Adoption podcast hits major milestone

A pioneering podcast set up by a local agency is celebrating this week as it hits 30,000 listens. Adopter Stories by Adoption Now which launched in April 2021 is one of the first of its kind, aiming to help people thinking about adoption to hear real life stories from real life adopters who were once in those very same shoes. The series highlights how no two adoption journeys are the same as it talks honestly about the challenges that people face during the adoption process but also all the highs too!

Ian Schofield, host of the podcast and affectionately nicknamed ‘The Voice of Adoption Now’ saw a gap in the market for this type of information and started the podcast, he said: “When I joined Adoption Now, creating a podcast was high on my priority list. Podcasts were emerging as a powerful medium, and I felt that Adoption Now needed a platform to bring the often emotional and powerful stories of adopters to the forefront. Creating Adopter Stories by Adoption Now seemed like the perfect way to share these experiences with the wider public, not only to raise awareness but to spread the message of adoption as far and wide as possible. My hope was simple: if just one episode could inspire someone to take the step toward adopting or provide support to someone already on their journey, then I’d know it would be all worth it!”

There are now around 75 episodes available to listen to, covering all sorts of topics such as adopting siblings, older children, Fostering for Adoption and adopting as a solo parent to name a few. There’s even a series of episodes designed to guide prospective adopters through the process step by step and exclusive special episodes all about Dads, Christmas and other exciting events.

The podcast has now also started monthly extra-time episodes which bring people more about what’s going on within the Adoption Now agency behind the scenes, important dates for the diary, occasional case studies of some of the children and updates on any campaigns that are currently running.

Katrina Williams, Head of Service, said: “We are delighted that the Adoption Now podcast has become such a hit with adopters, professionals and those interested in adoption. We had no idea how successful and groundbreaking it would be when the first podcast was launched. Our marketing team and Ian, in particular have put so much time and effort into ensuring really good quality podcasts which are helpful and insightful. And of course, we cannot forget our many guests over the years who have really made it what it is. Many thanks to everyone for your support and Keeeeeeeeep Listening!”

This major milestone comes at an unprecedented time for adoption as the gap between the number of children needing adoption and the number of families coming forward to adopt is widening, meaning many children are waiting longer for their forever homes.

Adoption Now is urging anyone who thinks they might be able to give a child a safe and loving home to listen to Adopter Stories by Adoption Now to find out more at www.adoptionnow.org.uk/podcasts

You can contact Adoption Now on their website www.adoptionnow.org.uk or call 01204 336096.

For more information, please contact Adoption Now’s marketing team at marketing@adoptionnow.org.uk or 01204 336094.