This National Adoption Week (Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October), we’re celebrating the ‘perfectly imperfect’ homes that make adoption possible, with this year’s campaign: A Welcome Home
The campaign 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
This is reflected in new data commissioned for National Adoption Week, which shows that 86 per cent of adopters surveyed were worried they needed a ‘perfect home’ prior to adoption. But whether your home is big or small, rented or owned, whether you’re single, in a relationship, or part of a wider family network – you can offer a child a place to call home.
Amanda White, Head of Adopt South West, says:
“This week, we’re shining a light on the real homes, and real people, who make adoption possible. It’s not about having everything perfectly in place. It’s about offering a child love, security, and a sense of belonging.”
“We know there are a number of myths around adopting and whether you can adopt and have what it takes. In fact, most adopters have felt that way at some point. But what truly matters is your ability to provide care, consistency, and connection.”
“There are children across the region who need a safe and nurturing home. Now is the time to look beyond traditional ideas of what you may think a family should look like – and to consider how you might be the person who helps a child feel truly at home.”
Like all families, adoptive homes come from all walks of life and we would encourage you to look at our website to answer any questions around why you can adopt”.
As part of this year’s ‘Welcome Home’ campaign for National Adoption Week, You Can Adopt has released a powerful short film featuring familiar faces with personal ties to adoption – including Prue Leith, Dilly Carter, Sanam Harrinanan, and Charlie Mackesy. The film celebrates the beauty of ‘perfectly imperfect’ family homes and follows the real stories of adoptive families from diverse backgrounds.
Alongside the film, an immersive pop-up installation will open in London and Leeds, centred around the kitchen – the heart of many homes – showcasing how everyday moments create a sense of belonging. This comes amid a 12% drop in adoption enquiries, with over 800 children still waiting for a permanent home in the South West alone. The campaign reminds us that adoption isn’t about perfection – it’s about love, safety, and creating a place to call home.
Ready to adopt?
Use the Adopt South West ‘Ready to adopt?’ checker to learn more about who can adopt and when the time might be right for you.
To find out more about adoption or starting your own adoption journey, visit Adopt South West.