Manchester-based children’s charity and voluntary adoption agency, Adoption Matters, welcomes new funding to deliver innovative support for adopted children, young people and families.

Adoption Matters is delighted to be part of two pioneering projects awarded funding through Adoption England’s Voluntary Adoption Agency Early Support Innovation Fund, helping to strengthen adoption support for children, young people and families across England.

The funding forms part of a national programme designed to develop innovative, early intervention support for adoptive families, ensuring children and young people can access timely help before challenges escalate into crisis.

The fund will support regional pilots over the next two years, with a focus on improving outcomes and building resilience through preventative, trauma-responsive support.

Adoption Matters is proud to be leading, alongside Caritas Care and Regional Adoption Agency partners across the North West, a specialist support programme for adopted pre-teens and teenagers aged 11 to 16.

The initiative will provide therapeutic group sessions, creative and music-based activities, specialist trauma-informed support, and resources for parents, carers and schools.

In addition, Adoption Matters is a key partner in the Yorkshire Consortium’s “Village” project, working alongside Yorkshire Adoption Agency, Barnardo’s, Adopters for Adoption and Regional Adoption Agencies across Yorkshire and Humber.

The project will establish peer-led support communities for adoptive families, helping to reduce isolation, strengthen family resilience and provide access to both peer and professional support.

Together, these projects have the potential to transform support for many adoptive families by creating opportunities for connection, building confidence and addressing challenges at an earlier stage.

Adoption Matters Chief Executive, Susy White said:

“We are thrilled to be involved in two of these exciting and innovative projects. This funding recognises the value of providing support early, before families reach crisis point, and creates an opportunity to develop services that truly reflect the needs of adopted children, young people and their families.

At Adoption Matters, we see every day the difference that the right support can make. Through the programme for pre-teens and teens, and the Village project, we will be working alongside our adoption agency partners to provide safe spaces, stronger connections and practical support that will help children and young people thrive.

Collaboration is at the heart of both projects, and we are proud to be working with colleagues from across the adoption sector to develop approaches that could shape the future of adoption support nationally.”

The projects reflect a growing national focus on earlier, more consistent adoption support and greater collaboration between voluntary and regional adoption agencies to improve outcomes for adopted children and their families.

Adoption Matters offers early and ongoing support to their families through their Centre for Fostering & Adoption Support, including webinars, therapeutic training and more.