People with lived experience of adoption are being invited to help shape the future of adoption services across the South West through a new Voice & Influence Reference Group.
The group is being established by Adopt South West to bring together adoptees, birth relatives and adopters, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences, provide feedback and help influence how services are developed and improved.
Meeting every other month online, with occasional in-person opportunities across the region, the group aims to create a safe, welcoming and accessible space where people can contribute their views and help ensure adoption services are shaped by lived experience.
Members will have the opportunity to comment on proposals, plans and developments, bringing different perspectives to discussions and helping identify what is working well and where improvements can be made. The group is also intended to help Adopt South West gather richer insights that go beyond traditional feedback methods.
Support will be available for participants, including travel reimbursement and vouchers to thank people for their time and contribution.
Anyone interested in finding out more or expressing an interest in joining the Voice & Influence Reference Group can contact Sophie Holmes, Participation Lead for Adopt South West, at sophie.holmes@devon.gov.uk