Bedford’s animated adoption story
Coinciding with National Adoption Week, Bedford Borough Council’s new animated short film explores the adoption journey from the perspective of both children and adoptive parents.
This week – October 21-27 – is National Adoption Week, a nationwide campaign that provides a focus for activities that encourage more families to consider offering a child or children a loving, permanent home. Every year in England, some 4,000 children of different ages and backgrounds are in need of the secure, safe environment provided by adoptive parents.
The theme of this year’s National Adoption Week highlights that there is no such thing as a normal family, with the aim of increasing understanding of modern adoption and showing that the journey to a family is not always a traditional one.
To help spread the message, Bedford Borough Council has commissioned a 30-second animated film telling the story of Lilly, a little girl dreaming of a forever home. Her story is still incomplete… but you have the power to change that.
In addition to the video, the council regularly hosts online and in-person information events for individuals interested in adoption to ask questions and have a chat with our adopters and social workers. The next virtual events will take place on Wednesday, November 13 providing information and answering questions. A further online session will be held on Wednesday, December 11. An in-person event will be held between 12 and 6 on Saturday, November 30, at Wixams Winter Wonderland in Lakeview Village Hall, Wixham MK42 6AB. For more information and to register, see the Adoption information evenings page on the Bedford council website.
The site also shares several adoption stories and provides a wealth of useful information for those considering or in the process of becoming an approved adoptive parent.
Cllr Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families in Children’s Services at Bedford Borough Council, says: ‘We never stop looking for innovative ways to promote adoption, along with supporting them to ensure they can provide the best possible environment for our children and young people. With this short film we wanted to create something that truly conveys the importance of adoption, while also breaking down some of the myths and misconceptions people may have about the process.
‘If you think you could provide a loving, permanent home to one of the young people in Bedford Borough who are awaiting adoption, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more.’
For more information about adoption in Bedford see www.adopt4bedford.com.
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