1 week Ago
A podcast created by a local adoption agency has reached a significant milestone after amassing 30,000 listens. Adoption Now's "Adopter Stories," launched in April 2021, was one of the first of its kind, designed to provide prospective adopters with real-life stories from those who have navigated the adoption journey. The series highlights the unique nature of each adoption experience, candidly discussing the challenges as well as the moments of joy.
Ian Schofield, the podcast's host and affectionately known as "The Voice of Adoption Now," identified a gap in the market for this type of content and initiated the podcast. Mr Schofield 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." The podcast has released around 75 episodes covering a range of topics including adopting siblings, older children, fostering for adoption, and adopting as a solo parent. There are also episodes designed to guide prospective adopters through the process step by step, as well as special episodes focusing on dads, Christmas, and other significant events.
The podcast recently introduced monthly "extra-time" episodes, providing updates on the Adoption Now agency's activities, important dates, case studies of some children, and information on ongoing campaigns. Katrina Williams, head of service at Adoption Now, 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." The 30,000-listen milestone comes at a challenging time for adoption, with a widening gap between the number of children needing adoption and the number of families willing to adopt.
Read more: Beloved BBC presenter has hit travel show renewed for third series Tesco updates customers after mass complaints over tinned beans shortage Big win on postcode lottery for this Bolton street Many children are waiting longer for permanent homes. Adoption Now encourages anyone who believes they could provide a safe and loving home to a child to listen to "Adopter Stories by Adoption Now" to find out more. For more information, prospective adopters can contact Adoption Now via their website at www.
adoptionnow.org.uk or by calling 01204 336096.
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