National Adoption Week: Meet the Families Changing Lives

Could you be the parent a child needs? As National Adoption Week approaches, Star Radio is proud to partner with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Adoption to shine a light on the incredible journey of adopting children with additional needs.

Running from 21st to 27th October this year's campaign focuses on finding loving homes for children who require extra support, and dispelling myths that adopting children with additional needs is too challenging or out of reach for many families.

About Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Adoption

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Adoption is the Regional Adoption Agency for Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council. They provide a supportive, transparent, and welcoming environment for all prospective adopters, helping them navigate the adoption process with confidence. Their team works tirelessly to ensure every child and young person in their care finds a family who can offer love, stability, and lifelong support.

The agency welcomes applications from a wide variety of people, including single individuals, couples (married, in a civil partnership, or in long-term relationships), and those from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions. Whether you are already a parent, a homeowner, or live in rented accommodation, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Adoption is open to anyone who has the love, patience, and dedication to support a child through their formative years and beyond.

Meet the Families Making a Difference

We have had the privilege of speaking with three inspiring adoptive parents - Kathy, Steph, and Helen - who have opened their hearts and homes to children with additional needs. Their stories highlight the incredible resilience, love, and commitment that adoption entails, as well as the rewards that come from providing a nurturing home to children who need it the most.

Kathy adopted her son at the age of six. Now 14, he has autism, and Kathy’s journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, thanks to her perseverance and the strong support network around her.

Steph adopted her daughter when she was just six months old. Now a thriving seven-year-old, her daughter has Down's Syndrome. Steph’s experience underscores the beauty of seeing a child grow, develop, and thrive in a stable and loving environment.

Helen started as a foster carer and is now the proud parent of twins - a boy and a girl, with Down's Syndrome and autism. Helen’s journey began with short-term fostering and transformed into a lifelong commitment that has enriched her family beyond measure.

Their full heartfelt stories will soon be available as a podcast on our website, where you can learn more about their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the joy of becoming a family.

You can also check out podcasts where we meet other adopters.

Why More Families Are Needed

The need for adoptive families, particularly for children with additional needs, has never been greater. Many people can adopt - whether you’re single, married, or in a committed partnership. If you’re compassionate, patient, and ready to make a lifelong commitment, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Adoption wants to hear from you.

This National Adoption Week, we encourage anyone who’s ever thought about adoption to take that first step and learn more. There’s no "perfect" adopter - families come in all shapes and sizes, and what matters most is your willingness to offer a child a safe, loving home.

How You Can Get Involved

If you believe you could make a difference in a child’s life, reach out today:

🖥 Make an enquiry online
📩 adoptionenquiries@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
📞 0300 123 1093 and leave a message

Please also follow the adoption service on social media to see the latest updates on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on adopting and to hear the full interviews with Kathy, Steph, and Helen, stay tuned to Star Radio and check out our upcoming podcast release. Together, we can build brighter futures for children in need of loving homes.