was really glad we had the chance to share our experiences, thoughts and feelings. Everyone was so polite and welcoming, and I truly appreciate being part of it. I’m also really pleased to hear that the Minister described it as inspirational. Honestly, hats off to you all at Alana House – whatever you do, you do it with such care and excellence. It’s incredible how you change lives. As victims and service users, we truly wouldn’t be where we are today without the support you provide. You’ve built such a strong and compassionate network from every angle, and that makes all the difference. Thank you again for having me.” *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## Thank you so much – I’m so pleased the meeting went well. I was really glad we had the chance to share our experiences, thoughts and feelings. Everyone was so polite and welcoming, and I truly appreciate being part of it. I’m also really pleased to hear that the Minister described it as inspirational. Honestly, hats off to you all at Alana House – whatever you do, you do it with such care and excellence. It’s incredible how you change lives. As victims and service users, we truly wouldn’t be where we are today without the support you provide. You’ve built such a strong and compassionate network from every angle, and that makes all the difference. Thank you again for having me. Kate --- --- ## Help more women like Kate With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Assia's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/assias-story/) **Published:** July 28, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Assia* was referred to Alana House by her Brighter Futures Family Worker. Since attending Alana House, her feelings of isolation have reduced. **Content:** Assia\* was referred to Alana House by her Brighter Futures Family Worker. The Alana House Key Worker met with Assia who explained she had reported incidents of domestic abuse to the police. Her husband was subject to bail conditions, including not to contact or attend her home until February 2024. Assia wanted support with contacting the police as her neurodiversity meant that she found communicating with them difficult. She also shared wanting to go back to college and wanting to access recovery and wellbeing groups at Alana House as she felt very socially isolated. With support from her Key Worker, Assia contacted the police officer in charge to understand more about her case. This led to regular contact with the police officer, keeping Assia and her Key Worker up to date on the situation. Assia attended Alana House groups, including the baking group and the Alana House Community Café, where she could socialise with other women. Assia also completed the Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit Programme and the Healing Trauma Programme. Assia was supported to make the application for the English course at Reading College. Assia received a letter from her husband’s solicitor requesting contact with their son. Her Key Worker arranged a free consultation with a solicitor who provided Assia with legal advice on the situation. The solicitor and her Key Worker supported Assia in drafting a response letter. A further session with the solicitor was arranged when another communication from her husband stated his intention to request joint custody of their child. The solicitor agreed to take Assia’s case on and together with her Key Worker, Assia was supported in writing her statement. Assia was supported at court by her Key Worker and was represented by a barrister who was organised by the solicitor. Assia remains in ongoing court proceedings. Whilst the legal process continues, Assia has attended social events at Alana House, which has reduced her sense of isolation and has begun processing the trauma related to the domestic abuse from her husband. *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## “I have not had any help with anything before Alana House. Nobody gave the time I needed. Sometimes I don’t understand things but you have helped me a lot.” Assia --- --- ## Help more women like Gemma With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Kayla's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/kaylas-story/) **Published:** November 10, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Kayla* was referred to Alana House in 2021. She needed support for her physical and mental health, her financial situation and her attitudes, thinking and behaviour... **Content:** Kayla\* was referred to Alana House in 2021 by a social prescriber at her GP. At the time of referral, Kayla needed support for her physical and mental health, her financial situation and her attitudes, thinking and behaviour. Kayla had recently experienced difficulties in her personal life that increased her need for support, in particular an incident where she was financially exploited by someone in a position of power. Soon after support began, Kayla’s Alana House support worker ascertained that she had experienced a great deal of trauma in her life, including being attacked and losing sight in one eye and having permanent damage to parts of her body following these experiences. In additional to the effect on her physical health, Kayla had been struggling to manage her mental health; she had been feeling suicidal and self harmed on a daily basis. Kayla had no self worth and very low self esteem which impacted on her ability to complete day to day tasks. She had little to no support and felt like she was unable to manage things by herself. Kayla began attending one-to-one sessions with a support worker at Alana House on a weekly basis and several key objectives were set out, such as having a daily routine which included attending relevant Alana House groups. At first, Kayla felt she was not in the right mindset to attend any groups which could trigger negative emotions so she started with ImproVoice, an eight-week drama workshop to improve self confidence, interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills. To support her mental health, Kayla was referred to the Crisis Mental Health Team. She disclosed that she had been frequently gambling and Alana House referred her to Gamcare, their partner agency who could provide specialist support in this area. Other support from Alana House included a referral to Adult Social Care, support to learn new skills and encouragement to volunteer at the Alana House café and other events to build her confidence. Alana House also applied for Kayla to attend a five-day residential programme designed for people who have been through life changing illness, injury or trauma. Once Kayla felt she was in a place to explore some of the deep rooted traumas that she had been through, she agreed to attend the Healing Trauma course at Alana House. She was struggling with her emotions and she felt she needed to find other coping mechanisms to deal with these. Kayla attended every session of the course. Kayla completed a self esteem Rosenberg questionnaire on the first session of the course and another on the last session, and her score for self esteem was higher after completing the course. She said that she had learnt that she was not alone which really helped her. Kayla struggles with large groups and found it difficult to communicate with others in the group; despite this, she still attended each week, engaged with the facilitators and completed all the groupwork set out. Kayla said that she felt the session which explored the process of trauma and self care was the session she found most challenging but also the most helpful. The session encouraged her to really think about her past experiences and emotions which was difficult to do. At the same time, Kayla also expressed that this was the session she engaged with the most as it allowed her to realise that she was not alone, and it enabled her to reflect on her situation and learn how to better cope with some of the things she was struggling with in her daily life. Kayla said: “Since working at Alana House, I have attended a number of groups which have helped me learn new skills in coping with my personal life struggles and situations. One group I attended was the Healing Trauma group and although each session was hard due to having to focus on personal life experiences, it was helpful to be able to learn new techniques to cope instead of thinking that the only way to deal with coping was to self harm. Learning one thing like self care can change so many thoughts and feelings and has helped in so many ways.” *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## Help more women like Kayla With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to support women with complex needs, like Kayla. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- **Healing Trauma** is a six-week course run by Alana House which focuses on understanding the impact of trauma and learning new strategies and techniques to help participants feel grounded and safe. The course covers topics such as power and abuse, the process of trauma and self care, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and anger. --- --- ### [Bella's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/bellas-story/) **Published:** June 6, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Bella* was referred to Alana House after being arrested. An Alana House support worker built up trust with Bella and put support in place to help her make positive changes to her life... **Content:** Bella\* was referred to Alana House after being arrested for assault and a Section 5 Public Order offence. She was assessed by the NHS Liaison and Diversion team and referred to Alana House’s Enrich programme for support through the Out of Court disposal pathway. Alana House’s Enrich support worker met with Bella in her home town as it would have caused financial difficulties for Bella to travel to Alana House’s Reading centre. The support worker conducted an empowerment radar with Bella based on the [nine pathways](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/) to assess her needs and developed a support plan to address these needs. When the support began, Bella was very uncertain about trusting the support worker. She reflects: “I have been working with \[my support worker\] for a year now. At first I was very apprehensive to accept her in my life, as having no friends or family support for most of my life, I had learnt not to trust or depend on anyone other than myself.” During their first session, Bella openly stated that she did not like working with people who were younger than her. The support worker explored with Bella why the mistrust had developed; her perception was that younger people were inexperienced, and they also reminded her of her children who had been removed from her care. They both agreed to continue building rapport. This gave Bella the opportunity to gain trust, express her needs and have a voice. Bella has had her three children removed from her care by the children’s father, and there is a child arrangements order in place through the family courts. The father made this decision when the local authority expressed concerns about the children and initiated Section 47 child protection enquiries. The local authority has now started public law proceedings because Bella’s eldest child refused to remain with her father and returned to Bella’s care. These proceedings mean that this child as at risk of being placed in long-term foster care as the father is refusing to take her back. The local authority is also concerned about the child living with her mother due to Bella’s unhealthy relationships that are affecting her daughter. In addition to these distressing factors, Bella wants to move house with her daughter because they are facing negative complaints from their neighbours, which is affecting their quality of life. They are also under-occupying the current residence since the other children were removed. However, they are currently unable to move because the housing provider has issued warnings due to reports of anti-social behaviour, and the criminal proceedings are still ongoing. The support worker is closely collaborating with the anti-social behaviour officer to manage these extremely complex issues that Bella is experiencing. Bella has made significant efforts over the past eight months to improve her behaviour towards the neighbours, and this has been acknowledged by the anti-social behaviour officer as a positive step towards being able to move. Bella said: “When I started working with \[my support worker\], I was in a really bad place in my life; losing my children, losing the love of my life after 15 years, I really didn’t know what to expect from yet another professional coming into my space. In time I learnt to trust her. I knew that she was genuinely there for me and she was giving me a voice. “ Given the complex issues Bella is facing, the Alana House support worker has worked with her to identify several key areas of need. Since support at Alana House began, the support worker has: · Submitted a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to the council to cover the rent shortfall due to under-occupying the home. · Attended all child protection meetings and coordinated with Bella’s solicitor and social worker to provide transparent and cohesive support. · Liaised with Bella’s criminal law solicitor and attended all court hearings following her arrest. · Begun the process of collaborating with Bella’s family law solicitor to apply for a child arrangements order, enabling Bella to see her two children who she has not seen for 18 months. · Established regular contact and meetings with the anti-social behaviour officer, the probation officer and Bella’s mental health practitioner. Joint meetings are regularly scheduled to share information and ensure effective collaboration which helps to avoid miscommunication and creates an environment of trust for Bella. This support has been life-changing for Bella, who previously struggled to manage her strong emotions and make her voice heard. Bella’s own childhood was marked by traumatic events and adverse childhood experiences, which have continued to impact her coping mechanisms in adulthood. As a result, she uses maladaptive behaviours to deal with her overwhelming emotions. Bella needs to access therapy, and this will be explored during one-to-one keywork sessions to identify the appropriate therapy and group options for her that will incorporate domestic abuse recovery and support healthy relationship models. Bella said: “I have always struggled to express myself correctly for the situations I have faced the past year but \[my support worker\] has always grounded me and made me see both sides and how to act appropriately.” “She has been the most successful support that I have ever had, she has help me sort out my DHP, attended every social services meeting, all my court hearings, all my issues with the neighbours and dealing with my housing association. She has gone above and beyond for me.” “Going back a year before \[Alana House support began\], I was very disruptive, I was very opinionated, and I would fight anybody for my beliefs. Since working with \[my support worker\] I have calmed down massively with my attitude towards life and my attitude towards the neighbours. Even though it’s been hard, knowing that I have \[my support worker\] and Alana House on my side has really helped me in the biggest way anybody could imagine.” “At the beginning I walked out of multiple social services meetings as I could not deal with stuff that was being said. \[My support worker\] has helped me deal with those emotions… she has messaged me throughout and praised me on how well I am doing and how calm I am keeping which I really appreciate.” “I personally think I have grown and matured so much since the support from Alana House began.” Support for Bella is still ongoing, and she and the Alana House support worker are continuing their journey to enable Bella to make positive changes to her life, strengthen her relationships with her children, and help them to grow up and develop healthy relationships in their own lives. Bella is incredibly appreciative of all the support Alana House has given her. She said: “I personally think that Alana House offers more support than any other organisations I have worked with – and there have been many. If I could fund you myself to help everyone struggling like I have done then I would.” *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## Without the support from Alana House and support from \[my support worker\], I know that I probably would not be here right now and I certainly wouldn’t have my daughter with me. Bella --- **About Out of Court Disposals** The NHS Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services identify people who have mental health, learning disability, substance use or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or offenders. In Berkshire, every woman arrested and entering custody is assessed by someone from their NHS L&D team. The service can then support people through the early stages of the criminal system pathway, refer them for appropriate health or social care and, for low level offences, enable them to resolve the crime without going to court, which is known as an Out of Court Disposal. Alana House works alongside the local L&D team and Thames Valley Police to enable women with complex needs to be diverted to Alana House through an Out of Court Disposal. Through their Enrich programme, Alana House then works with these women, providing holistic, trauma-informed support to empower them to make positive choices in their lives and reduce their risk of re-offending. --- ## Help more women like Bella With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Jessica's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/jessicas-story/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Jessica* was referred to Alana House's Enrich programme when she was released from prison after 23 years. She felt scared and lost, and needed support to rebuild her life. **Content:** Jessica\* was referred to Alana House’s Enrich programme in 2021 when she was released from prison after serving 23 years for murder. Jessica is on a life licence and her probation officer recognised that she would need support to reintegrate herself into society. Jessica entered prison as a young woman and felt extremely scared and lost when released in her fifties, especially as this was during the coronavirus pandemic. A support worker at Alana House identified Jessica’s support needs with her, and together they worked on her support plan and her empowerment radar. Key support needs were: housing, benefits, independent living skills, physical health and family, friends and relationships. **Objectives:** - Secure long term accommodation - Improve independent living skills and self-confidence - Apply for benefits including Personal Independence Payments - Manage finances - Effective engagement in one-to-one sessions with a keyworker The Alana House support worker met with Jessica’s probation officer, the local authority’s housing department, the outreach worker from the approved premises and a care co-ordinator to work together to enable Jessica to be housed safely with wrap-around support. The support worker attended several house viewings with Jessica including supported living accommodation. Jessica had been placed in temporary accommodation after leaving the approved premises but this was not suitable for her physical health conditions so it was important to find secure long-term accommodation. The support worker helped Jessica to complete the housing register so that she could bid for properties online. This was challenging as Jessica had no knowledge of using online devices or accessing services. The support worker bid on properties each week on behalf of Jessica. A suitable property was eventually found and Jessica moved into her new ground floor accommodation in July this year. Alana House also funded a removal man to assist Jessica and applied for grants for white goods for the flat. Jessica’s physical health has been deteriorating and she has asked for privacy to not disclose any diagnoses. The Alana House support worker, the probation officer and other professionals were worried as Jessica had several occasions of serious injuries to her face and body and slurring of her speech. Jessica stated she was falling regularly and her medication was to blame for her speech. Further exploration from Alana House’s support worker and the outreach worker found that her daughter and her daughter’s partner were living with her and had taken control of her finances and home. Probation were notified and, after joint meetings, it was decided that Jessica’s licence should be changed to a bespoke licence to ensure that her daughter could not harm her further. The support worker liaised with the rent officer to stop Jessica from being evicted as the rent payments had been stopped by her daughter and the money stolen. Referrals to Adult Social Care and Launchpad were made to further support Jessica in remaining safely in her home. Jessica did not want to engage at the start of her support as she had learnt to be self-sufficient while in prison and protect herself from other women. Despite these challenges, the Alana House support worker successfully built up a supportive professional relationship with Jessica that has enabled her to build on her resilience and strengths. Jessica’s confidence has grown and this has resulted in her being able to voice her needs and set firmer boundaries around herself. *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## I want to thank Alana House and especially my support worker for all of their support. My support worker is brilliant, I have no other words to express it, this says it all. When I was released into an area I did not know, it was very scary and isolating. Being referred to Alana House gave me a safety net. It made me feel that I had someone to rely on and know that help was there when I needed it. If I had not had the support from Alana House, I would not have survived. I would have been sent back to prison. Jessica ## Help more women like Jessica With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Sophie's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/sophies-story/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Sophie* was referred to Alana House’s Enrich programme in 2022 after being arrested. She needed support to make positive changes in her life. **Content:** Sophie\* was referred to Alana House’s Enrich programme in 2022 after being arrested. She had assaulted her son and another member of her family and as a result, her son was removed from her care and temporarily placed with his grandmother. Following her arrest, she was assessed by a Support Time Recovery (STR) worker from the Berkshire NHS Liaison and Diversion team and referred to Alana House through the Out of Court Disposals pathway. At first, Sophie felt extremely anxious and overwhelmed at being referred to Alana House. Through the L&D service, STR workers are able to provide up to six weeks of support. This meant Sophie’s STR worker was able to attend an initial visit to Alana House with her to help her feel more comfortable and find out about the support Alana House can offer. Following the referral, Sophie was assigned an Alana House support worker through the Enrich programme, who worked with her to identify her needs and create a support plan. Her key support needs were: accommodation, mental health, domestic abuse, attitudes, thinking and behaviour, and children and family support. For the first few weeks, the Alana House support worker met regularly with the STR worker to share information. When the STR worker’s six weeks of support came to an end, Sophie continued receiving support from Alana House without feeling anxious about the change. Sophie was initially encouraged to attend two groups at Alana House, a domestic abuse recovery group and a parenting course, however she found this challenging. Sophie is currently awaiting an assessment for Autistic Spectrum Disorder/ADHD, and it was decided that group work was not the right type of support and one-to-one work was more appropriate to her needs. Although she would have preferred to continue with the group sessions, Sophie dealt with this difficult conversation well and continues to engage in regular one-to-one sessions with her support worker. Through these sessions, the support worker aims to empower Sophie to make positive changes in her life. Sophie and her son have decided to change their names, and the support worker will help Sophie with the application to make these changes legal. She has also been referred for counselling at Alana House to improve her mental health. The support worker has been attending Sophie’s Child in Care meetings with her, as well as court hearings for the local authority’s Interim Care Order application for her son. Sophie finds it difficult to manage her emotions, which may be connected with her undiagnosed autism or ADHD, and as a result she finds these meetings stressful and they sometimes have to be adjourned. Sophie is benefitting from having someone with her at these meetings to advocate for her and keep her focused on the outcomes she desires. Through the Alana House Enrich programme, Sophie will continue to receive support to enable her to achieve positive outcomes for herself and her family. *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## I have found my support worker to be very knowledgeable at Alana House… I am thankful to have her support during this very hard time. Sophie --- **About Out of Court Disposals** The NHS Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services identify people who have mental health, learning disability, substance use or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system. In England, every woman arrested and entering custody is assessed by someone from their NHS L&D team to provide appropriate support and, for less serious offences, enable them to resolve the crime without going to court, which is known as an Out of Court Disposal. Alana House works alongside the local L&D team and Thames Valley Police to enable women with complex needs to be diverted to Alana House through an Out of Court Disposal. Through their Enrich programme, Alana House then works with these women, providing holistic, trauma-informed support to empower them to make positive choices in their lives and reduce their risk of re-offending. ## Help more women like Sophie With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to support adopted young people like Finn. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Freya's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/freyas-story/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Freya* was referred to Alana House in 2021. She needed support with her mental health and she was managing a difficult family situation at home. **Content:** Freya\* was referred to Alana House in September 2021 by Brighter Futures for Children in Reading. She needed support because she was struggling with mental health issues, as well as managing a difficult family situation at home. Freya was assaulted by a customer at her place of work and sustained several injuries, leading to surgery and ongoing nerve damage. Her employer accepted liability but Freya is waiting to hear if she will be dismissed from her job due to incapacity to carry out her role. At home, Freya is dealing with challenging behaviours from her daughter and the ill health of several of her family members including her mother, her father and her partner who has terminal cancer. Freya was finding it difficult to cope and was suffering from mental health issues including depression and anxiety. She had low self-esteem and felt worthless and suicidal, with little sense of enjoyment in life. She said: “I felt emotionally distressed – uncontrollable crying and worrying. I just didn’t know where to turn to. I was giving up and didn’t have anywhere to run to.” The Alana House support worker assessed Freya’s needs and set out several key objectives. **Objectives:** - Freya to experience improved mental health - Ensure home adaptations take place to help Freya’s partner - Assess the need for a care package - Consistent engagement and progress - with support through one-to-one sessions with support worker - Freya able to identify alternative employment opportunities identified and to have confidence to explore these if needed. - Development of strategies and engagement with other services available to support with daughter’s behaviour - Referral to adult safeguarding team if needed - Engagement with appropriate Alana House groups to address support needs - Referral and engagement with other agencies for additional support Support at Alana House began and Freya attended regular one-to-one sessions with the support worker as well as group sessions including the Emotional Intelligence course. To support her mental health, Freya was referred for counselling sessions at Alana House as well as receiving support from the Reading Community Mental Health team. Her support worker set up support for Freya’s partner, advocating for and ensuring the adaption of Freya’s home to make it easier for her partner to move around. The support worker gave Freya’s partner details about Macmillan Cancer Support and shared information about adult social care with Freya to help her provide better care for her parents. Through one-to-one sessions, Freya gained skills in managing her finances better and developed plans for next steps in employment should she be dismissed. She effectively improved her IT skills through referrals to Resume Foundation and New Directions. She was also given details of MoneyHelper to access free money and pensions advice, and was sent information about how to protect her eligibility for benefits following her personal injury claim. Support was put in place to help Freya’s daughter, particularly at school. The Alana House support worker enabled Freya to set up free school meals for her daughter, as well as sourcing a grant for her to go on a residential course and making a referral for extra support in school. Working with Reading Family Aid, a partner of Alana House, Freya was also provided with tickets for her and her family to attend a panto, and it was arranged for her daughter to receive a Christmas present Freya has engaged well with the different types of support offered to her and has appreciated the opportunities to meet new people and socialise. She feels Alana House is a safe place to come to talk about things that worry her without fear of judgement. *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## Alana House is important to me because it’s a safe haven to express how I’m feeling, talk about my concerns, and reflect on the past weeks, in a confidential environment… I know I am supported. If I need support between one-to-ones I can contact Alana House and I will always be contacted back. Alana House are always my first port of call. Alana House support workers show so much empathy and compassion. Freya ## Help more women like Freya With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to support adopted young people like Finn. [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Malisa's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/malisas-story/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Malisa* was referred to Alana House's Enrich programme in 2019 after leaving prison. She needed support to make positive changes in her life. **Content:** Malisa\* was first referred to Alana House in 2019 for support with moving out of approved premises after leaving prison. She was convicted of serious sexual offences and served 60 months. Following her release in November 2018, she was on license until May 2021 and remains on the Sex Offenders Register (SOR) for life. Later in 2019, Malisa’s probation officer re-referred her to Alana House’s Enrich programme. Malisa was in the process of being made redundant and was also pregnant with her fifth child. Social services had begun an initial child protection conference with pre proceedings for a public law order to run parallel to the child protection plan for the baby. Malisa’s probation officer identified that she needed support due to her difficulties surrounding her children and family, employment support, and her offending history and the impact on her attitudes and beliefs surrounding this. Malisa recognised that she needed help. She was struggling to manage her emotions about her four children and the prospect of having another child, and was aware that her new baby could be removed due to her past offences and the conditions of the SOR. At Alana House, Malisa’s support worker identified several key objectives and outlined how these would be met: - Ensure Malisa had a fair redundancy process and felt informed and able to engage in the process fairly, which would be achieved by supporting her as she liaised with her employer - Work with social services and those handling the child protection plan to make sure Malisa could engage and her voice could be heard - Support Malisa with complying with her probation requirements - Identify appropriate groups and drop-in sessions for Malisa to help develop her confidence, self-esteem, attitudes and behaviours - Use weekly one-to-one sessions to enable Malisa to reflect on her progress, process her feelings and agree on future actions. Since support started, Malisa feels she has grown in confidence and is better able to share her feelings. She feels able to ask for help now, and can communicate more clearly because she has been given the skills to identify her needs and deal with them in an appropriate manner. She has also been attending some Alana House groups. Before the coronavirus pandemic, she attended the Alana House community café and took part in baking classes, which made her feel more confident socialising with other women. She also attended Alana House’s Power to Change course about building healthy relationships. She joined the first session of the new ImproVoice group, where participants learn to explore and improve their emotions and attitudes through performing arts, and will continue with the group when it is safe to meet in person again. Malisa said that she was especially grateful for the virtual support Alana House provided during lockdown. She found the pandemic challenging because she had to balance attending face-to-face sessions with being pregnant which put her at a higher risk if she caught Covid-19. She reflected that the best thing about attending Alana House is that she is listened to, and feels she can rely on them. She says she would definitely recommend Alana House to other women who need support, because “they can help you when you feel you are in a difficult position.” *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## I wanted to make changes in my life and become a stronger person and be able to learn from my mistakes. The impact that Alana House has had on me has been a very positive experience. Without Alana House I would have found it hard to build on my confidence and make my circumstances better. Alana House has given me the tools to live independently and to better manage my finances. Alana House gave me the right support to be able to do this and located other agencies to help me. Malisa --- ### [Amira's story](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house-story/amira-needed-support-to-manage-her-finances-find-housing-and-build-her-confidence/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Amira* referred herself to Alana House in June 2019. She needed support to manage her finances, find housing and build her confidence. **Content:** Amira\* referred herself to Alana House in June 2019. She had been living in Reading for around seven years and had been staying with her daughter, sharing a room with her grandchildren. Amira had no income or independence and, due to her lack of immigration status, had no recourse to public funds. In March 2020 she was granted leave to remain for five years. After referral, Amira was put on a waiting list for one-to-one support but started attending groups straight away. In February 2020, Amira was allocated an Alana House support worker. Following her new immigration status, she was able to make the first steps towards independence. Her initial goals were to set up her own bank account, to apply for her own Universal Credit and to apply to Reading Borough Council (RBC) for housing. She also wanted to start taking part in meaningful activities in her local community such as volunteering, and hoped to do more exercise. Amira’s one-to-one support began at the time of the nationwide lockdown following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. This meant one-to-one support was initially difficult but, with the support of her daughter during this time, Amira was able to apply for a bank account and Universal Credit, which she began receiving in June. When it was safe to resume, she continued one-to-one work with her Alana House support worker and was able to apply for housing from RBC. She was allocated a property after a few months and, although she was initially unhappy with the idea of living in the flat, her daughter and her support worker encouraged her and she moved in. Since moving in, Amira says she adores her new home and likes her building, where she chats to her neighbours and the staff on site. She still gets to see her grandchildren regularly which is important for her. Her Alana House support worker also helped her acquire furniture through some donations and grants, as well as assisting her with applying for her housing benefit and managing her budget. Amira has increasing her physical exercise through regular walks and attending the Alana House pilates group as part of their Love Me Love Life programme. Her support worker has put her in touch with the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading to look into potential volunteering opportunities once lockdown is lifted, and Amira is looking forward to having more structure in her daily routine. She has been building her confidence by attending virtual ESOL classes through Alana House and hopes this will help her once she does start volunteering. *\* Name changed for confidentiality* ## I wanted to make changes in my life and become a stronger person and be able to learn from my mistakes. The impact that Alana House has had on me has been a very positive experience. Without Alana House I would have found it hard to build on my confidence and make my circumstances better. Alana House has given me the tools to live independently and to better manage my finances. Alana House gave me the right support to be able to do this and located other agencies to help me. Malisa ## Amira has engaged really well since we started support, and has made huge steps since getting her immigration status approved. It has been very encouraging to see how well she has adjusted to living independently, and her eagerness to continue to move forward is inspiring. For the future, Amira is looking forward to volunteering, and is also now thinking about getting into education. As well as this, Amira is a proud lesbian, and hopes to get more in touch with the LGBTQ+ community, and her long term goal is to settle down with a partner and be free from judgement. Amira’s support worker --- ## BB4K Stories ### [Caitlin and her two children received support from BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/caitlin-and-her-two-children-received-support-from-bb4k/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Caitlin* and her two children, Evie* and Luna*, were referred to PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids programme after leaving her ex-partner following domestic abuse. **Content:** Caitlin\* and her two children, Evie\* and Luna\*, were referred to PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) programme in 2025 by a social worker at West Berkshire Children’s Services, after leaving her ex-partner following domestic abuse. Caitlin was particularly worried about the emotional and psychological impact that witnessing some of the abuse may have had on her children, especially regarding their mental health and well-being. To begin with, Caitlin attended BB4K’s group for 3-5-year-olds with her daughter Luna. This 12‑week programme supports both parents and children, with each session starting in separate rooms before coming together at the end for shared activities. Caitlin then took part in one of BB4K’s regular groups with her eldest, Evie. The groups gave Evie and Luna a safe and supportive space to explore their feelings through play, child-focused activities and age-appropriate discussions, which helped them begin to understand and process what they had experienced. Caitlin said: “Both of my children absolutely adored coming to the BB4K programme. They would always skip in and genuinely looked forward to it every week, which said a lot about how safe and comfortable they felt in that environment.” Caitlin expressed that the parent sessions were equally valuable: “I gained practical strategies to support my children at home and rebuild my confidence as a parent.” From the start, the facilitators created a warm, non-judgemental space which helped Caitlin to feel listened to and understood. “Their patience and sensitivity made it easier to open up and engage with the sessions. They set clear boundaries, respected everyone’s pace and checked in regularly to make sure we were comfortable. This helped create a consistent and predictable environment, which was especially important given our past experiences.” Being around other parents and children with similar experiences helped Caitlin and her children to feel less alone. “There was a real sense of understanding and mutual support within the group, which built my confidence in connecting with others.” Since beginning the programme, Caitlin has noticed positive changes in herself and her children. “Evie and Luna have learned different ways to express their emotions and are now more able to talk openly about how they feel, especially with trusted adults. I feel stronger as a parent, more healed and have a better understanding of my own emotions and my children’s needs. Spending dedicated time together through the programme and using the strategies at home has helped us feel closer as a family. There is more patience, understanding and reassurance in our relationship now, which has made a really positive difference to our day-to-day lives.” Caitlin, Evie and Luna have gained a range of practical tools and approaches that have helped their family feel safer and more connected. “We now use different ways of communicating to better understand each other’s emotions and needs. For example, one of my daughters can be quite insular and in the past I found it difficult to know how she was feeling or what she needed. Through the programme, I’ve learned different techniques to help bridge that gap, like a number scale to help her identify and share her mood, which has made it much easier for her to communicate in a way that feels comfortable.” After completing the groups, Caitlin has now been signposted by BB4K to other sources of support and resources, which Caitlin described as: “So helpful”. Caitlin has found the whole experience of BB4K to have been incredibly valuable and life-saving for her family. “A lot feels more possible than it did before and I feel hopeful about the future. I hope we continue to move forward as a family in a more positive, stable and connected way, where we feel secure, understood and able to face challenges together.” *\* Names changed for confidentiality* ## “Both of my children absolutely adored coming to the BB4K programme. They would always skip in and genuinely looked forward to it every week, which said a lot about how safe and comfortable they felt in that environment.” Caitlin ## Help more children like Evie and Luna With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Laura and her four children were supported by BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/laura-and-her-four-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) **Published:** September 26, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Laura* and her four children received support from BB4K after experiencing sustained emotional abuse, economic abuse and coercive abuse from the children’s father. **Content:** Laura\* and her children’s story with us began in 2023, following a referral from another charity that had been providing general support to the family. Laura and her children had been living under the shadow of sustained emotional abuse, economic abuse and coercive control from the children’s father. All four children (John\*, Samantha\*, Billy\* and Oliver\*) were showing signs of trauma – ranging from anxiety and anger to shyness and withdrawal – and some also had special educational needs. At first, Laura\* asked for support specifically for John and Samantha, as Billy and Oliver were engaged in other services. Laura and John were invited to join one of our group programmes starting in February 2024. Midway through the programme, Laura faced a challenging situation involving her extended family and missed a session. Our team made sure they did not fall behind, arranging a catch-up outside of group times. This flexibility was crucial in maintaining their momentum. By the end of the programme, Laura felt empowered and supported enough to request help for her other two children as well. We began working with Samantha through one-to-one sessions at school, during which some safeguarding concerns came to light. With guidance from our team, Laura navigated involvement with children’s services with determination. As our work with Samantha concluded, we transitioned support to Oliver and Laura through our group programme designed for 3–5 year olds. Finally, we worked with Billy on a one-to-one basis, completing a full circle of support for all four children and their mum. Additionally, we were able to support the family to challenge financial decisions that would have significantly impacted their wellbeing. Our involvement concluded with a carefully planned handover to another organisation, ensuring Laura didn’t feel left behind. Over the course of a year, Laura and her children made significant progress. It wasn’t easy – but with the right support, this resilient family began to rebuild their lives. *\* Names changed for confidentiality* ## Help more families like Jade’s With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Troy received play therapy from BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Troy*, aged 7, received play therapy from Bounce Back 4 Kids after experiencing domestic abuse from his birth mother. **Content:** Troy\*, aged 7, is receiving Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) support after experiencing domestic abuse from his birth mother. Troy lives with his dad Nathan\* who has full custody. They broke off contact with Troy’s birth mother and have moved into a new home. The BB4K service lead referred Troy for play therapy because there were no available BB4K groups for his age range at that time. Nathan also experienced abuse from Troy’s mother and received one-to-one support from the service lead. Initially, the BB4K team were concerned with Troy’s emotional wellbeing after he experienced neglectful and abusive parenting from his birth mother and witnessed domestic abuse towards his dad. He was internalising his feelings and was not able to talk about the things his biological mother did and said to him. He was crying at school but did not know why and was exhibiting ticks and mumbling to himself. He was also struggling to settle into their new home. Nathan worried about the long-term impact on Troy if he did not receive support. Troy began attending weekly play therapy sessions in March 2021. Play therapy helps children to explore their feelings, to express themselves and to make sense of their life experiences. Play is children’s natural medium to learn, communicate and to explore their worlds. Conventional talking therapies may be inappropriate for children and young people who struggle to put their feelings into words. Play therapy allows children the opportunity to explore and understand these feelings through play at their own pace. BB4K’s experienced play therapist worked with the family on several key objectives: - To provide a child-centred environment for Troy to be able to process his early life experiences - To improve his emotional well-being - To enable Troy to be able to verbalise his worries and open up to his dad - To support Nathan to understand the effects of early trauma and domestic abuse - To support Troy’s school with any difficulties Troy maybe having - To promote positive relationships with women Troy initially found it difficult to settle at the beginning of his play therapy sessions. He was unable to communicate his feelings about his early experiences either through verbal communication or through play with the toys and art materials. By using a non-directive child-centred approach, the play therapist gradually built up a relationship of trust with Troy and he became more relaxed and confident. One year later, weekly sessions are continuing and the play therapist has seen several positive outcomes in Troy. He has been able to use his voice, the sensory provision, sand and art materials to communicate his feelings and to talk about his life with his birth mother. He is now able to make decisions in the room and take control of games, even making up his own rules. His play has become more relational and he appears confident in the therapist’s ability to cope with his pain, anger and sense of loss. He has begun to display a range of emotions. The therapy sessions have also improved Troy’s life at home and at school and Nathan has noticed several gradual changes. Troy is better at communicating and they sometimes talk about his ‘old mum’ and how Troy feels about her. His confidence has increased and he feels safer in his new home. Initially, he could not be left alone in a room because he was too scared; this has improved a lot, though there is still some way to go. He is also more confident in class, although still lacks confidence in his own abilities. His teacher reports that Troy is more able to communicate his needs and worries with adults and, with support, he is less aggressive when reacting to situations with his peers. Nathan feels they now have a strong foundation to help Troy keep building on the progress he is making with the BB4K play therapist. *\* Names changed for confidentiality* ## We have found the support received from BB4K to be invaluable especially for Troy’s mental wellbeing. The process of accessing the support was very straight forward and everyone we have spoken to along the way has been extremely helpful… With the continued support, we are all confident Troy will go from strength to strength. Troy’s dad Nathan ## Help more children like Troy With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Millie and her mum Flora received support from BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/troy-received-play-therapy-from-bb4k-2/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Millie*, aged 9, was referred to the Bounce Back 4 Kids team for support in 2020 after experiencing an environment of domestic abuse from her mum’s previous relationships. **Content:** Millie\*, now aged 9, was referred to the Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) team for support in 2020 after experiencing an environment of domestic abuse from her mum’s previous relationships. She was too young to attend the BB4K group sessions on offer at the time so play therapy was recommended. Millie and her mum Flora\* had previously been in contact with domestic abuse services in their local area, and they referred the family to BB4K because there was concern for Millie’s emotional wellbeing as a result of her early life experiences. Flora was concerned about Millie’s low self-esteem, difficult behaviour, impulsivity, negative view of self and mistrust of men. Millie was struggling to understand and manage her emotions both at home and at school, which in turn was making it hard for her to form relationships with her friends and her four siblings. Millie and her mum received support over the course of a year, ending in September 2021. Millie received weekly one-to-one play therapy sessions to help her explore and express her feelings at her own pace. Play therapy helps children make sense of their life experiences. Play is children’s natural medium to learn, communicate and to explore their worlds. Conventional talking therapies may be inappropriate for children and young people who struggle to put their feelings into words. Play therapy allows children the opportunity to explore and understand these feelings through play at their own pace. BB4K also supported Flora through phone calls, emails and face-to-face meetings to develop her understanding of therapeutic PACE parenting strategies and help her learn about the impact of domestic abuse and post-natal depression on the parent-child relationship. Flora hoped the support from BB4K would help Millie process her past experiences, improve Millie’s relationship with her step-father and strengthen her bond with Flora. When the sessions began, the play therapist observed that Millie was showing a lot of anger, mainly aimed at her mum. Flora had broken off contact with Millie’s grandmother and Millie resented that she was no longer able to see her. Using a non-directive child-centered approach, the play therapist worked with Millie to enable her to express her feelings and process her experiences and emotions through a variety of media. Millie used sand, art materials, music, song and dance to tell her stories. As the play therapist built up a relationship of trust with her, Millie was able to communicate more freely and reflect on her own responses to things going on around her, and she began to understand how she could regulate her own emotions and choose to respond differently. Over the year of support, Millie became more settled in sessions and showed an increased self-awareness and confidence to verbalise her needs and choices. She now shows empathy towards others; for example, when her brother and step-father had to go to hospital, she was very concerned and requested that she make them bracelets to show she was thinking about them. Flora has established a more predictable routine for Millie with regular visits to see Millie’s father and step-mother, and both Millie’s parents have worked together to help ease this transition. Flora also noticed that her relationship with Millie has greatly improved and Millie now enjoys spending time with her mum and looks forward to the time they spend as a family. Millie has a better understanding of how to control her anger and is no longer looking for attention in negative ways. Her relationships with others have improved and she is doing better at school. As Millie’s play therapy sessions came to an end in September 2021, she was able to choose some positive affirmations about herself and put these into a book, and she could identify ways to calm her mind and body. Flora recognises there is still some work to do to maintain the relationship with her daughter and is open to advice and support to help with this. *\* Names changed for confidentiality* ## I found the support to be a huge help. The play therapist was amazing and so engaged with our family. Millie is now a totally different child. I cannot thank BB4K enough. She has control over her anger, her behaviour at home is wonderful and at school she is no longer causing trouble and is actually making friends. My family feels like it’s whole again. Millie’s mum Flora ## Help more children like Millie With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Hayley and her daughter attended BB4K's group programmes](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/hayley-and-her-daughter-attended-bb4ks-group-programmes/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Hayley* and her two children were referred to BB4K after experiencing abuse from the children's father. **Content:** Hayley\* and her two children were referred to Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) domestic abuse recovery programme by her housing association support worker. She had experienced domestic abuse from her children’s father for several years before they separated and both Hayley and her children were struggling with the long-term effects of the abuse. Hayley worried about what her children had witnessed, such as arguments and police involvement, and felt they needed support. In May 2021, Hayley took part in BB4K’s BOOST Self-esteem group, which is a 10-week online series run by the BB4K team. The workshop is for parents and covers topics such as confidence, self-worth, trusting your own judgement and not blaming yourself. With encouragement from BB4K service lead, Hayley attended during her breaks at work and said she greatly benefitted from the sessions: “The BOOST group helped me grow in confidence and realise I am not alone. With a calm, relaxing approach, I could listen to \[the group leader\] encouraging me and others who did not know where to start with new beginnings.” Hayley was then invited to attend the BB4K Under 5s group with her four-year-old daughter Isobel\*. The Under 5s group is a 12-week programme for parents and children, with each session beginning separately for children and parents and then coming back together for combined activities. The aims of the parent group are to help parents understand the impact of domestic abuse on their children, to understand their children’s behaviours, to learn new strategies to manage these behaviours and to strengthen the parent–child relationship. The aims of the children’s course are to raise children’s self-esteem and give them an opportunity to explore and express their feelings through fun, child-focused activities and child-directed play, in a safe therapeutic way, promoting resilience and emotional well-being. During the parents’ group, Hayley engaged in topics such as seeing domestic abuse through the eyes of a child, learning about the impact it has on children and exploring strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour, with the aim of strengthening her relationship with her daughter and supporting her to meet Isobel’s needs. During this time, Isobel participated in activities in the children’s group such as arts, crafts, stories and messy play to learn how to express her feelings and come to terms with her experiences in a safe, therapeutic way. The BB4K group facilitator noted that Isobel increased in confidence every week, particularly enjoying the sensory activities and playing cooperatively with the other children. She learned how to verbally express her feelings and emotions, understand the feelings of others and show empathy, and she began to show an understanding of safe touch and how to express anger without hurting others. Hayley said both her and Isobel enjoyed the group, particularly the understanding it gave her of the different types of abuse and how to manage her feelings. “I am able to be calmer and put myself at the same level as my children. I am able to help manage my feelings and my children’s.” She noticed the change in Isobel as well, saying that she was more loving, kind and caring after taking part in the group. When Isobel was asked which were her favourite parts of attending BB4K, she said “messy play and my friends”. Now that the 12-week course has finished, the BB4K team have invited Isobel to take part in a drama-based self-esteem course, and have also referred Hayley and her son for further BB4K sessions to continue to support the whole family. Hayley reflects that despite her ongoing difficulties with court proceedings and the everyday challenges of being a parent, the support from BB4K has been invaluable: “The BB4K team have met up with me to help with anxieties and concerns I have had along the way. Thanks to the BB4K support and other professionals and my own hard work and determination, we are all surviving, thriving and enjoying life.” *\* Names changed for confidentiality* ## I found this group amazing, helpful, caring and it helps me set the blueprint for my children’s future… BB4K is the best thing I decided to do for me and my children. Hayley, mum of two ## Help more families like Hayley’s With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ### [Jade and her three children were supported by BB4K](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k-story/jade-and-her-three-children-were-supported-by-bb4k/) **Published:** May 22, 2023 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Jade* received support from BB4K for herself and her three children after leaving her abusive ex-partner. **Content:** Jade\* is a mother of three children: four-year-old Hanna\*, five-year-old Lucas\* and seven-year-old Milo\*. Jade and her children were referred to PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids programme in 2021 after leaving her ex-partner following domestic abuse and stalking. Jade and her children needed support to recover from the long-term effects of the abuse, including the emotional impact it had on the children and the way this expressed itself through challenging behaviour such as aggression or anxiety. Initially, Jade attended BB4K’s BOOST Self-esteem group, which is a 10-week online series run by the BB4K team. The workshop is for parents and covers topics such as confidence, self-worth, trusting your own judgement, and not blaming yourself. Jade then took part in the BB4K Under 5s programme with her daughter Hanna, who was three years old at the time. Hanna was struggling with her emotions and would easily become aggressive, and the course enabled her to better understand and manage her emotions and develop empathy. She was able to understand that it is okay to be angry and learned ways to express her anger without hurting others. One year on, she now has a much better understanding of other people and can talk through her feelings and let out her anger in other ways rather than lashing out. Following this course, Jade’s five-year-old son Lucas was offered play therapy by the BB4K team. Lucas has autism and other health conditions that would have made it difficult to participate in group work. He was experiencing anxiety and did not like to be separated from his mum, and his confidence was very low. Since starting the play therapy sessions, Jade has seen a noticeable improvement in his confidence and lower levels of anxiety. Lucas is no longer frightened by as many noises and has felt confident enough to participate in after-school clubs and try new activities. The play therapy sessions are still ongoing, and Jade is very pleased with the progress Lucas has been making. Jade was also seeking support for her eldest son, Milo. She observed that he had become distant and withdrawn, which was out of character, and she was struggling to bond with him. BB4K invited Jade and Milo to attend their Heart to Heart programme, which is a series of sessions for parents and children with a focus on developing positive and healthy parent-child relationships, improving children’s self-esteem, and validating and empowering parents to meet their children’s needs. Milo was anxious and over-excited when the group began, which was expressed in disruptive behaviour. The team managed this well and throughout the sessions, Milo’s behaviour improved and he was able to participate in a calm manner and better communicate his feelings. He was more able to talk to his mum about the topics covered in the group, and by the end of the course, Jade observed that he had returned to his bubbly, full-of-life self. His school also reported that he was much happier and more confident in class. The most significant difference Jade noticed was the improvement in their relationship. During the last joint session of Heart to Heart, Milo said “I love you” back to his mum, which was the first time he had said this in a long time. This was a really powerful moment for Jade and, since the course ended, her bond with Milo has continued to strengthen. Jade said she found the whole experience of receiving support from BB4K to be life-changing: “The team at BB4K are all worth their weight in gold. The support we received was incredible. I went from such a dark place where we were literally just getting by each day and dealing with all the trauma and chaos that comes with leaving such a toxic environment, to rebuilding myself as a parent and helping the children to also recover from their experiences and their own trauma and rebuild relationships with them. I’m not a perfect parent, but I’m a much happier one, and there’s no way I could have done it without all the support and advice from BB4K… There just aren’t enough words to show how grateful I am.” *\* Names changed for confidentiality* ## The children are all achieving incredible things at school and doing after school activities, but most of all they’re just enjoying every minute of their childhood in such a more relaxed and happy environment. Jade, mum of three ## I find I don’t compare myself to other parents anymore (well not as often), I’m more relaxed about the things that don’t matter like housework and make more time for the children. Jade, mum of three ## Help more families like Jade’s With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse [Donate today](/support-us/make-a-donation/)  --- ## Supporters ### [Matt](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/matt/) **Published:** September 7, 2026 **Author:** Mollie Potter **Excerpt:** Since adopting his two boys through PACT in 2020, Matt has generously shared his time and experience to support others considering adoption. **Content:** This month we are delighted to recognise a super supporter who has been generously sharing his time and experience since adopting his two boys with PACT in 2020. After such a positive experience throughout the adoption process, Matt felt strongly that he wanted to give something back to the charity that helped build his family. By speaking at adoption events, supporting fundraising activities, and sharing his family’s story through [CATCH](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-support/catch/) and social media, he has become a wonderful advocate for PACT’s work. Matt’s positive and open contributions help prospective adopters understand the complete journey of adoption. His warmth and honesty shine throughout his interactions, offering encouragement, understanding, and reassurance. Sam Ward, PACT’s Events and Engagement Manager, said: “Matt is a brilliant supporter of PACT and we’re pleased to celebrate his overall awesomeness! He brings such genuine care and insight to everything he does. By sharing his family’s lived experience, he helps others feel informed, supported, and hopeful. We are incredibly grateful for the time and heart he gives to PACT.” Matt said: “After my husband and I had such a positive experience adopting our two boys with PACT, giving back felt natural and important to me. Sharing a positive and realistic picture of adoption is my way of supporting the charity that gave (and continues to give) our family so much.” Matt, thank you so much for everything you do to support PACT. Your enthusiasm and commitment shines through everything you do. Congratulations on being our Supporter of the Month! If Matt’s story has inspired you to think about adoption, we’d love to hear from you. Like Matt and many other PACT adopters, we are passionate about helping more children find loving, permanent families. Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or ready to begin your journey, our friendly enquiries team is here to help. Find out more and get in touch through our [adoption enquiry page](https://www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Phil and Ginnie](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/phil-and-ginnie/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** This month, we are delighted to celebrate Friends of PACT, Phil and Ginnie, as our Supporters of the Month, in appreciation of their incredible loyalty and generosity over more than 25 years. **Content:** This month, we are delighted to celebrate Friends of PACT, Phil and Ginnie, as our Supporters of the Month, in appreciation of their incredible loyalty and generosity over more than 25 years. Phil and Ginnie first connected with us in the late 1990s when they adopted their two children through PACT. Like many adoptive families, their journey has included both joyful moments and challenges, but they are immensely proud of the adults their children have become. Reflecting on their connection to PACT, Phil and Ginnie said: “Our connection to PACT goes back to the late 1990s when we adopted our two children through the organisation, which was so life-changing for us all in a very positive way. There have of course been challenges along the way; we are, however, very proud of the adults they have become.” Over the years, Phil and Ginnie have remained committed supporters of PACT through their annual donations as Friends of PACT. Although they moved away from the local area and were no longer able to attend events or offer practical support, they remained committed to helping other families access the services and support that meant so much to their own. They explained: “Being a Friend of PACT and making a regular donation each year was our way of giving something back to the charity that supported our family through the adoption process and beyond. We have been very happy to support PACT’s work with all kinds of families.” Julie, PACT’s Events and Supporter Engagement Assistant, said: “Phil and Ginnie’s support over more than two decades has been truly remarkable. Regular giving is one of the most powerful ways to support PACT’s work, helping us continue to provide vital, life-changing support. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to thank them for everything they have done for PACT over the years.” Thank you, Phil and Ginnie, for your dedication, kindness and unwavering support of PACT. We are delighted to recognise you as this month’s Supporters of the Month and to celebrate the difference you have made to so many lives. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Friend of PACT, please email or [sign up](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/) here. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [The Boundary Players](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/the-boundary-players/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** The Boundary Players are our Supporters of the Month! The Boundary Players are an amateur dramatics company based at the William Penney Theatre in Aldermaston. **Content:** The Boundary Players are our Supporters of the Month! The Boundary Players are an amateur dramatics company based at the William Penney Theatre in Aldermaston. Formed in 1952, the Boundary Players aim to put on a selection of plays throughout the year, their latest being Funny Money. We first met the Boundary Players when they kindly supported our science show with AWE in 2024, and they have supported us ever since with collections from their patrons. They said: “Boundary Players are happy to help PACT and its mission to provide support in all aspects of adoption. Their work is amazing.” Sarah, PACT’s Community Fundraiser, said: “We really value their continuing support and the generosity of their patrons, so it’s a huge thank you from us – you are all superstars!” If you’d like to see what their next production is head to: [www.boundaryplayers.co.uk](https://www.boundaryplayers.co.uk) Could your organisation support us through fundraising and help us to transform lives? Please contact Sarah for further information: [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Cormac Doyle](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/cormac-doyle/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Holly England-Archibald **Excerpt:** Cormac has shown incredible dedication to PACT over the past two years, taking on not just one but three marathons in support of our work. **Content:** Cormac has shown incredible dedication to PACT over the past two years, taking on not just one but three marathons in support of our work. First selected as a Team PACT member for the 2025 London Marathon, Cormac raised more than £2,700 through his PACT charity place. This year, he won places in the ballot for both the Manchester and London Marathons, completing both events over consecutive weekends, bringing his total across all events to a remarkable £4,268. Cormac first connected with PACT in 2021 when, after a long and emotional journey, he and his wife Kate were matched with their two daughters. Since then, PACT has remained close to his family’s heart, and his fundraising efforts have been a powerful way of giving back. Reflecting on his motivation, Cormac said: “I’m incredibly proud to have completed both the Manchester and London Marathons in support of PACT this year, raising money for a charity that has had a truly life-changing impact on our family. PACT is quite simply amazing. The work they do is truly remarkable, and I will forever be grateful for their role in bringing our family together.” “Wearing the PACT running vest meant more to me than just kit – it was a privilege and a symbol of the support that helped our girls, and us as parents, to become a family. The blisters were absolutely worth it!” Taking on two marathons in just eight days was no small feat, but Cormac’s determination never wavered. His young daughters followed his journey closely, cheering him on from the sidelines and giving him the motivation to push through the toughest moments. He added: “Even at their young age, our daughters understood why I was running, and seeing them racing around the course trying to spot me kept me at different mile markers kept me going when the legs started to question my decisions. My highlight was turning onto The Mall and seeing them all there, cheering, smiling and sharing that moment with me – a memory I’ll carry forever.” Julie, PACT’s Events and Supporter Engagement Assistant, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to support Cormac both last year and again this year. His commitment, energy, and positivity have been incredible, and the dedication he’s shown to PACT is truly inspiring. We are so grateful for the time and effort he has given – and I very much hope we’ll see him back wearing a PACT vest in the future!” Thank you for all your hard work, Cormac, helping us continue to support families at some of the most important moments in their lives. Congratulations for being this month’s Supporter of the Month! If you’d like to take on the London Marathon or another challenge event in support of PACT, we would love to hear from you. Please email to find out more and start your fundraising journey. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Amelia Selley](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/amelia-selley/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Julie **Excerpt:** Amelia has been an exceptional volunteer since April 2025, supporting Alana House and PACT events. **Content:** Amelia was a second-year law student at the University of Reading when she first enquired about a voluntary role with PACT. She joined us in April 2025 as a Custody and Court Volunteer, and from the outset it was clear that her sensitivity and empathy helped her quickly build trusting relationships with women experiencing very difficult circumstances. Alongside this role, Amelia completed a 75-hour placement at Alana House, where she provided invaluable support to the team. In addition to her frontline work, Amelia also supported PACT at fundraising events and became a passionate and knowledgeable ambassador for our work. Reflecting on her experience, Amelia said: “I chose to support PACT as it is truly such an amazing charity, and very unique in its purpose. Supporting women while facing the most difficult situations of their life is so important and crucial in today’s tough society. I’ll be forever grateful for the team at Alana House for a great opportunity. Supporting the brilliant ladies who run the team has been a true privilege.” Maisie, from the Alana House team, said: “Amelia has been an incredible support to Alana House and the women we work with. From her first day, she has been proactive, confident, helpful, and most importantly, passionate about supporting women. She has spoken with and met many women, completed referrals, and helped ensure they are now receiving ongoing support from Alana House keyworkers. This demonstrates the impact of her work. “Even after her placement ended, Amelia continued to support Alana House while balancing university and travelling home, something we really appreciate. Her dedication has been invaluable, and we are very sorry to see her go. Thank you so much, Amelia!” Sarah, PACT’s Community Fundraiser, also highlighted Amelia’s wider impact: “Amelia is an excellent volunteer with an experience base that really adds to the events we attended. She is also enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the work PACT does. Working with Ameila has been a treat.” Chris, PACT’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, added: “Amelia will be returning home to Devon at the end of May and will be greatly missed by us all. We wish her success in her chosen career and a happy and bright future.” If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with PACT, there are so many ways to get involved. Please email to start the conversation. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Georgina Woods](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/georgina-woods/) **Published:** April 13, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** For over a year, Georgina has generously volunteered her time to run the weekly sewing group at Alana House, creating a welcoming space where women can connect, learn new skills, and grow in confidence. **Content:** For over a year, Georgina has generously volunteered her time to run the weekly sewing group at Alana House, creating a welcoming space where women can connect, learn new skills, and grow in confidence. Georgina said: “I’ve always loved sewing and after running a few group sessions for friends realised that it was an unpressurised way for people to chat and make things. A friend suggested I volunteer at Alana House and I’ve been doing it for about a year now. “We make all sorts of things – lavender bags, bean bags from sofa covers, cushions for VW vans, clothes, amazing wall hangings, bags and hats. Women come saying they can’t sew but find that with a bit of encouragement they are off and taking things home to sew. I love the humour and the support within the group and the realisation that they can make something. We go by the mantra that there are no mistakes in sewing, just different ways of getting there!” One of the group’s most recent projects is especially close to our hearts. They’ve been creating an eye-catching banner for PACT supporters to take to this year’s London Marathon, helping Team PACT runners spot their cheer squad on the day. It’s a wonderful way for a little part of Alana House to be there in London, cheering our runners on! 💜 The impact of the group is best seen through the experiences of those who attend. One member of the sewing group shared: “I love Alana House. It’s a very supportive and friendly environment. I love the sewing group because it’s helped me to come back online after a period of stress to connect to people and learn the skill of sewing to help boost my confidence. Before I couldn’t leave the house!” Georgie, Alana House Administrator, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Georgina for the time, care, and energy she brings every single week. The sewing group is a lifeline for many women, and the feedback we receive speaks volumes about the positive impact she makes.” Well done for all the amazing work you’re doing, Georgina. We are delighted to celebrate you as our Supporter of the Month! Lord Timpson recently visited Alana House to announce a £32m national investment in trauma-informed support for women. Click [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/news-pact-welcomes-32m-investment-in-trauma-informed-support-for-women/) to read more. If you would like to read more about the team taking part in this year’s London Marathon, please click [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/london-marathon-runners/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Sangita and Dean](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/sangita-and-dean/) **Published:** March 25, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** This month, we are delighted to recognise and celebrate two of our wonderful, dedicated trustees as our Supporters of the Month. **Content:** This month, we are delighted to recognise and celebrate two of our wonderful, dedicated trustees as our Supporters of the Month. As they step down from their roles, we would like to thank Sangita and Dean for the time, expertise and passion they have given to PACT. Their commitment has made a lasting difference, and we are deeply grateful for everything they have contributed. Sangita reflected: “As a trustee, I find joy in using my skills and experience to support a charity that transforms lives. Knowing that our decisions help create stable, nurturing families is truly rewarding. I have loved my time at PACT.” Dean said: “I chose to support PACT as a trustee, as I have always believed that children deserve the best start in life. Having been with PACT for nearly four years, I realise PACT not only finds forever homes for children, which in itself creates goosebumps, it also leads the way in trauma recovery services for women and children. The team at PACT are one of the most inspiring teams I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Their passion and determination to do the right thing, makes them very special. This is an outstanding organisation in every sense.” Natausha van Vliet, PACT’s Chief Executive, said: “Our trustees give so much behind the scenes to ensure PACT can flourish. Dean and Sangita have brought wisdom, compassion and unwavering dedication to their roles. Their guidance has strengthened PACT in countless ways, and we are deeply grateful to them both for all they have done and achieved.” Thank you so much, Sangita and Dean, and congratulations on being this month’s Supporters of the Month! If you’re inspired by the dedication of trustees like Dean and Sangita and would like to help PACT with its life-changing work, there are many meaningful ways to get involved. Find out how you can support us today by clicking [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Sally, Alana House volunteer](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/sally-alana-house-volunteer/) **Published:** February 25, 2022 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Sally has been volunteering at Alana House for three years, supporting the team with all sorts of behind-the-scenes tasks. Her help has been invaluable both to the team and the women Alana House supports... **Content:** Sally has been volunteering at Alana House for three years. She came across the opportunity on the Reading Voluntary Action website and after speaking with PACT’s HR Manager, it was suggested that her experience in the NHS and the education sector would be a good fit for the work of Alana House. Sally spends most of her volunteering time supporting the Alana House team with all sorts of behind-the-scenes tasks, helping the many groups and activities run smoothly for the women. Sally has also been involved in several major Alana House events. Last summer, she was involved in the Open Garden fundraiser where over 100 guests came together to celebrate and support Alana House in the beautiful gardens of Haines Hill, Twyford. She said about the event: *“The day was just brilliant, not just with sunshine, but in so many ways – the generously gifted opportunity to use the gardens and grounds was a real validation of the abilities of the service users at Alana House, and for many people, including our guests, it was their first opportunity to meet friends again for many months. It was just one of those days that was as much about raising people up as it was about raising money!”* Another highlight from last year was the opportunity Sally had to attend a thank you event for charity volunteers at Ascot Racecourse, organised by Berkshire Community Foundation. She attended the event with PACT CEO Natausha van Vliet and enjoyed a day of sunshine, cakes and even a chance to meet Prince Edward! (Sally and Natausha are pictured above overlooking the racecourse.) [You can read about her day at the races here.](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-royal-ascot-event/) Sally is currently helping Alana House to organise their next event, a service at Reading Minster to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event promises to be a fantastic celebration of the strength of women together, with readings, performances and reflections from service users, local groups and individuals such as the Mayor of Reading and Reading Rock Choir. Sally said about her experience of volunteering with PACT: *“One of the strengths of PACT that always comes to mind when people ask me about the organisation is that they really understand the volunteering role, and how to make the most of the opportunity for both volunteers and staff. I think the fact that there are many volunteers here, and many who have been here a long time, speaks volumes about how embedded we feel in our different roles and how much we feel part of the organisation. Something I always feel in and around our workplace is a real generosity of spirit – no-one is an outsider – and I think our service users must feel that too.”* Sally’s help has been invaluable over the last few years, both to the team and the women Alana House supports. Thank you Sally for all you do to support Alana House: you are a PACT superstar! If you were inspired by Sally’s story you can make a donation to Alana House [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/ "click here") or find out more about Alana House’s work [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/ "this page"). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Stuart Hogarth and Sindlesham Masonic Lodge No 8293](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/stuart-hogarth-and-sindlesham-masonic-lodge-no-8293/) **Published:** February 9, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** We’re delighted to celebrate the incredible support of Stuart Hogarth and Sindlesham Masonic Lodge No 8293 who raised an amazing £3240 for us. **Content:** We’re delighted to celebrate the incredible support of Stuart Hogarth and Sindlesham Masonic Lodge No 8293 who raised an amazing £3240 for us. Stuart told us more: “As part of our year raising money, we ran various raffles to raise funds and had donations from our own Lodge as well as the Berkshire Masonic Golfers who donated £500 from their golf days and COSTCO who gave £150. The final event of the year was a charity ball where there was a raffle and an auction, we were lucky to have some local companies and organisations donate prizes for us to auction off. These included: a signed Reading football, Nirvana Spa vouchers, family tickets to Marvellous Festival, meals at a local Bahgecha Indian restaurant in Burghfield Common, lane rental at Gravelly Bridge Shooting Range and tickets for a day at Newbury races. All prizes supplied by the organisations mentioned. The generosity of these local companies was fantastic, and we were very grateful for their support, as well as the support of the Freemasons and other guests that attended the ball and purchased the items for the charity as well as all those who bought raffle tickets throughout the year.” Stuart and his colleagues James Graham and Darren Smith also took the time to visit us at Alana House to see first-hand how we change lives and answer questions from the women who we support about how they fundraised for us. The women found their chat both interesting and inspiring. Stuart said: “Our Lodge chose to support PACT as our charity for the year partly due to knowing someone who worked for the charity, but mainly due to work the charity does to support families and vulnerable children in the local area. A local charity was important to us, and we felt that PACT was a good fit with the range of different services it offers.” Support from Stuart and organisations like Sindlesham Masonic Lodge is so important to us. Our programmes Alana House, Bounce Back 4 Kids and Adoption Support receive no statutory funding and every penny needed to run these transformational projects must be fundraised for. Without the support of kind people like Stuart and his colleagues we would not be able to continue to help people to recover from trauma and abuse. He really is a super star. Could your organisation fundraise for us and help us to transform lives? If it can, and you would like to get started, please email PACT’s Community Fundraiser Sarah: . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Kim Gelling, PACT trustee and marathon runner](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/kim-gelling-pact-trustee-and-marathon-runner/) **Published:** May 31, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Kim Gelling has been part of PACT’s executive board since 2020 and is the lead trustee for marketing. Like all our trustees, she generously donates her time and expertise to govern PACT’s operations and helps us bring about the best outcomes for those who use our services. **Content:** Kim Gelling has been part of PACT’s executive board since 2020 and is the lead trustee for marketing. Like all our trustees, she generously donates her time and expertise to govern PACT’s operations and helps us bring about the best outcomes for those who use our services. Kim brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to PACT’s board through her previous roles in sales and marketing at L’Oreal and Ella’s Kitchen. In April 2023, Kim was one of seven runners who pledged to complete the TCS London Marathon in support of PACT. A keen runner, Kim had previously completed marathons in Berlin and Barcelona before having children, and jumped at the chance to run again, this time for PACT. Kim set herself the target of raising £2,000 and shared her fundraising page with friends and family to ask for their support. In the lead up to the race, she hosted a fundraising quiz which was attended by more than 100 people, raising a significant amount of money and awareness for PACT. On race day, she completed the marathon with a fantastic time of 3 hours 43 minutes and, on top of that, raised over £4,500 which was more than double her target! Kim said: “I felt so privileged to be raising money for PACT – everyone was pleased to help me raise money for such a worthwhile and deserving cause. Knowing each of my strides pounding the pavement in London contributed to PACT’s fundraising was really motivating! The marathon was an amazing event, the lift from the crowds all the way along the route was brilliant! Thank you for the opportunity!” Thank you so much Kim for your amazing fundraising efforts and your ongoing support of PACT’s work; you are a PACT superstar! If you have been inspired by our marathon runners and would like to take part next year, you can [click here to apply for one of our guaranteed charity places](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/london-marathon-individual-places/). If you are interested in supporting our work in another way, [find out more about fundraising for us](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/). If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Broadlight Group](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/broadlight-group/) **Published:** January 21, 2026 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Broadlight Group whose staff are such super supporters of our Fifty to the Max challenge. **Content:** This month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Broadlight Group whose staff are such super supporters of our [Fifty to the Max](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2Fsupport-us%2Ffundraise-for-us%2Ffifty-to-the-max%2F&data=05|02|Julie.MacLean%40pactcharity.org|ddbb12c05ac04373f20708de580b8ff1|8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481|0|0|639045003908810538|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D|0|||&sdata=WY53j4JqxfeAjv0mzk1gljnjvXhBJqgrNDkbXlFY5xM%3D&reserved=0) challenge. Broadlight Group is a UK-based collective of specialist B2B marketing agencies united by the belief that marketing should drive business growth. Together, its agencies deliver sales outreach, SEO, PPC, lead generation and website services to ambitious start-ups, scale-ups and larger enterprises. Broadlight brings together teams including Generate UK (full-service digital marketing), incite (sales outreach and lead generation), Chillibyte (SEO and web build), Pixal (PPC) combining deep expertise across channels to orchestrate growth-focused campaigns. Broadlight works with clients across sectors from technology and professional services to manufacturing. Each year Broadlight Group have embraced our popular fundraising challenge, [Fifty to the Max](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max/), to turn £50 into £500, raising a total of £1,418 to support our vital work with children, women and families. They also took part in our Reverse Advent calendar over Christmas and collected vital items for our services. Kate Steel, Operations Director said: “We’re proud to support the work of PACT, whose commitment to supporting adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents is so vital. Everyone in the team is happy to take part, and PACT make it easy to do so. By helping to fundraise through cake sales, raffles, donations and team activities, we’re able to play a small part in supporting their truly worthwhile services.” Thank you so much for your amazing energy and outstanding fundraising efforts, Broadlight Group. We’re delighted to celebrate you as our Supporter of the Month! To find out more about Fifty to the Max and how to take part, click [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Jackie](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/jackie/) **Published:** November 20, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Jackie is a wonderful volunteer who has been part of the HR team for over three years. **Content:** Jackie is a wonderful volunteer who has been part of the HR team for over three years. It was originally Jackie’s husband, [Terry](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/terry-dixon-reading-tour-guide/), who encouraged her to volunteer with PACT and together they have generously given many hours of support and time to the organisation. Jackie worked with HMRC for many years, so has a methodical and meticulous mind which lends itself brilliantly to some of the work she does. Her involvement with the establishment of a new HR system has been invaluable. On a personal level, Jackie is totally reliable and conscientious, and very much a part of the team. She attends team meetings and social events and is a dedicated ambassador for PACT. As if this isn’t enough, attendees of our Reading’s Big Quiz in October will recognise Jackie as the person who calmly totted up all the teams’ scores! Christine Roe, PACT’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “Jackie epitomises the value of a volunteer by freely giving her time, experience and skills to support others. We look forward to her joining us each week and would be lost without her. She is a PACT superstar!” Jackie said: ”I am overwhelmed at being chosen as Supporter of the Month as I don’t think I do anything amazing. I love my days spent in the HR team at PACT even when I spend hours on spreadsheets. The team have always been very welcoming and supportive and treated me as one of the team from my very first day. “PACT is a wonderful charity working to find forever homes for children that need it as well as [Alana House](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/) supporting women in many different ways. I especially love the work they do for women and children from abusive relationships as I was previously in an abusive relationship and would have loved to have the support they provide back then. “Along with my husband, Terry, we are looking forward to continuing to support this wonderful charity for many years to come in as many ways as we can.” Thank you so much, Jackie, for all that you do for PACT. You are a very worthy recipient of Supporter of the Month! If you would like to learn more about volunteering with PACT, please get in touch by emailing . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Project Linus](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/project-linus/) **Published:** October 23, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** It is the mission of Project Linus UK to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children, who are sick, disabled, disadvantaged or distressed by donating gifts of unique, homemade, washable quilts and blankets, lovingly made by UK volunteer knitters and quilters. **Content:** This month, the Supporters of the Month are the amazing volunteers from [Project Linus](https://projectlinusuk.org.uk/)! It is the mission of Project Linus UK to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children, who are sick, disabled, disadvantaged or distressed by donating gifts of unique, homemade, washable quilts and blankets, lovingly made by UK volunteer knitters and quilters. For over six years, their incredible volunteers have been creating beautiful handmade quilts for children supported by [Bounce Back for Kids](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/) (BB4K). BB4K is a trauma-informed programme that uses therapeutic techniques to support children who have been affected by domestic abuse. These blankets are far more than just blankets they are symbols of safety, comfort, and care. Each quilt is thoughtfully made to offer children a sense of warmth and security, which is essential in helping them rebuild trust and emotional connection. When shared between parent and child, the quilt becomes a tool for nurturing attachment, encouraging closeness, and supporting healing conversations. It can serve as a gentle reminder that they are not alone, and that recovery is possible together. These quilts are a tangible expression of compassion and hope, helping families feel seen, supported, and held as they move through their healing journey. Panda, BB4K Service Lead, said: “At the end of a BB4K programme, each child receives their own, unique quilt hand made. These quilts help the children and parents to have a physical reminder of the growth they have shared and the attachment they have improved or formed. We are incredibly grateful to everyone from Project Linus who has taken the time to make these beautiful quilts. So many hours of hard work and dedication have gone into making these beautiful keepsakes, which are now treasured by the hundreds of children and families we’ve supported.” Lillian from Berkshire Project Linus said: “ We chose to support PACT/BB4K because we know how much their support and therapeutic training helps the children and young people that are referred to BB4Ks programme. Their vital work makes a difference to those who have experienced domestic violence. We hope our handmade quilts will bring some comfort at a difficult time. Our volunteers send a “hug in a quilt” to each and every one of them. Keep up this important work!” Thank you so much to everyone who has supported this wonderful work so far. We’re delighted to recognise you as this month’s PACT super star Supporters of the Month! Please click [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteers/) to learn more about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available at PACT! [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Cheam School](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/cheam-school/) **Published:** September 22, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Cheam has chosen PACT as their Charity of the Year for two consecutive academic years, and their fundraising efforts have been truly inspiring. **Content:** [Cheam](https://www.cheamschool.co.uk/) is a prep school guided by the values of *curious minds, kind hearts and community spirit*, with a strong sense of togetherness and a commitment to nurturing kindness, responsibility and service. Cheam has chosen PACT as their Charity of the Year for two consecutive academic years, and their fundraising efforts have been truly inspiring. In the first year of our partnership, Cheam raised an incredible £30,000 through a series of exciting events. These included a Christmas Fair that brought together families, pupils and local businesses for a festive day of shopping and seasonal cheer; an ambitious Art Exhibition showcasing creative work from every pupil and raising funds through an auction of work from established artists; and a sports-themed quiz night hosted by International footballer Sol Campbell, which was a lively evening of friendly competition, with teams from across the school community coming together to test their knowledge and raise money in a fun and engaging way. Victoria Edgington, Cheam Foundation Director, said: “As a school, we chose to support PACT because its work with adoptive families and children resonates deeply with our values of care, inclusion and community. Partnering with such a local charity has not only enabled us to raise vital funds but has also sparked meaningful conversations within our school about family, resilience and belonging. This experience has brought the Cheam community together – pupils, staff and families alike – uniting us around a shared purpose and giving us the joy of seeing how our efforts can make a real difference close to home. We are proud to be supporting PACT.” We’re so grateful to the Cheam School community for their continued support and enthusiasm. Their efforts are making a real difference to the families we support. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Lorraine](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/lorraine/) **Published:** August 12, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Lorraine has been running her own yoga business in Berkshire for the last ten years. In June, Lorraine raised a generous £350 for Alana House by donating class fees and taking donations... **Content:** This August, PACT is celebrating Lorraine as our Supporter of the Month. Always busy and active, Lorraine has been running her own yoga business in Berkshire for the last ten years. [Mybodymyyoga](https://mybodymyoga.co.uk/) offers one-to-one sessions, classes and fabulous retreats. Lorraine said, “The yoga sessions are very accessible to all and we are passionate about everyone being able to benefit from the breathwork, movement and meditation techniques.” Check them out! Lorraine told us how she found about PACT: “Every year we select a charity to support on a fundraising week and this year we chose Alana House Women’s Community Project. One of our regular yoga students brought the project to our attention after having volunteered on behalf of the project for some time. They were very enthusiastic about the positive impacts that are achieved for the vulnerable women and families needing the services of Alana House.” In June, Lorraine raised a generous £350 by donating class fees and taking additional donations from students. Some of the students even generously increased their donation when they heard about the Alana House coffee machine breaking. Lorraine said: “At the time we committed to supporting Alana House, we were advised how this formed a vital part of the community café that is run by and for the women who access Alana. We were further encouraged to raise that bit more than usual to help replace the machine, enabling Alana House to train people to become baristas and serve coffee when the café is open.” Through Lorraine’s support, the Alana House café is once again able to serve delicious coffees to the women who access Alana House and its regular visitors. More importantly the café is able to provide the barista training to women ready to get back into work. Safiya, one of the Alana House team, said: “The community café provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where service users can build connections which helps to reduce social isolation and promote a sense of belonging among the women who run it and attend it. The café is managed by service users with the support of staff and volunteers. Through barista training, the baristas have gained valuable skills, increased their confidence, and has helped them to take meaningful steps towards personal and professional growth.” When asked what they thought of the new coffee machine, our Alana House baristas said: “The newly purchased coffee grinder makes coffee-making a breeze, from its quiet function to perfectly ground coffee. It minimises waste and has helped to make even better coffees than before. We love it!” In response to being our Supporter of the Month, Lorraine said: “We felt very humbled but excited to be nominated as PACT’s Supporter of the Month! We were just pleased to be able to help such a worthwhile charity and cause and play a small part in creating some hope for families.” PACT is blown away by Lorraine, her team and their students’ kindness, effort and donation and we give Lorraine a huge thanks for all she’s done to help PACT continue to make a difference. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Jason](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/jason/) **Published:** July 3, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Jason has taken on not one but two extremely challenging events to raise vital funds to support PACT’s work: running the London Marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. **Content:** Jason is a super supporter of PACT and an inspiration to us all. He has taken on not one but two extremely challenging events to raise vital funds to support PACT’s work: running the London Marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Jason said: “I chose to fundraise for PACT because I’m truly passionate about the charity’s mission. The work they do to support vulnerable children and families through adoption and therapeutic services is life-changing. Every child deserves a loving, secure home, and I’m proud to support a charity that makes that possible.” “Running the London Marathon is something I absolutely love and I’ve now taken it on three times. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere, the crowds, and the sense of unity that London brings. It’s my favourite marathon by far.” “Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was a completely different kind of challenge. I wanted to push myself in a new way – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Taking on both challenges in the same year felt like a bold way to celebrate with my 50th birthday.” Both events required a great deal of preparation, training and determination. Jason explained: “For the marathon, I followed a structured training plan, building up to 40-mile weeks with long runs up to 20 miles. Training for Kilimanjaro was all about hiking and getting used to the kit and conditions.” Jason said that both challenges were “emotional and unforgettable”. He added: “My first ever marathon ended in tears of joy (and pain, woefully under prepared – I have learned with age), and Kilimanjaro matched that – especially on summit day.” “Every day on the mountain was a challenge, but the summit day was brutal. Most of the group were in their 20s, and I really felt the difference. On summit night we were hit by a snowstorm at 10pm, and at 11pm we were up getting dressed to go. I hadn’t eaten much the day before due to the altitude and couldn’t manage breakfast either. When we stepped outside, the ground that had been clear was now shin-deep in snow.” “We set off slowly, and got slower, but managed to reach all the summits, including Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. I was completely out of energy by the Uhuru and still had to get back down. When I finally saw the helipad near basecamp, I confess to a few tears driven by happiness and absolute exhaustion—I think I also knew at this point I could be rescued if I really needed it! But that wasn’t the end of the day. After a quick tea and cake, we had another three-hour hike to the next camp down. In all it was a 14-hour day – physically and mentally exhausting, but absolutely worth it.” When asked what kept him motivated to keep going, Jason explained: “I could not have completed these challenges without the amazing support and encouragement of my wonderful family who encouraged me all the way. Alongside my strong mind and a sense of achievement, knowing I was doing this for the support of PACT also kept me going. All my friends, colleagues and guides kept me focused and provided company on my journey and during time on the mountain, I am especially grateful to Invesco, my workplace, for doubling the money I raised.” Jason said that he felt “incredibly honoured” to be named PACT’s Supporter of the Month. “I didn’t do this for recognition, but it means a lot to be acknowledged by a charity I care deeply about. I felt proud to lift the PACT flag at the summit of Kilimanjaro and to run my second London Marathon for them. These are moments I’ll never forget.” “A huge thank you to everyone who supported me – through sponsorships, kind words, training company, and encouragement. And of course, thank you to PACT for all the support you provided along the way.” “I’ve definitely caught the bug for more adventures – more marathons for sure, and now I’ve got my sights set on Everest Base Camp and Machu Picchu. Onwards and upwards!” Jason encourages others to take on their personal challenges to fundraise for PACT: “Go for it! Taking on a challenge for PACT gives everything you do a deeper meaning. Whether it’s a marathon, a mountain, or something else, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve – and you’ll be helping to change lives at the same time. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done and knowing you are doing it for PACT keeps your commitment there on the tough days.” We would like to thank Jason again for the incredible time, effort and commitment he has put into fundraising for PACT. We are delighted to name him Supporter of the Month. Jason, you are an absolute superstar! If you’ve been inspired by Jason’s story, check out our [fundraising page](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2Fsupport-us%2Ffundraise-for-us%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJulie.MacLean%40pactcharity.org%7C2b46ee6f1a64439ca82108ddb7e8b583%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C638868932312432776%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zvEQB7IwjIAhxhxb%2BYlpJT%2FsHzyJkU2DxujILnjFeT0%3D&reserved=0) for plenty of fundraising ideas. From bakes sales to collecting birthday donations or a life-changing challenge of your choosing, there are plenty of ways for everyone to support PACT, make a positive difference and change lives. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Jane](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/jane/) **Published:** June 4, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Jane is an incredible volunteer who, for ten years, has dedicated many hours of her time, care and skills to Alana House. **Content:** Jane is an incredible volunteer who, for ten years, has dedicated many hours of her time, care and skills to Alana House. Jane decided to volunteer at Alana House because: “I could recognise the impact that Alana House has in supporting women in crisis in a holistic way – it really makes a difference to their lives. I have always felt supported by the amazing team at Alana House, which helps me to volunteer with confidence and develop more skills.” Since 2015, Jane has taken on a wide range of voluntary roles at Alana House, including: - Co-facilitating groups including Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit, Sexual Violence Recovery Toolkit and Healing Trauma - Being a support assistant for Alana House, holding a small caseload of women and providing holistic, emotional and practical support - Attending and helping with events at Alana House, including Christmas events, summer days out and the Alana House Community Café Lynda, Alana House’s Team Leader, said: “Jane is an absolute joy to work alongside. We have run a number of groups together and each time I am able to focus on the main facilitation of the material, confident in the knowledge that Jane has everything else covered! Her warm empathic approach provides a welcome and safe environment to the women, some of whom have never undertaken group work before. I look forward to our next group, knowing that Jane makes the dream team!’” Jane’s incredible contribution to Alana House’s group work is evident by what some of the women attending Alana House had to say about her: “Lynda and Jane are lovely and very understanding. I love doing courses with them.” “Please don’t stop this group. We are very happy together here. I love Lynda and Jane. I am very happy here, I love Alana House. This is my second house.” “I wanted to say thank you to Alana House and the team, Lynda and Jane. Love you guys.” Most recently, Jane has been involved in courts and custody voluntary work at Alana House. This project aims to support women involved with (or at risk of being involved with) the Criminal Justice System. Alana House volunteers meet women in police custody suites to share information about Alana House and complete referrals where appropriate. This face-to-face contact, rather than over the phone or by leaflet, hopes to break down the barrier to accessing support. Volunteers also attend courts with women, providing emotional and practical support. Find out more [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house-community/courts-and-custody-suites-services/). Jane’s support for this project is invaluable. She is consistently and reliably available for court appearances and has extensive experience supporting women during court hearings. Jane has also attended meetings with service users and solicitors, ensuring the smooth facilitation of the legal discussions, in preparation for court appearances. Maisie, Alana House’s Lead Administrator and Custody and Courts Volunteer Coordinator, said: “Working with Jane is an absolute pleasure. Her availability to support women, whether in a group, court, or custody, gives us confidence and reassurance. Jane’s trauma-informed approach, passion for supporting women, and reliability make a significant positive impact on women accessing Alana House. I don’t know where we’d be without her, thank you Jane!” When asked how she feels about being nominated as our Supporter of the Month, Jane said: “I feel proud and very flattered to be nominated as Supporter of the Month. It’s a real boost to my confidence and I feel overwhelmed by all the kind words.” There is no doubt that Jane’s support has contributed to the life-changing work that Alana House does. We are very grateful to her – she is a superstar and our Supporter of the Month! If you are interested in volunteering at Alana House, please get in touch by emailing [volunteering@pactcharity.org.](mailto:volunteering@pactcharity.org) [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Pure Gym](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/pure-gym/) **Published:** May 9, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** This month, the three PureGym centres across Reading are encouraging their members to take part in Marathon in May to raise vital funds to support our work. **Content:** PureGym is the largest gym chain in the UK, with over 370 locations nationwide, helping more people in more places lead healthier lives every day. This month, the three PureGym centres across Reading are encouraging their members to take part in Marathon in May to raise vital funds to support our work changing the lives of families, women and children. They held a special mash up charity class on 28th April to raise extra funds and raise awareness of PACT’s work. Marathon in May is our popular fundraising campaign when participants sign up to cover 26 miles over the 31 days of May. Participants can run, walk, cycle or wheel the miles, and can cover the distance individually or with family, colleagues or friends. Marathon in May is back, bigger and better than ever this year, with new options for children, pets and those wishing to cover even more miles. Chloe Matthews, Gym Manager at PureGym in Basingstoke Road Reading, said: “Our PureGym team is excited to be involved in PACT’s Marathon in May challenge! PACT is such a great charity to support, especially for our local community, and I encourage everyone of all ages and abilities to get active and take part in any way they can.” “We will be supporting the challenge in our club and some of our team will personally be taking part too! We are looking forward to our members getting involved and everyone getting fit whilst raising money for a great cause!” We would like to thank everyone at PureGym for their enthusiasm and incredible fundraising efforts. You are all PACT superstars and we are thrilled to name you our Supporter of the Month! Would you like to take part in Marathon in May? Please click [here](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pactcharity.org%2Fsupport-us%2Fmarathon-in-may%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJulie.MacLean%40pactcharity.org%7C47254f866745482633c308dd809bb592%7C8fd74d78b71840f58a2def49ac6d2481%7C0%7C0%7C638808128506951707%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SZ4oo%2FZYIkMIUNknBaNJTwp%2BXVaV67eecuDSy32mVQo%3D&reserved=0) to find out more and to sign up today! We are here to support you every step of the way, including setting your own team fundraising page like PureGym. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [The MERL](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/the-merl/) **Published:** April 7, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** The MERL has supported Alana House in numerous ways. **Content:** The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) in Reading is just five minutes from PACT’s Alana House service and a fantastic neighbour to PACT. The MERL is a vibrant and inclusive community focal point with a fascinating exhibition, great café, lovely shop and a wonderful garden complete with bee-jou bug hotels. Many families and community groups use and enjoy The MERL, including Alana House who have had a rich informal but supportive partnership with The MERL for many years. The MERL has supported Alana House in numerous ways. They generously offered a part of their garden for a celebration viewing of the photographs taken during the PhotoVoice project. The large prints looked amazing dotted about the gardens for people to discover and appreciate. The MERL followed this up with a month of proudly displaying the photographs for all visitors to see. The MERL also helped Alana House through the sales of the fabulous Alana House recipe book, a collection of yummy, easy and favourite dishes shared by the Alana House community. Creating and publishing this book was a fantastic success for the whole of Alana House and seeing the books on The MERL shelves and then in someone’s bag whisked away to a new home and kitchen was thrilling. If you’ve not got a copy you can grab a copy before they’ve gone here: The kind team at The MERL have provided multiple opportunities for women accessing Alana House services to explore and enjoy gardening. Numerous groups have been given raised beds and tools from the shed of dreams. Cathy at The MERL has generously supported the groups with creative ideas and support. They’ve weeded, planted seeds seedlings and cuttings, weeded, thinned out and grown on and potted up, and … weeded. Many in the groups were first-time gardeners and these sessions de-mystified gardening, making it practical and accessible. Time together enjoying the rewards of their work be it flowers or herbs and simply sitting in the peaceful gardens has been priceless. Phillippa at The MERL said: “We are absolutely honoured to be PACT’s Supporter of the Month as a result of our work with Alana House. Our partnership with Alana House is hugely important to all of us at The MERL. Experiences have been so wide-ranging, from collaborating on creative activities, health and wellbeing to gardening programmes. A particularly memorable moment was our photographic project during the pandemic when only meeting outdoors was possible. I remember what a joy it was for us all to reflect and create together at that time. Thank you PACT for all our work together and I look forward to our future collaborations.” Thank you to The MERL for all your support. For any PACT supporters close to Reading who haven’t been to The MERL please do visit, you’re in for a treat! The MERL, what an absolute star you all are. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Welford Park](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/welford-park/) **Published:** October 13, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Welford Park is a beautiful country house and estate set in rural Berkshire. The Puxley family, owners of the estate, have welcomed PACT to the house and grounds several times this year... **Content:** Welford Park is a beautiful country house and estate set in rural Berkshire. The Puxley family, owners of the estate, generously share the house’s history and grounds with visitors and guests at special events throughout the year. In late winter, Welford Park hosts an event each year inviting visitors to view their stunning collection of snowdrops. One of the best places to see snowdrops in the UK, visitors are invited to wander through the woodlands and enjoy the spectacular floral scenery. Earlier this year, Deborah Puxley kindly offered PACT the opportunity to host a stall at the snowdrops events to talk to visitors about our work and help raise awareness of how PACT changes lives in our communities. Last month, Deborah offered PACT the use of Welford Park once again, this time to host a fundraising lunch to support the work of our Bounce Back 4 Kids programme. It was an excellent event made even more special by the stunning location, and we are very grateful to Deborah and her family for their hospitality and their support for our cause. Deborah said: “PACT is an incredible organisation. I am constantly impressed by their new initiatives to combat the effects of domestic abuse and trauma in women and children. It is an honour to be able to support, raise awareness, and witness how PACT changes lives.” Our sincerest thanks to Welford Park and the Puxley family for their generous support. If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Verizon](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/verizon/) **Published:** March 25, 2024 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Verizon, a multinational telecommunications company has been supporting PACT in many ways since January 2023. **Content:** Verizon, a multinational telecommunications company has been supporting PACT in many ways since January 2023. Verizon’s Reading based employees donated much needed items from an Amazon wishlist for PACT’s community projects Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K). Members of the PACT team attended a charity event at Verizon HQ in September 2023 and sold copies of Alana House recipe books. Verizon employees filled more than 100 goody bags with handwritten cards of encouragement and treats for the women who come to Alana House, and for BB4K children. In March 2024, PACT representatives spoke to over 60 employees about the work we do at PACT. Verizon employees kindly donated wellbeing packs for the Alana House service users, more than 320 new children’s books inscribed with messages of hope, a huge box of second hand books, backpacks, and more to follow. Some have enquired about volunteering with PACT and we have already been invited to the next charity event in the autumn to promote PACT’s work. A representative from Verizon said: “As an adoptive father of two and the International Lead for Verizon’s Employee Resource Group for Parents and Caregivers, PACT and its BB4K project are very close to my heart. Storytelling is so powerful and therapeutic for young children, particularly those with traumatic experiences. It was a truly imPACTful event!” We would like to thank the team at Verizon for their amazing ongoing support and are delighted to award them our Supporter of the Month! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [St Mark's Englefield](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/st-marks-englefield/) **Published:** February 23, 2024 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** St Mark’s is a beautiful and welcoming church, set in the Englefield Estate, and has long been a supporter of PACT and the work we do supporting children, women and families. **Content:** [St Mark’s](https://www.stmarksenglefield.org.uk/) is a beautiful and welcoming church, set in the Englefield Estate, and has long been a supporter of PACT and the work we do supporting children, women and families. We were delighted when the congregation of St Mark’s selected us as one of their Christmas charities. Our community fundraiser Sarah went along to their advent service on Sunday 10th December and shared with the congregation what we do in helping people recover from trauma and abuse. She had a very warm welcome and was asked lots of great questions after the service. In January, we were overwhelmed by a donation of £1,000 to support our life-changing programmes such as adoption support, Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids. This donation from St Mark’s was also contributed to by Englefield CE Primary School, a small, loving and inclusive primary school, just outside of Reading. A representative from St Mark’s said: “We are keen to support PACT because we see how they offer vital, local, practical, psycho-social and emotional support to women and families in need. There is a great need for such services.” We would like to thank the congregation and ministry team of St Mark’s for their incredible ongoing support. They are truly wonderful. If your church would like a visit from PACT please email fundraising@pactcharity.org [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Sean and Mac](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/sean-and-mac/) **Published:** August 31, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** 15 years ago, Sean and his wife embarked on a life-changing journey with PACT by becoming parents through adoption. Their family was lovingly expanded when they welcomed their son, Mac, into their arms and hearts. **Content:** 15 years ago, Sean and his wife embarked on a life-changing journey with PACT by becoming parents through adoption. Their family was lovingly expanded when they welcomed their son, Mac, into their arms and hearts. Recognising the invaluable role that PACT played in helping them create their family, Sean and Mac are now committed to giving back to the organisation. To celebrate Mac’s adoption anniversary they run the Blenheim 7K Fun Run every year. Sean started the tradition running it solo in 2018, and now they run it together. They have raised hundreds of pounds to support the work we do in assisting families through the adoption process and beyond. This year they raised £405 by taking part in the race! Sean said: “PACT supported us through a very complex situation for Mac’s adoption and then later linked us to his sister, who we also adopted 5 years later. We will always be eternally grateful and doing these runs feels like a small way to show our appreciation.” We are incredibly grateful to Sean and Mac for their unwavering support, their inspiring journey, and their commitment to making a difference. You embody the spirit of family, love, and community that we hold dear at PACT. You are PACT superstars! If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you would like to fundraise for us,[ click here to find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Russell-Cooke Solicitors ](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/russell-cooke-solicitors/) **Published:** July 25, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Russell-Cooke is a top 100 London-based law firm with over 200 solicitors and lawyers. Their Children and Education Team specialises in children law and represents families and children in family court proceedings. **Content:** Russell-Cooke is a top 100 London-based law firm with over 200 solicitors and lawyers. Their Children and Education Team specialises in children law and represents families and children in family court proceedings. Russell-Cooke first came into contact with PACT at The Fertility Show and subsequently volunteered to share their expertise free of charge to create informative resources for the people PACT supports. In 2022, Russell-Cooke solicitors Samantha Little and James Sandiford hosted a webinar for CATCH, PACT’s online Children And Trauma Community Hub, which supports adoptive parents, foster carers, special guardians and the professionals who work with them. The webinar was created to help adoptive families better understand the legal process of adoption orders and James and Samantha provided resources and support for navigating the complexities of care proceedings. Earlier this year, Russell-Cooke’s team shared their knowledge and skills once again, this time to support parents and their children who have experienced domestic abuse. PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) domestic abuse recovery programme works with children and parents affected by domestic abuse to support them to heal from trauma and move forward with their lives, and part of this support includes online learning resources. Russell-Cooke solicitors Jade Quirke and Natasha Kirke created a video series to help parents understand and navigate children law court proceedings following separation as a result of domestic abuse. Head of Department Sarah Richardson said: “Our Children Law team here at Russell Cooke are delighted to support the important work that PACT continues to do for so many families. By sharing our specialist knowledge we hope to enhance the amazing work PACT do. We look forward to more joint ventures and we are always available to answer your questions.” PACT is incredibly grateful to the team at Russell-Cooke for sharing their time and expertise to create valuable resources that will be a great benefit to those who use our services. Thank you Russell-Cooke; you are PACT superstars! If your company is interested in partnering with PACT or sharing their skills to support our work, find out more [here on our website](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/). If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Readiophonics](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/readiophonics/) **Published:** April 29, 2024 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Readiophonics is an award-winning acapella group based in Reading. When they performed at PACT’s Christmas Carol Concert in December 2023, members of Readiophonics were inspired by the life changing work we do and made us their charity for their Big Gig in March. **Content:** Readiophonics is an award-winning a cappella group based in Reading. When they performed at PACT’s Christmas Carol Concert in December 2023, members of Readiophonics were inspired by the life changing work we do and made us their charity for their Big Gig in March. ‘That’s Christmas to Me’ was one of the many songs included in their Big Gig set-list, and they donned Christmas hats and tinsel to celebrate the PACT families who got to celebrate their first Christmas together. By the end, an amazing £755 was raised to support us. They said: “We, at Readiophonics, were touched by the work that you’ve done in 2023. A lot of our members have young families and we would like to highlight that work in our Big Gig in March.” We would like to thank everyone in Readiophonics for their amazing efforts – you are all stars and are so worthy of being our Supporter of the Month! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at fundraising@pactcharity.org. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Kay, PACT adoptive parent](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/kay-pact-adoptive-parent/) **Published:** April 27, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Kay adopted two children through PACT; her son in 2016 and her daughter in 2021. Both of her children have additional needs: her son has Downs Syndrome and her daughter was born with medical complications. **Content:** Kay adopted two children through PACT; her son in 2016 and her daughter in 2021. Both of her children have additional needs: her son has Downs Syndrome and her daughter was born with medical complications. PACT works hard to recruit, assess and approve adopters for the many children waiting in care who have physical disabilities, learning disabilities or other complex needs, often as a result of negative experiences during pregnancy or their early life. To raise awareness of the need for more adopters for children who wait the longest, Kay kindly agreed to take part in an interview with The One Show. In March, Kay recorded an interview at home with her children to speak about her own experience of adopting. The interview will be airing on The One Show in the coming months. Kay said: *“I gladly did the interview for The One Show, as I felt it was a lovely opportunity to talk about my family and how, despite the challenges, adopting my two gorgeous children is the best thing I’ve ever done.”* Thank you Kay for supporting PACT and helping to raise awareness of this important issue; you are a PACT superstar! If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you would like to get involved in volunteering with PACT, [click here to find out more](/careers/volunteer-with-pact/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [John Lewis & Partners Reading](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/john-lewis-partners-reading/) **Published:** September 30, 2024 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Reading has many wonderful individuals, groups and businesses going out of their way to contribute to the wellbeing of the town’s residents. John Lewis Reading is one of those. **Content:** Reading has many wonderful individuals, groups and businesses going out of their way to contribute to the wellbeing of the town’s residents. John Lewis Reading is one of those. John Lewis & Partners is run in a partnership – it is owned by its employees, with everyone taking responsibility for the company’s success. PACT and Alana House have been supported by partners at John Lewis for many years. Not only has the store nominated us for financial support but they dedicate time to understand the work we do. Partner Shelley regularly visit Alana House to chat with the women who attend. In the past few years John Lewis has given PACT space to promote our work and sell our recipe books and art prints. Partners at John Lewis have donated many items to Alana House service users moving into new homes including bedding, pots, pans and decorative items. Partner Helen said: “John Lewis are always delighted to support Alana House & PACT. The Community Café is a wonderful place to visit. It provides a warm friendly space for women to build relationships and learn new skills. We are always given a wonderful welcome when we visit and the cakes are probably the best in town!” Regular support like this is very special and we are truly grateful for the ongoing care from John Lewis Reading – you are all PACT superstars! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Bobby, eight-year-old volunteer](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/bobby-eight-year-old-volunteer/) **Published:** March 30, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Bobby, aged eight, volunteered to help PACT create support materials for its domestic abuse recovery work by recording resources to help children share their worries... **Content:** Bobby, aged eight, volunteered to help PACT create support materials for its domestic abuse recovery work. Bobby’s mum Panda is the service lead for PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids programme. The programme supports families who are recovering from the trauma of domestic abuse to help them heal and move forward. This work includes online support as well as in-person groups. In February 2023, Panda’s son Bobby kindly helped PACT create a series of child-friendly resources to help children understand their experiences, feel safe and learn new ways to manage their emotions. With help from the PACT team, Bobby expertly recorded three resources: he provided the voiceover for a cartoon explaining domestic abuse to children, he filmed a butterfly hug activity video to help children learn to feel safe and regulate their emotions, and he read a story book together with his mum to encourage children to share their worries. Bobby said: **“I enjoyed making the films. I was nervous but it was fun, especially the butterfly hug. I am glad and proud I am helping other children share worries and be happy.”** Thank you Bobby; you are a PACT superstar! If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you would like to get involved in volunteering with PACT, [click here to find out more](/careers/volunteer-with-pact/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Ashton](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/ashton/) **Published:** May 28, 2024 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Ashton Massey is an outstanding volunteer who has dedicated hours of her time to supporting PACT. **Content:** Ashton Massey is an outstanding volunteer who has dedicated hours of her time to supporting PACT. Ashton first heard of PACT when she performed with the Reading Rock Choir at an International Women’s Day event in March 2022. Within a month of joining us, Ashton participated in a video for our website where she passionately spoke about PACT and her volunteer recruitment experience. Since then, Ashton has successfully encouraged two other people to volunteer with us, promoted PACT at her work and used her statutory voluntary hours and spare time over her weekend and evenings to assist with our events. Ashton says: “Volunteering for PACT is so rewarding. The charity is just incredible with the work they do. Every time I support them, I feel inspired, proud and full of joy for the help they are giving women and children. Everyone at PACT is so friendly and wants to make a difference. I would happily give up my spare time, outside of my full-time role for any help they need.” There is no doubt that Ashton’s support has contributed to the success of our vital fundraising activities. We are very grateful to her – she is a superstar and our Supporter of the Month! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [The Ministry of Justice](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/the-ministry-of-justice/) **Published:** March 10, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Since 2023, The Ministry of Justice has been the biggest grant funder of PACT’s Alana House Community Project. **Content:** The Ministry of Justice is a major government department responsible for the criminal, civil and family justice systems in England and Wales. Its key roles include the administration of justice through courts and tribunals, provision of legal aid and the rehabilitation of offenders. The Ministry of Justice also works to support vulnerable individuals and victims of crime to ensure access to justice for all. Since 2023, The Ministry of Justice has been the biggest grant funder of PACT’s Alana House Community Project. Since 2018, the Ministry of Justice has awarded grant funding for Alana House’s support services and the launch of the Community Café. The café helps service users to learn and practice valuable new skills, connect with others and engage in activities. Most recently, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed funding of just over £350,000 for 2025-2026 for Alana House. This funding will support Alana House’s work diverting women away from the criminal justice system through providing holistic, trauma-informed support, with the aim of empowering women to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes. Sabina, Alana House’s Manager, said: “We greatly appreciate the Ministry of Justice for their support of Alana House in Reading. This funding has and will continue to support and empower women facing multiple disadvantages across Berkshire, helping to improve their outcomes. Your commitment to our work with women in the criminal justice system is making a real difference in creating a safer and more supportive future.” We are hugely thankful to the Ministry of Justice for their continued support of the life-changing work that Alana House does. Thank you, Ministry of Justice! [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Keyloop](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/keyloop/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** In 2024, Keyloop took part in PACT’s Fifty to the Max challenge to fundraise for our life-changing work. **Content:** Keyloop is a leading automotive technology company who strives to support their customers, partners and local communities through their Power to Change commitment. Every employee at Keyloop has the opportunity to help create positive changes through volunteering, educating others and being more sustainable in their lifestyle. In 2024, Keyloop took part in PACT’s Fifty to the Max challenge to fundraise for our life-changing work supporting and empowering children, women and families. The premise of Fifty to the Max is simple – participating companies, community groups or schools receive an initial seed fund of £50, which they grow into more funds for PACT. Over the month of February, Keyloop employees volunteered their time running a bake sale and raffle in their Reading office. Their hard work paid off as they raised an incredible £717 – the most of any of the companies that took part. A representative from Keyloop said: “We’re proud to support PACT as part of our Power to Change program. Fifty to the Max is an innovative way to raise funds and it gave our employees the chance to both get involved and find out more about the charity and the great work it does.” We would like to thank the team at Keyloop for their creativity and amazing fundraising efforts, and we are delighted to award them our Supporter of the Month! You are superstars! This year’s Fifty to the Max is back! Could your company, school or community group be superstars too? We will be there every step of the way to support you. Find out more [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/fifty-to-the-max/). You have until Tuesday 25th February to sign up. [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Alexander Barfield](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/alexander-barfield/) **Published:** January 29, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Alexander has supported PACT in various ways during his time so far as the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire. **Content:** Alexander Barfield is the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire. In this voluntary role, Alexander supports the judiciary, emergency services and voluntary sector in the county, carrying out around three hundred engagements in his Shrieval year. The main duty of the High Sheriff is to recognise and thank all the amazing people and organisations who quietly go about their important work in Berkshire. But today, we would like to recognise Alexander. As a child, Alexander was adopted through PACT by a family in Berkshire and this is why, he says, the county and PACT mean so much to him. Alexander has supported PACT in various ways during his time so far as High Sheriff. Funds were raised for PACT during Alexander’s Judicial Service, which marked the start of the Judicial year, at Reading Minster. The theme for his Shrieval year is ‘opportunities for young people’. The High Sheriff has attended some of PACT’s fundraising events, including our annual Carols at the Minster and garden party fundraiser, where Alexander spoke about his personal connection with PACT. Alexander also joined us in the office to record some short videos for PACT’s social media. You can check them out [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/C7Oknmoi6WA/). When asked about his highlights of supporting PACT, Alexander said: “The best part is hearing all the wonderful stories and meeting various members of the PACT team and your supporters. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend some of your events and been able to champion PACT, which is what I wanted to do.” “I am truly honoured to be nominated as PACT’s supporter of the month. I am very touched the team thought of me and it means a lot.” We are hugely thankful to Alexander for all his time and support raising awareness of PACT’s life-changing work with children, women and families. Thank you Alexander; you are a PACT superstar! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Alan, PACT adoptive parent](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/alan/) **Published:** July 2, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Alan, PACT parent, decided to run his first half-marathon for PACT to show his gratitude and to give back to the charity. **Content:** Nearly nine years ago, Alan’s family was forever changed when they adopted their two amazing children through PACT. Since becoming a PACT family, they have continued to reach out for the guidance we offer to ensure their children are surrounded by the support they might need on their journey to adulthood. To show his gratitude and to give back to the charity, Alan decided to run his first half-marathon for PACT. Alan registered to participate in the Richmond Park Half and set the ambitious fundraising target of £3,000 to support PACT’s work. On 2nd June, Alan not only completed the race with an impressive time but also raised £3,193 from almost 100 supporters. The generosity of his friends, family and colleagues will help PACT continue to bring families together and to be there for them when they need us. Alan said: “After accepting the challenge from some friends to run my first half marathon earlier this year, I decided to try to raise as much money as I could for PACT as a small thank you for all of the support they continue to give us and for the wonderful services they offer to vulnerable women and children. PACT is an amazing charity and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.” Thank you so much Alan for your fantastic fundraising efforts – you are a PACT superstar! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Nolan Chenchery](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/nolan-chenchery/) **Published:** November 8, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** 15-year-old Nolan Chenchery is a talented musician and a wonderful supporter of PACT. **Content:** 15-year-old Nolan Chenchery is a talented musician and a wonderful supporter of PACT. With a passion for storytelling through music, Nolan shares his creative journey on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@nolansnotes) and has already released a captivating piano album and several film soundtracks on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tkbLOfybkEpt8R0oXwdTZ?si=Z-0Sl-PxR0mBSAAkJ1NREw). Nolan first supported PACT when he played piano at our annual Christmas celebration, Carols at the Minster, in 2022 with the Reading Youth Orchestra. He then generously played again in 2023 and now, after enjoying the event so much, has asked to play this year. Currently, Nolan is hard at work on his first Piano Concerto, set to debut live in April 2025 alongside the Reading Youth Orchestra, a milestone that speaks to his dedication and artistry. Nolan said: “It is a privilege for me to be able to do something to support such a good cause. It’s so heartwarming to know that the music I play helps create cherished memories and a stronger more connected community.” Catch Nolan playing live at this year’s Carols at the Minster, on Saturday 7th December from 3pm, and you’ll be able to say you saw him at the start of his fabulous career. To book, click [here](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Carols2024). Thank you so much Nolan for sharing your amazing talent with us – you are a PACT superstar! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [The Sixth Form College Farnborough ](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/the-sixth-form-college-farnborough/) **Published:** August 6, 2024 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** This year, The Sixth Form College Farnborough hosted its annual much-anticipated SIXFEST event and raised money for PACT. **Content:** The Sixth Form College Farnborough, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, prides itself on creating an environment where students can learn, enjoy and achieve. The college also offers excellent support services, along with a comprehensive careers program and development opportunities to guide students in making important decisions about their future. In March 2024, the college hosted its annual SIXFEST event, a much-anticipated celebration that showcases the talents and creativity of its students. This year, the college decided to support PACT after a nomination by one student, Megan, whose mum works at PACT. The festival featured a diverse range of musical performances across two stages and dynamic lighting shows. Awareness and vital funds were raised for PACT through tickets and additional sales by the student association of glow sticks, sweeties, neon face paint and tattoos. The enthusiasm and generosity of the students, staff and attendees was evident, making the event a resounding success, selling out the show twice-over. Maisie, a staff member at the college, said: “Every year we put the selection of charities to a board of student helpers involved with organising the event. This year we decided to support PACT. SIXFEST 2024 demonstrates what a thriving and diverse musical community we have at the college. It’s a fantastic experience for the students and everyone really enjoyed themselves. I’m very proud of everyone who made this year’s festival a huge success.” Thank you so much to The Sixth Form College Farnborough for their fantastic fundraising efforts – you are all PACT superstars! If you are interested in volunteering or hosting an event to support PACT’s work, please get in touch with our team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Lily, eight-year-old volunteer](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/lily-eight-year-old-volunteer/) **Published:** September 27, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Lily, aged eight, has supported PACT several times over the last year alongside her mum Rachel, who works in PACT’s fundraising team... **Content:** Lily, aged eight, has supported PACT several times over the last year alongside her mum Rachel, who works in PACT’s fundraising team. A few months ago, Lily helped PACT by expertly reading out a series of quotes from children who attended the Bounce Back 4 Kids domestic abuse recovery programme. The PACT team recorded the quotes and used them to create a video demonstrating the amazing impact of the BB4K service and the difference it makes to children’s lives. In the spring of 2023, PACT created a new online support platform for parents and children affected by domestic abuse. The platform aims to help children and their parents begin the healing process together through a series of interactive games and learning resources. Lily kindly helped to test the platform with her mum to make sure the resources were engaging and child-friendly. Last Christmas, Lily also helped out at PACT’s carol concert at Reading Minster. The carol service is run by PACT each year to bring the local community together and fundraise for PACT’s services, and Lily helped to sell star lights to attendees to raise money for PACT. Lily said: *“It’s nice to support PACT. I really liked the carol concert and I liked that the kids could go up to the front and sing. I think PACT is very good at helping people. It’s been fun to volunteer.”* Thank you Lily; you are a PACT superstar! Our 2023 carol concert will be held at Reading Minster on Friday 1st December at 6.30pm this year so please save the date. If you are interested in volunteering, find out more [here on our website](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Elaine and her daughter Sarah](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/elaine-and-her-daughter-sarah/) **Published:** January 26, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Elaine, a service user and long-standing attendee of Alana House, sadly passed away a few months ago. She requested that her daughter sell some of her possessions to raise money for Alana House... **Content:** Elaine, a service user and long-standing attendee of Alana House women’s community project, sadly passed away a few months ago from an illness. Elaine began attending Alana House several years ago to receive support from our team. She made excellent progress through her one-to-one sessions with an Alana House support worker and eventually no longer needed individual support, but continued to attend Alana House groups such as exercise groups, sewing and the PhotoVoice project, which gave her the opportunity for social interaction and helped Elaine to sustain the progress she had made. After taking part in the PhotoVoice project she said she felt “proud to have been a part of it” and what she enjoyed most was “mixing with lovely people, sharing the experience and discussing our thoughts and feelings”. Elaine engaged fully with Alana House, making the most of the opportunities it provided and was well-known to staff, volunteers and other service users. She was a joy to be around and staff have fond memories of her involvement with the project, such as her winning best dressed most years at the Christmas party and naming her pet rats after Alana House staff. Many other service users remember receiving a warm welcome by Elaine too on their first visit to Alana House. She will be missed by our community and the many people who knew her. Elaine wished to give back to Alana House and instructed her daughter, Sarah, to sell some of her possessions to raise money for the project, setting her daughter the challenge of raising £500. In line with her mum’s wishes, Sarah did a fantastic job and managed to exceed Elaine’s target, raising a total of £625 to donate to Alana House’s work. Sarah said: “I am truly grateful for everything that Alana House has done for my mum over the years. It really held a big place in my mum’s heart which is why she was so keen to give something back to show her love and gratitude towards Alana House. I was more than happy to fulfil her wishes in raising money for such a worthy cause. It was one of her happy places of which she had so many fond memories and made some amazing friends. Thank you for everything.” Thank you so much Sarah for supporting Alana House and honouring Elaine’s wishes. We are so grateful to Elaine for her kindness and she will be missed by all those who knew her. To make a donation to Alana House [click here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/ "click here"). To find out more about Alana House’s work, visit [this page](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/ "this page"). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Javairia, baking volunteer](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/javairia-baking-volunteer/) **Published:** March 29, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Javairia is a baker who runs her own local business in Reading, Sweetie Bakes. She has been volunteering for Alana House for three years to support the women who use our services. Each week, Javairia runs a baking group with the women to teach them about baking skills and offer useful advice on making and decorating cakes and sweet treats... **Content:** Javairia is a baker who runs her own local business in Reading, [Sweetie Bakes](https://www.instagram.com/sweetiebakesuk). She has been volunteering for Alana House for three years to support the women who use our services. Each week, Javairia runs a baking group with the women to teach them about baking skills and offer useful advice on making and decorating cakes and sweet treats. The women gain valuable skills and knowledge about baking and food hygiene which they can use when cooking at home for themselves and their families. The women also sell their cakes and baked goods at the Alana House community café each week, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem, and the money raised goes towards supporting the café. Javairia has donated her time and her cakes many times to support the work of PACT and Alana House. If the baking group is not taking place, she provides cakes for Alana House to sell at the café to keep it up and running. She has baked for Alana House events such as the Open Garden and the International Women’s Day celebration, where her cakes were sold to raise money for PACT’s work. She has created delicious centerpiece cakes for PACT’s adoption Family Fun Days at a discounted price through her business. Javairia also contributed several mouth-watering recipes to the Alana House recipe book, *Love Trust Hope*, including her signature Malteser Millionaire’s Biscuit. The book can be ordered here in PACT’s online shop: [www.pactcharity.org/shop](https://www.pactcharity.org/shop) Javairia said: *“It has been really rewarding seeing the women learning new skills in the kitchen. I am so pleased with how willing they have been to try new things and how quickly they picked up techniques which they could then go on to recreate with their families.”* Thank you Javairia for the time and expertise you share with Alana House; you are a PACT superstar! If you were inspired by Javairia’s story you can make a donation to Alana House [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/ "click here") or find out more about Alana House’s work [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/about-alana-house/ "this page"). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Lesley, PACT adopter and volunteer](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/lesley-pact-adopter-and-volunteer/) **Published:** April 29, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Lesley and her husband adopted through PACT in 2020. Since her children were placed with her and her husband, Lesley has championed adoption and supported PACT by attending information events, talking to prospective adopters about her own experiences and sharing her adoption journey... **Content:** Lesley and her husband adopted through PACT in 2020. Since a young age, Lesley always had a heart for children in care and always wanted to consider adoption as a path to parenthood. When she discussed the subject with her husband-to-be, they realised they shared the same thoughts and values and decided to actively pursue adoption when starting their family. They chose to adopt through PACT because they could see that PACT deeply cared about the children in the care system and the organisation’s values were aligned to their own. Moreover, PACT really understood their motivation to adopt. Since her children were placed with her and her husband, Lesley has championed adoption and supported PACT by attending information events, talking to prospective adopters about her own experiences and sharing her adoption journey. She has spoken at two excellent webinars for the online [Children And Trauma Community Hub](/adoption-support/catch/) (formerly The Adopter Hub), PACT’s online platform which provides support for adopters across the country. She has also met on a one-to-one basis with people who are considering adopting through PACT to help them learn more about the adoption experience. Lesley is a passionate advocate about parenting priority children and has recorded several video interviews with PACT to help raise awareness of the need for more adopters for sibling groups and older children, because these are the children who tend to wait the longest to find loving, permanent homes. Most recently, Lesley supported our work by talking about the benefits of adopting through a voluntary adoption agency (VAA) like PACT on our Talking Adoption series. Lesley said: *“I initially chose to support PACT due to their family focus, their passion for caring for looked after children and their heart for supporting adoptive families. I choose to continue supporting PACT because there are still so many children waiting for their forever families and PACT are doing an amazing job at helping make this happen.”* Thank you Lesley for helping us raise awareness about adoption and for deeply caring about the children waiting to be adopted; you are a PACT superstar! If you were inspired by Lesley’s story, a great way to support PACT’s work is to [make a donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/ "make a donation"). If you are an adopter and you would like to help out at PACT’s information events or share your story, please contact our Events team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [BH&O Legal, Corporate supporter](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/bho-legal-corporate-supporter/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Boardman Hawkins & Osborne LLP is a niche family practice established in 2018 by Emily Boardman, Ruth Hawkins and Irena Osborne. BH&O have taken part in various forms of fundraising for PACT, including sponsored runs, cake sales, Christmas Jumper Day fundraisers and PACT’s annual carol concert, and continue to provide legal and financial support to the charity... **Content:** [Boardman Hawkins & Osborne LLP](https://www.bholegal.co.uk/) is a niche family practice established in 2018 by Emily Boardman, Ruth Hawkins and Irena Osborne. Their ethos is based in a strong commitment to supporting individuals in some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives. They are experts in Children and Family law and support and advise several bodies and organisations working with children including PACT. Co-founder Ruth Hawkins said, “Emily, Irena and I have had long term links with PACT and Alana House and the great work they do for families and vulnerable women. Although BH&O has only been in business since September 2018, historically, the three of us have supported the charity in all sorts of ways, and it was important to us that when we started BH&O that link continued.” In the past, BH&O have taken part in various forms of fundraising for PACT, including sponsored runs, cake sales, Christmas Jumper Day fundraisers and PACT’s annual carol concert. Ruth said, “One of my favourite memories was being asked a few years ago to do a reading at the carol service. But our links and support go beyond merely raising money for the charity. In the past we have provided legal clinics for the women using Alana House, and helped in other practical ways – for instance by providing Easter Eggs for the Alana House service users and Bounce Back 4 Kids children. We now provide pro bono advice and guidance when needed to Alana House service users and support workers. “The last two years have been a very difficult time for families and charities that help them and with the cost of living increases, that is only going to get worse. We are keen to continue our support of PACT and have just made a small donation from the firm, to try and assist. We look forward to thinking of new ways of helping, supporting and promoting the work that PACT do in the future.” Thank you to everyone at BH&O Legal for supporting us and for caring about the work that we do with children, women, and families; you are PACT superstars! If you were inspired this story, a great way to support PACT’s work is to [make a donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/ "make a donation"). If you are interested in partnering with PACT through a corporate partnership or by nominating us to be your organisation’s charity of the year, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/ "Corporate partnerships"). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [John Pierce’s Memorial Fund](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/john-pierce-pact-adopter-and-supporter/) **Published:** June 30, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** One year ago, John Pierce passed away unexpectedly from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. His death was shocking and devastating for the many people who knew and loved him. **Content:** One year ago, John Pierce passed away unexpectedly from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. His death was shocking and devastating for the many people who knew and loved him. John spent his life helping others. He cared deeply about his local community in Tower Hamlets and was a local councillor for Bethnal Green’s Weavers Ward where he made a positive impact on many lives. John was also passionate about helping young people and volunteered for his neighbourhood Beavers. Before he passed away, John was embarking on his dream of becoming a parent. He was in the process of adopting with PACT and his adoptive son had just been placed with him, which made his death even more heart-breaking. Following John’s death, many people wanted to make a donation in his memory. John’s friends and family created the John Pierce Memorial Fund to honour his life and continue his legacy of helping others. His family and friends identified PACT as one of four charities which were close to John’s heart. We are incredibly grateful to the many people who have donated or fundraised in John’s name to support the work of PACT and other charities. Over the past year, individuals from across the UK and Ireland have come together to raise over £22,000 which was split between PACT, the British Heart Foundation, the Irish Heart Foundation and the local Beaver group, with PACT receiving £5,670. This amazing achievement was made possible thanks to the incredible efforts of John’s wide community of friends and family. One of John’s close friends, Elaine, was instrumental in setting up the Memorial Fund. Elaine said: “PACT were incredibly supportive throughout the adoption process and John’s family requested that an equal share of the funds are given to enable them to continue the great work that they do.” Thank you so much to John’s family, friends and communities for choosing to support PACT’s work and keep John’s passion and legacy alive. John Pierce’s Memorial Fund is still accepting donations; you can read more about John and [make a contribution here](https://www.gofundme.com/f/john-pierces-memorial-fund). If you would like to make a donation directly to PACT, visit our [donation page here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Phantom Brewing Co., Corporate supporter](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/phantom-brewing-co-corporate-supporter/) **Published:** August 30, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, they have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in their taproom in Reading that welcomes any person from any background. **Content:** Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, they have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in their taproom in Reading that welcomes any person from any background. We were delighted when Phantom Brewing Co kindly offered to donate 10% of their profits to PACT over a weekend in July. Rachael Bull, Operations Co-ordinator said “With our monthly charity initiatives we’re supporting local charities and organisations that do amazing work in the community. The work PACT are doing to help women and children affected by domestic abuse, and families going through adoption is so vital. We hope our donation enables them to work with more people in need of support.” Thank you to Phantom Brewing Co for supporting us and for caring about the work that we do with children, women, and families; you are PACT superstars! To find out more about partnering with PACT to make a difference to the lives of the people we support, visit [our partnerships page](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/). If you were inspired by Phantom Brewing Co’s efforts, a great way to support PACT’s work is to [make a donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you are an adopter and you would like to help out at PACT’s information events or share your story, please contact our Events team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [St Mary and All Saints school](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/st-mary-and-all-saints-school/) **Published:** September 30, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** St Mary and All Saints school took part in our Marathon in May challenge. A total of 300 pupils from 11 classes across the year groups took part in the activity, raising a brilliant £278.75! **Content:** St Mary and All Saints is a primary school in Reading, and a member of The White Horse Federation. The school has a Church of England foundation, and they are proud of the ethos that pervades everything they do. This can be seen in the value they place on personal relationships, the importance they give to good manners, respect for the opinions and beliefs of others, and celebration of diversity. St Mary and All Saints school took part in our Marathon in May challenge. Marathon in May is a physical challenge inviting participants to complete 26.2 miles in one month by running, walking, cycling or wheeling the distance, either individually or as part of a team. A total of 300 pupils from 11 classes across the year groups took part in the activity, raising a brilliant £278.75. The Sparrow class raised the most, reaching a total of £70 and receiving the PACT Charity Champion trophy! The amazing efforts of St Mary and All Saints and the many other Marathon in May participants helped us raise a total amount of £3,098 for the people PACT supports. Charley Hill, a teacher at St Mary and All Saints, said: *“We chose to support PACT because we want to raise money to help children find loving families. We all thoroughly enjoyed Marathon in May as it allowed us to get outside whilst raising awareness and money for the charity. We can’t wait to participate again.”* We want to send a huge thank you to all the children and staff who took part in our Marathon in May 2022. You are all PACT superstars! If you were inspired by St Mary and All Saint’s efforts, a great way to support PACT’s work is to [make a donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). You can also find out more about partnering with us [as a school here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/schools/), or [as a business here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Greyfriars Church, Reading](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/greyfriars-church-reading/) **Published:** November 30, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Greyfriars Church in Reading has been an incredible supporter of PACT. By providing funding towards our women’s community project, Alana House, the Church has helped us to support hundreds of vulnerable women in our local communities... **Content:** [Greyfriars Church](https://greyfriars.org.uk/) has been on the same site in Reading for hundreds of years, offering a place of worship and serving vulnerable communities in Reading. To this day, they continue to deliver that mission as a group of believers coming from different parts of Reading, different backgrounds and different ages. Greyfriars Church has been an incredible supporter of PACT. By providing funding towards our women’s community project, Alana House, the Church has helped us to support hundreds of vulnerable women in Reading through holistic, trauma-informed services. Earlier this year, Greyfriars opened The Atrium, an exciting, vibrant new place open to the local community aiming to be a warm, welcoming space to gather, be refreshed and nurture friendship and hospitality. The community space includes a bookshop and a specialty coffee shop which has kindly helped PACT to sell their limited-edition coffee produced by the women supported by Alana House. Revd David Walker, Vicar of Greyfriars, said: “We are delighted to support the work of PACT, especially though the amazing sanctuary that is Alana House in Reading. As a church we exist to see Reading transformed by the love and power of Jesus and so it is a joy to help Alana House and PACT as they work tirelessly to see lives transformed among some of the most vulnerable women in our town. A huge thank you to all the team at PACT and Alana House, who do such a fantastic job.” Thank you to everyone at Greyfriars Church for supporting us and for caring about the work that we do with women facing disadvantages in our communities; you are PACT superstars! If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you are part of a church who would be interested in partnering with PACT, [visit our Churches page here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/churches/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) *Pictured: Members of the Greyfriars congregation welcoming people to their church* --- ### [Rabidfest](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/rabidfest/) **Published:** December 19, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Rabidfest is Oxfordshire’s only rock and metal festival. Each year, Rabidfest donates a portion of their proceeds to charity. In 2022, PACT was chosen as their charity of the year and proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales were donated to PACT... **Content:** [Rabidfest](https://www.rabidfest.co.uk/) is Oxfordshire’s only rock and metal festival. Acts range from international stars to up-and-coming local acts, ensuring Rabidfest is a world class event. Each year, Rabidfest donates proceeds to charity. In 2022, PACT was chosen as their charity of the year and proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales were donated to PACT to support the vital services they provide for adoptive families, women facing disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse. In total, Rabidfest raised a brilliant £532.99 for PACT’s work! Mark Gibbs, the organiser of Rabidfest said “Charity partners are chosen each year by a member of the Rabidfest team in rotation; the decision to choose PACT for 2022 was based upon my own personal experience of adoption.” We are delighted Mark chose PACT. Thank you to everyone who attended RabidFest, the organisers and everyone who donated; you are PACT superstars! Your generosity will help children, women and families recover from trauma and abuse. If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you are part of an organisation who would be interested in partnering with PACT, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/corporate-partnerships/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Rachel Eden, Mayor of Reading](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/rachel-eden-mayor-of-reading/) **Published:** January 30, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Rachel has supported our women’s community project Alana House for many years in her role as both a councillor and the current Mayor of Reading... **Content:** Rachel Eden is an accountant and trainer as well as director at Holy Brook Associates. She was elected as a councillor to Whitley ward in 2010 and became Mayor of Reading in 2021. Rachel has supported our women’s community project Alana House for many years in her role as both a councillor and the current Mayor of Reading. Rachel has visited our Alana House Community Café alongside Matt Rodda MP and attended many of our events and fundraisers, including our recent carol concert in Reading Minster where we were honoured to have her give a reading. When asked why she is so supportive of Alana House, Rachel said: “Alana House is a unique place – where women can rebuild their lives in a safe environment. It’s all about meeting women where they are and empowering them without judgement with confidentially and respect. I’ve seen the amazing difference it makes to women’s lives and it’s an honour to support them.” We would like to thank Rachel for her support over the years and the way she has championed both the work we do and the women who attend Alana House. Thank you Rachel; you are a PACT superstar! If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you would like to get involved in fundraising or partnering with PACT, [click here to find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Terry Dixon, Reading tour guide](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/terry-dixon-reading-tour-guide/) **Published:** February 28, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Terry Dixon is the founder of Terry’s Reading Walkabouts, a guided walking initiative he created after he retired. Each year, Terry uses the proceeds from his walks to support local charities. We were delighted that Terry chose PACT as one of two charities to support during 2022-2023... **Content:** Terry Dixon is the founder of Terry’s Reading Walkabouts, a guided walking initiative he created after he retired. Terry’s range of themed walks around his home town provide information about Reading’s history, culture and events in a fun and entertaining way. The initiative has gone from strength to strength and he is a proud holder of a 5/5 Trip Advisor rating. Terry now has 18 amazing different guided walks with themes including the Town Centre, Women of Reading, the History of Coley and 200 Years of Huntley & Palmers, and he is always open to suggestions for new routes. His walks are popular and often sell out. Each year, Terry uses the proceeds from his walks to support local charities. We were delighted that Terry chose PACT as one of two charities to support during 2022-2023 with half the donations from those attending his Walkabouts going towards PACT’s work, and he is having his best year yet! Terry has also supported PACT’s work in many other ways over the and his wife Jackie recently began volunteering at PACT. When asked why he chose to support PACT, Terry said: “Sam Ward, PACT’s Events and Marketing Manager, came on one of my walks and we got talking. I had yet to decide which two local charities to support next year and hearing what PACT does was just the ticket. Having four young grandchildren, I’m fully aware of the potential need for this fantastic charity. “It is great to be raising monies for Reading charities, but even better when I have been given the opportunity to get involved with PACT, from speaking at last year’s International Women’s Day service in the Minster to attending several events, and my wonderful wife Jackie is now volunteering for PACT.” We are hugely thankful to Terry for his fundraising efforts as well as his support with bespoke walks for our events. Please do join him on one of his walks; they will be especially useful for ticking off the miles during our [Marathon in May fundraiser](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/marathon-in-may/ "Marathon in May")! You can find all the details of Terry’s walks on his Facebook page: [www.facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts](http://www.facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts) Thank you Terry; you are a PACT superstar! If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you would like to get involved in fundraising or partnering with PACT, [click here to find out more](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [Maxine, PACT supporter](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/maxine-pact-supporter/) **Published:** July 21, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen **Excerpt:** Maxine lives in Milford on Sea in Hampshire. Until 2016 she was a school principal adviser in West Berkshire District Council and as part of her role, she was the Virtual School Head where she led the team responsible for promoting education for children in care, and previously looked after children. **Content:** Maxine lives in Milford on Sea in Hampshire. Until 2016 she was a school principal adviser in West Berkshire District Council and as part of her role, she was the Virtual School Head where she led the team responsible for promoting education for children in care, and previously looked after children. After retiring she was invited to be a part of PACT’s Adoption Panel given her experience working with children in care and adopted children. Every 6-8 weeks Maxine sits on PACT’s Adoption Panel and helps the team assess prospective adopters and choose the right people to become adoptive parents. She also has experience of adoption within her own family. Maxine decided to challenge herself by taking part in our Marathon in May as part of her training programme to complete her first triathlon! She committed to complete the distance of more than five marathons through a combination of swimming, running, and cycling, with the goal of finishing the challenge by taking part in the Blenheim Palace Triathlon at the end of the month. Throughout the whole of Marathon in May, Maxine was number one on the leader board which kept her motivated and motivated other participants to push themselves. By the end of the challenge, Maxine had completed 177.1 miles, the equivalent to 6.7 marathons! Through her fundraising efforts, Maxine raised a fantastic £230 towards our work supporting children, women and families. When asked about her reasons for supporting PACT, Maxine said: “PACT has the right approach to post-adoption and the fact that they do so much support post-placement, for me, it’s as important as what they do for the assessments. They say to adopters that it’s a life-long commitment, and for me PACT also has a life-long commitment to its children and its adopters and I think that’s the most important thing, so raising a little bit of money to help that along and helping the people at Alana House and BB4K is where my passion is!” Thank you Maxine for taking part in our Marathon in May; you are a PACT superstar! If you were inspired by Maxine’s efforts, a great way to support PACT’s work is to [make a donation](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). If you are an adopter and you would like to help out at PACT’s information events or share your story, please contact our Events team at . [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ### [James Denny and Emily McAuley, Designers](https://www.pactcharity.org/supporter/james-denny-and-emily-mcauley-designers/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** pactcharitystg **Excerpt:** Designer James, founder of Purple Hare, and his daughter Emily volunteered their time to create PACT’s Coronation Royal Walk and Activity Trail map last month. **Content:** Designer James, founder of [Purple Hare](https://www.facebook.com/purpleharearts/), and his daughter Emily volunteered their time to create PACT’s Coronation Royal Walk and Activity Trail map last month. James and Emily worked in partnership with local Reading tour guide Terry Dixon, founder of [Terry’s Reading Walkabouts](https://www.facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts), to create the trail map which guides walkers around some of the many sites across Reading that have been visited by kings and queens over the centuries. The family-friendly trail was released in the lead up to the King’s coronation and provides history and fun facts about Reading’s royal connections. The map is available to [download for free here](https://www.pactcharity.org/explore-readings-royal-connection-through-our-coronation-trail/), and hard copies are available at selected sites across town. As we celebrate the King’s birthday this June, why not download the map and try out the trail yourself? James said: “With a shared love of history, we were amazed to discover quite how much of it Reading has, most of it widely unknown. It has been a wonderful opportunity to share these discoveries with a charity which does such inspirational work with underprivileged children.” Thank you James and Emily; you are PACT superstars! If you have time or skills to share with PACT and would like to become a volunteer, you can [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/careers/volunteer-with-pact/). If you are interested in supporting our work in another way, [find out more about fundraising for us](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/). If you are interested in making a donation to support PACT’s work, [find out more here](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/make-a-donation/). [See all our PACT superstars](https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/supporter-of-the-month/) --- ## Careers ### [Senior Placements Officer, Adoption](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/senior-placements-officer-adoption/) **Published:** September 25, 2026 **Author:** Pact HR **Excerpt:** We are looking for a part-time Senior Placements Officer to join our dedicated Adoption team. **Content:** Would you like to be part of a collaborative team making a lasting difference to children and families? We are looking for a part-time Senior Placements Officer to join our dedicated Adoption team. We believe that every child deserves a loving and supportive home and we are committed to providing the highest quality services to help make that a reality, and we are proud of our three successive outstanding ratings with Ofsted. **About the role:** As Senior Placements Officer, you’ll provide the ‘family finding’ service to find suitable children for approved adopters, and will manage the Placement Officer(s) including supporting the induction and training of new team members, and the ongoing development of existing team members Your Senior Placements Officer responsibilities will include: - work directly with potential adopters to enable them to find a suitable match, for example by supporting them at profile events - work with social workers and approved adopters in creating and following up links with external agencies - promote PACT’s adoption service by raising local awareness through networking opportunities, including working closely with partner agencies and local authorities - act as a guide and mentor to direct reports with escalated queries **About you:** As Senior Placements Officer, you will: - have demonstrable experience gained within a family finding role with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the role of an adopter or foster carer in caring for children - have experience of leading and motivating a small team to maintain a high standard of customer service and achieve set targets - have experience of working in partnership with relevant statutory and voluntary groups, partners, and agencies If this sounds like you then apply today to join a dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. We look forward to hearing from you! If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Hannah Jennings, Enquiries and Placements Manager on **Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.** Other roles you may have experience of could include:Placements Officer, Enquiries Officer, Senior Enquiries Officer, Adoption Social Worker, Social Worker, Senior Social Worker, Family Finder **Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.** *All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK, and you must be eligible to live and work in the UK.* When completing the online application form below, you can save it at any time by clicking “Save and continue later” at the bottom of the page and entering your email address. You’ll receive an email with a link to return to your form. If the signature box doesn’t work, use “Save and continue later” to resolve the issue. [Download job description](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Role-description-Senior-Placements-Officer-2026.pdf) ## Application for Employment (v2) Form reviewed Oct 2024 "\*" indicates required fields URL This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. You can save this form at any time and come back to complete it later by clicking “save and continue later” at the bottom of the page and entering your email address. If you would prefer to complete this form in a Word document, **[you can click here to download a Word version of the form](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TEMPLATE-Employment-application-form.docx)**. Completed applications can be emailed to [PACT\_HR@pactcharity.org](mailto:PACT_HR@pactcharity.org). ### Position Post applied for:\* How did you hear about this vacancy?\* From another website or job board From PACT’s website On social media In a newsletter Word of mouth Other (please state) Other (please state)\* Which website or job board?\*Please choose an optionACEVO Recruiters and Trustees UnlimitedBASWBMEJob.co.ukCharity JobChartered Institute of FundraisingClinksCommunity CareCoram BAAFCVAADiversity JobsiteDiversifying.ioEvenbreakFour Day WeekGov.ukGuardian OnlineIndeedJobs Go PublicLinkedInMydiversity.comReachReading Voluntary Action (RVA)ReedRestless.co.ukRussell WebsterTotal JobsWorking ChanceWomens GridA recruitment agency (please state)A University Careers Portal (please state which university)Other (please state) Please state\* Which social media channel?\*Please choose an optionFacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterOther (please state) Other (please state)\* Which newsletter?\*Please choose an optionPACT eNewsPACT Adopter NewsThe Adopter Hub newsletterOther (please state) Other (please state)\* From who?\*Please choose an optionPACT staff member or volunteerOther (please state) Other (please state)\* ### PERSONAL DETAILS Name\* First Last Preferred pronoun (optional) Have you previously used, or do you currently use, any other name(s)?\* Yes No Please provide details and dates used: Address\* Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Email\* Mobile Phone Number\* Home Phone Number PACT is committed to promoting equality, diversity, equity and inclusion both as an employer and as a service provider. We want the lived experiences of the communities we work with to be truly reflected across our organisation. We want to develop our culture so that everyone feels a sense of belonging with PACT. To help us understand the diversity of the people who are applying to join us, it is important that we are able to collect data on the profile of applicants. This information will help us to: - advance diversity in our organisation - - proactively identify any inequalities that we need to address - - track our progress in delivering on our EDEI strategy The information you provide will remain confidential and is provided separately to your application. The information is used by our HR team to help evaluate how well our diversity reflects the communities we work with. Thank you for playing your part in helping us to deliver our commitment to being a fair, diverse and equitable organisation. ### MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES Details of current membership of professional bodies: If you are a Social Worker, please provide your SWE registration number: ### EMPLOYMENT HISTORY – CURRENT EMPLOYER Name of Employer Position Held Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Notice Period Current salary: Reason for leaving/wishing to leave: Summary of Duties ### EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (including any periods of unpaid/voluntary work) Please provide full employment history in chronological order (starting from latest date) since leaving secondary education, including periods of any post-secondary education/training, and part-time and voluntary work as well as full time employment, with start and end dates included. IMPORTANT NOTE: When providing reason for leaving, for each role, please confirm if you were a) under investigation for, or b) subject to any disciplinary sanctions: in relation to your conduct at the time of you leaving. If you were, please provide details. If there are any gaps in your employment history, please provide details (dates and a description of what you were doing during these times). Company Name\* Contact Name\* First Last Contact number\* Address\* Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap)\* Date Started\*DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving **Add additional employment history** Additional Employment History Click here to add additional employment history ### Additional Employment History Company Name Contact Name First Last Contact Number Address Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Position held and brief summary of duties (or description of any employment gap) Date StartedDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Date Left (where applicable)DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 Reason for Leaving ### EDUCATION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS Please provide details of your education and training, starting with Secondary School. If you have had a break in your education, please provide details (dates and a description of what you were doing during these times). You will be required to bring proof of qualifications to interview that are relevant to the role. School / Academic Institution attended\* (or description of any education gap) Qualifications obtained\* (subject, date, grade) From Date\*DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 To Date\*DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 **Additional Education, Training & Qualifications** Additional Education, Training & Qualifications Click here to add additional education, training & qualifications ### ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS School / Academic Institution attended (or description of any education gap) Qualifications obtained (subject, date, grade) From DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 To DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 **Additional Education, Training & Qualifications** Additional Education, Training & Qualifications Click here to add additional education, training & qualifications ### ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS School / Academic Institution attended (or description of any education gap) Qualifications obtained (subject, date, grade) From DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 To DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 **Additional Education, Training & Qualifications** Additional Education, Training & Qualifications Click here to add additional education, training & qualifications ### ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS School / Academic Institution attended (or description of any education gap) Qualifications obtained (subject, date, grade) From DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 To DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 **Additional Education, Training & Qualifications** Additional Education, Training & Qualifications Click here to add additional education, training & qualifications ### ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS School / Academic Institution attended (or description of any education gap) Qualifications obtained (subject, date, grade) From DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 To DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 **Additional Education, Training & Qualifications** Additional Education, Training & Qualifications Click here to add additional education, training & qualifications ### ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS School / Academic Institution attended (or description of any education gap) Qualifications obtained (subject, date, grade) From DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 To DateDDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 ### FURTHER INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF YOUR APPLICATION To complete this section, please refer to the person specification of the Job Description. Please use the space below to demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience support your application to the role. You should also outline your reasons for applying. Further info\* ### REFEREES Your first referee should be your present or most recent line manager/employer. The second referee could be someone from your current or previous employment. **Referees should not be a family member or friend.** If you have not been employed, or have been out of employment for a period of time, you may wish to give the name of someone who knows you sufficiently well in a professional or training/education capacity to confirm the information you have given, and to comment on your ability to undertake the job as described in the job description and person specification. Please note that as part of our Safer Recruitment Policy, we may ask you to provide details of further referees to ensure that your references cover a minimum period of 5 years. **Please note: We will obtain your permission prior to contacting your referees.** Please add your current/most recent line manager/employer as Referee No.1. **Referee No. 1** Name\* First Last Position Held\* Organisation\* Referee email\* Contact Number\* Address\* Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Relationship to You\* How long have you been known to this referee?\* **Referee No. 2** Name\* First Last Position Held\* Organisation\* Referee email\* Contact Number\* Address\* Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Relationship to You\* How long have you been known to this referee?\* ### DATA PROTECTION The information provided on this application form and obtained from relevant sources will be used in PACT’s recruitment and appointment processes and will be treated as confidential. By signing this application form you understand that the information provided will be retained in a secure and confidential manner and agree to the processing of sensitive personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). ### SIGNATURE DECLARATION I have completed this application form accurately and truthfully. I have not withheld any information that could be considered relevant to my application. I understand that any appointment, if offered, will be subject to information given on this application form being correct. I understand that providing any false information shall disqualify me from the recruitment process, or if discovered after employment, may lead to disciplinary action; up to and including dismissal. Signature\* Your Name- Your Name - Your Name - Your Name Name\* First Last Date\*DDDD12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 MMMM123456789101112 YYYYYYYY202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920 ### Survey Have you completed the PACT equality, diversity and inclusion applicant survey?\* Yes No If you have not completed the survey yet, **[ please click here to complete the survey](https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QD63F66)** before submitting this form. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These enquiries include providing documentation to evidence the right to work in the UK, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check (if applicable), references covering at least 5 years, a complete previous education and employment history timeline and the completion of mandatory safeguarding training. This post is based in the UK. Submit Save and Continue Later ## Share with a friend! [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/career/triage-and-assessment-worker/) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/career/triage-and-assessment-worker/) [Share via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/career/triage-and-assessment-worker/) **Categories:** Employed --- ### [Independent Adoption Social Workers](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/independent-adoption-social-workers-2/) **Published:** September 18, 2026 **Author:** Pact HR **Excerpt:** We are currently looking for Independent Social Workers based in the following areas to undertake adoption assessments: Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Peterborough. **Content:** PACT is one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and has been at the forefront of adoption services for over 60 years. We are currently looking for Independent Social Workers based in the following areas to undertake adoption assessments. - Milton Keynes - Bedfordshire - Peterborough Caseloads are flexible and can be arranged to fit around other commitments. We can offer a competitive rate for each assignment. You must be SWE registered and have at least three years’ post qualifying experience, preferably in adoption or fostering, and have solid assessment skills with experience in writing PARs or Form F assessments. It is also important that you are willing to travel, and that you hold your own professional indemnity and public liability insurance. If you are interested in joining the team, please complete our application form. [Download application form](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TEMPLATE-Adoption-Social-Worker-Contractor-Application-Form-update.docx) ## Share with a friend! [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/career/independent-adoption-social-workers/) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/career/independent-adoption-social-workers/) [Share via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A//www.pactcharity.org/career/independent-adoption-social-workers/) **Categories:** Self Employed Contractor --- ### [BB4K Volunteer – English and Polish Translator](https://www.pactcharity.org/career/bb4k-volunteer-english-and-polish-translator/) **Published:** September 8, 2026 **Author:** Pact HR **Excerpt:** We are looking for a volunteer with fluent English and Polish language skills to support our children and families through written and verbal translation. **Content:** Would you like to make a lasting difference in the lives of children affected by domestic abuse? Volunteer for an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families. **About the role:** Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. We are looking for a volunteer with fluent English and Polish language skills to support our children and families through written and verbal translation. Please find the role description [here](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Volunteer-role-description-BB4K-English-and-Polish-Translator.pdf). If you would like to use your language skills to make a positive difference to children and families, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. [Volunteer application form](https://www.pactcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TEMPLATE_Volunteer-Application-Form_Sept2026.docx) We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements. For an informal discussion about the volunteer role please contact Luke Pepperell at For more information about our BB4K service please visit [Bounce Back 4 Kids | PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/bb4k/) or read our latest blog [BB4K – Helping families heal together – PACT](https://www.pactcharity.org/blog-bb4k-helping-families-heal-together/) *Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.* *Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Check at Enhanced Barred Child level. *All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.* --- ## Galleries ### [Here's some of our previous London Marathon runners...](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/heres-some-of-our-previous-london-marathon-runners/) **Published:** May 3, 2023 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [BB4K Gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/bb4k-gallery/) **Published:** August 15, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [Adoption Support Gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/adoption-support-gallery/) **Published:** July 23, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [Alana House Gallery](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/alana-house-gallery/) **Published:** August 6, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [The enchanting Welford Park...](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/welford-park/) **Published:** July 1, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [Family Fun Days](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/family-fun-days/) **Published:** November 17, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [What others have done](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/what-others-have-done/) **Published:** February 12, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [2024 FttM](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/2024-fttm/) **Published:** January 24, 2025 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [Thank you to all PACT’s wonderful supporters who include…](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/funder-and-supporter-logos/) **Published:** February 1, 2022 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [Adoption support therapeutic activities](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/adoption-support-therapeutic-activities/) **Published:** September 23, 2021 **Author:** emma.owen --- ### [Alana House Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/alana-house-team/) **Published:** November 10, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [What your donation could buy](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/take-part-in-an-event/) **Published:** August 15, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [BB4K Team](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/bb4k-team/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [Community Cafe](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/community-cafe/) **Published:** September 27, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [Hold your own fundraiser](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/fundraising-ideas/) **Published:** August 15, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [Executive Board](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/executive-board/) **Published:** September 27, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg --- ### [MERL](https://www.pactcharity.org/pact-gallery/merl/) **Published:** September 27, 2021 **Author:** pactcharitystg ---