Families connected with Diagrama Foundation’s Foster Care and Adoption services recently had the opportunity to enjoy a summer picnic at one of our annual get togethers.

A series of regional picnic parties were held throughout July in Purley, Winchester and Worthing, offering adopters the chance to meet other adopters and create support networks.

Everyone who attended the picnics also had the chance to discuss with Diagrama staff - in a relaxed environment - any challenges or concerns they may have to help them identify potential problems they need support with.  Social workers were able to speak to adopters and carers about potential support they need and how to put that in action.

Families could put names of Diagrama staff to faces and meet up with members of our team who they may not have met before. They were also given updates on news from the foundation about other work the charity is currently involved with.

Children and young people attending the picnics appreciated the chance to spend time and share experiences with other adoptive children and young people.

Many families attended the picnics and told staff how much they enjoyed the events and how important the opportunity was for them.

One parent said: “Our eldest was looking forward to it ‘because all the other children are like me’. Seeing how ‘normal’ other adopted children are helps her own self-esteem and view of herself, when she feels she is sticking out in school as the only adopted child.

“We met a family we meant to meet up with ages ago, but had lost touch with.  We also seem to have similar issues to struggle with, so hopefully can be of mutual support, exchanging coping strategies, sources of support etc.”

The Winchester event proved so popular that Diagrama Foundation will now be setting up a regular group for children and young people to benefit from peer support from September.

The picnics will be repeated again next summer.