Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Fiona, an adoptee, adoptive parent, and mentor, about navigating education from both perspectives. With over 20 years of experience supporting women through challenging life circumstances, Fiona is dedicated to helping adoptees overcome emotional barriers and reach their full potential. As the founder of This is Me – I’m Adopted , she provides guidance to adoptees worldwide and has shared her personal journey in two books. In this episode, Fiona discusse...
Mar 06, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Kate Elliott, a mindfulness practitioner, parent mentor, and trainee counsellor, about supporting adopted children through the education system. As a parent to a child with developmental trauma, Kate understands the challenges families face and shares practical ways to help children feel secure and supported at school. They discuss strategies for managing emotional and behavioural difficulties, advocating for the right support, and working with teachers ...
Feb 27, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Jody about how adoptive parents can support their child’s education at home. Jody shares practical approaches for helping with homework, creating a positive learning environment, and keeping children motivated. They discuss the unique challenges adoptive parents may face, how to balance educational needs with family dynamics, and the importance of strong communication with teachers. Plus, they explore useful tools and resources to make learning at home m...
Feb 20, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Adele Bates, a behaviour and education specialist and author of "Miss, I Don’t Give a Sh t: Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools."* Adele shares her expertise on recognising behaviour as a form of communication, the importance of trauma-informed approaches, and strategies for building strong relationships with students who may be disengaged or resistant. They discuss practical ways to create supportive learning environments, equip teachers with...
Feb 17, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with Lesley-Ann from NeuroHarmony about addressing behavioural challenges in adopted children. Helen shares insights into understanding the root causes of these behaviours and how they can be linked to a child’s early experiences. They discuss collaborative approaches between parents and educators, practical strategies for managing challenges, and the importance of providing emotional support to help children thrive. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption S...
Jan 16, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Yoni Ejo, CEO of Diversity Adopt , to explore the educational challenges adopted children face, especially when it comes to cultural identity. Yoni shares her story of preparing for her child’s schooling, reflecting on the importance of understanding their cultural and personal background. Yoni discusses how parents and teachers can work together to support adopted children and ensure their educational and cultural needs are met. Contact We Are Family...
Jan 09, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Julie Harmieson , Director of Education and National Strategy for Trauma Informed Schools UK, to talk about trauma-informed practices in schools, especially for adopted children. Julie shares her experience in creating classrooms that support students' emotional and psychological needs and covers practical strategies for teachers, the challenges schools face, and the real benefits of trauma-informed approaches for all adopted students. Contact We Are ...
Dec 19, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Join host Eddie Elliott as he talks with Anthony about navigating the educational system as an adoptee. Anthony shares their personal experiences, reflecting on the challenges faced, the support that made a difference, and how their background shaped their time in school. Anthony also discuss practical advice for adoptive parents, educators, and adoptees, offering valuable insights into creating a more supportive educational experience for adopted children. Contact We Are Family & the Adopti...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Lisa to discuss her journey of adopting a child with a cleft lip and palate. Lisa talks about navigating the adoption process, advocating for support for her child, and the importance of building a safe and encouraging network. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the priva...
May 23, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Lucy, a children's nurse and researcher, to explore her journey of adopting twice with her wife. Lucy shares her valuable insights into the challenges and the existing inequities of healthcare access. Throughout the conversation, Lucy underscores the importance of post-adoption support, advocating for her children's needs, and the significance of being heard within a broader support network. Additionally, Lucy sheds light on her doctoral study, which ...
May 03, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Jessie, who shares her journey of adopting siblings with additional needs. Throughout the conversation, Jessie offers invaluable insights into the adoption process, preparation, and emotional aspects. With candid discussion of challenges faced, Jessie emphasises the crucial role of supportive professionals in navigating the adoption journey effectively. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet...
Apr 18, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Stephen, a dedicated father and experienced educator, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of advocating for children with special educational needs (SEN). From the intricacies of securing an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) to the conversations between mainstream versus special schooling, Stephen shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tw...
Apr 04, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode, Eddie meets Esther who speaks about building resilient families and her journey with adoption. Esther also shares her work with the SEND Survival Guide and Emotional Freedom Tapping technique. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information ha...
Mar 21, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In this episode, Eddie meets Andrew who candidly shares his family's experience adopting a child with additional needs. Gain insights into the realities and hurdles faced by families navigating this unique journey. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying informati...
Feb 26, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 1
This talk is part of our Big Give Christmas Challenge fundraising campaign . In exchange for listening, we ask that you make a donation at any level that you can, to our Big Give Christmas Challenge Fundraising Campaign - between midday 28th November to midday 5th November - raising vital funds to continue the work of We Are Family into our next decade. In this episode, Eddie meets We Are Family Co-Founders Miranda and Marie Louise for a very special episode celebrating WAF's 10th Anniversary. L...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Eddie meets Audrey Bouazizi, Head of Service for Adopt London South, part of the Adopt London RAA (Regional Adoption Agency) as she shares her experiences as a professional working in adoption and her views on the experiences of Black people within the adoption journey. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy...
Feb 23, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Eddie meets Tony who together with his white partner adopted sibling boys who are mixed heritage and white. Tony shares his family's story and how they celebrate and understand their unique identities alongside navigating and embracing contact with the boys' birth mum. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy ...
Jan 19, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Eddies meets Esther and hears about her journey to adopt siblings as a single parent. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and whether information about their adoption...
Dec 08, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Eddie sits down with Mike, who was adopted as a baby and has since made contact with his birth family. Together they explore Mike's experience of growing up adopted, making contact and developing relationships with his birth family. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All ide...
Nov 24, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In the first episode of this exciting season of Adoption Shared Black Voices , our host Eddie Elliott shares his story of becoming an adoptive dad with his good friend, and well known actress, Victoria Ekanoye. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information h...
Nov 10, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Eddie is joined by Jane, who is a step mum, birth mum, and adoptive mum of three boys. Jane shares her family's adoption journey and how their family dynamics have changed and developed over time. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been change...
Jun 16, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Eddie sits down with Jane Griffiths of CAPA First Response to talk about child to parent abuse. Together they explore what it is, the root causes and how trauma can impact, and the support available for the whole family when there is child to parent abuse in the home. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy o...
Jun 02, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Eddie talks to Victoria Bagnall, co-founder of Connections in Mind to explore Executive Functioning : what it is; the impact that challenges with executive functioning can have; how trauma impacts executive functioning; and how we can support our children to develop their executive functioning skills to better regulate their emotions, manage their time and belongings, and to engage with learning - to name just a few! Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #Ad...
May 19, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Eddie talks to Amanda about her experience of adoption, working and living with trauma, embracing fear and finding support. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests about how and wh...
May 05, 2022•51 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Eddie talks to Angela about her experience of adopting an older child, and going through the process and parenting as a single adopter. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidelines to all of our guests abou...
Apr 21, 2022•41 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Eddie talks to Charlie, who is an adoptee and an adoptive parent, in an engaging and open discussion about supporting her daughter with the experience of being adopted and working to build a connection that endures even in times of separation. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their childr...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 1
We asked adopters the same five questions, and their answers reveal the complexity and variety of adoption journeys. Join us to hear the answer to 'What would you do differently..?' and more. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or ...
Dec 23, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Eddie talks to Megan Tanner of Think NVR , Non-violent Resistance (NVR) practitioner and consultant about strategies for managing the ‘Big Feelings’ that can come up for adopted children around Christmas time- and at any time. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifyi...
Dec 09, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Eddie talks to Stephen and Mark about making and supporting contact with their children's birth families, exploring the challenges and very real positives of making contact work. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We p...
Nov 25, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Eddie talks to Jody, adoptive dad and deputy headteacher of a primary school about what important questions to ask and information to look out for when choosing a primary school for your adopted child. Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team: Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared * Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott * Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk * Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been c...
Nov 10, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 3
