Barnardo’s seeks families at Pride in London

Married couple Iris and Jo adopted three siblings after first talking through the process with Barnardo’s at an LGBT Pride event

      Barnardo’s will appeal to the crowds at this weekend’s Pride in London event to find would-be adopters who could offer a loving family for a group of siblings.

A team of around 40 LGBT staff, volunteers and allies from the children’s charity will join the march through central London on the afternoon of Saturday, 27th June , helping to raise awareness that adopters who offer family life to sibling groups can benefit from a wide range of support.

The parade will run from 12pm to 4pm and will culminate in a celebration at Trafalgar Square where Barnardo’s will have a stall close to the famous Fourth Plinth.

Volunteers will be at the stall all day talking to Pride supporters about tailoring support to adopters who take on three or more siblings, such as a home extension, financial assistance, a bigger car or help in the home.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Barnardo’s has been actively placing children with LGBT adoptive parents for more than 25 years and we are very proud of the contribution they have made in turning around the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

“Pride in London will be another great opportunity for us to talk to potential foster carers and adopters who would like to find out more about offering a loving family to sibling groups.”

Barnardo’s is working with the charity New Family Social to recruit more adopters to offer siblings a loving family. Siblings on average wait the longest time for a placement.

Barnardo’s Family Finder Ian Harmer-Draper, who will run the Trafalgar Square stall, said: “As always we’re very proud to take part in Pride in London and stand up for Barnardo’s LGBT staff, carers, adopters and volunteers.

“It’s also a great opportunity to explain to people who want to adopt that although providing a loving family for a group of three or more siblings can seem daunting, there can be lots of support available to help you make it work.

“If you are attracted to the idea of a large family but are concerned about coping with the material, financial, practical and emotional impact, you might be surprised by just how much help may be at hand.”

Call 01206 562438 to book your place(s) at an information meeting that will cover the work of the sibling group initiative.

To find out more about adoption visit www.barnardos.org.uk/adoption