Connected Children and Young Peoples Service Cymru

Connected is the name of our Children and Young People Service in Wales. At present we run these bespoke monthly sessions for adopted children age 7- 10 and young people age 11 – 25 years old. Our monthly groups aim to improve children and young peoples’ self-confidence, build self-esteem and reduce the sense of isolation which some adopted children experience and also develop life skills.  We achieve this by offering a range of activities such as art, drama, circus skills, healthy eating/cooking and music sessions to name but a few. 

As well as fun and creative activities, the young people age 11- 25 years old are also offered the opportunity to help produce material for their peers; to speak to professionals and prospective adopters about their experiences as adopted people and to have their voices and opinions heard by wider society. We also work in close collaboration with The National Adoption Service in Wales and the Regional adoption services to support young people to influence and develop future services. 

As we know, some adopted children can struggle to attend group activities where the numbers are high, staff and venues continually change, and where there are excessive noise levels and/or pressure on them to perform. This can cause anxiety, stress and a reluctance to join in.  Connected seeks to address these difficulties by ensuring our staff and venues remain as constant as we can; staff are trained to understand and support the needs of adopted children in the group environment, so they feel safe and supported to build relationships with staff and their peers. 

These monthly sessions are offered in limited areas at the moment (Carmarthen, Swansea and Cardiff) however we hope over time more groups may be developed and become available across Wales.   

If you are interested in our existing groups or would like to express interest in a group starting in your area, please complete our Enquiry Form and send to  wales@adoptionuk.org.uk  

Alternatively if you have any questions or queries about the service, please contact our Cardiff office 02920 230319