Whitby Abbey
Come join us for an interactive time exploring the history of Whitby Abbey from Monks to Dracula! Includes a tour of the Abbey and Quill making.
Venue: Whitby Abbey, Abbey Lane, Whitby, YO22 4JT
Date: Tuesday 28th July
Time: 11am – 2pm
PAC-UK
Alpaca Trekking
Come join us in a slice of paradise at Butterwick Alpaca’s
Here we will spend time getting to know the unique personalities of the Alpaca’s and get to take them on a leisurely walk. Once back there will be plenty of time to meet some of the other animals on the farm, including Pygmy goats and a tortoise!
Venue: Butterwick Alpaca retreat, Boynton Lane, Butterwick, Malton, North Yorkshire GB YO17 6PS
Date: Saturday 13th June
Time: 11am – 1.30pm
or 2.30pm – 5pm
Creative Canvas
Join us again with the awesome Jane Howroyd and unleash your creativity on canvas!
In this activity, you’ll paint your name — or a word that means something to you — using acrylics.
Play with bold colours, inventive lettering, textures, and styles. There are no rules here… just imagination, expression, and art.
**All materials will be posted out to you prior to the event.
Saturday 2nd May 2026
Time – 10.30am – 12pm
Venue -Online
Conisbrough Castle
Join us for a guided tour of Conisbrough Castle before diving into a creative clay-making workshop where you can design and shape your own candle holder!
Saturday 14th March 2026
Time – 11am – 1.30pm
Venue -Conisbrough Castle, Doncaster, DN12 3BU
Chocolate Cake- Off
Do you have what it takes to make the worlds most Chocolatiest Chocolate cake?
Join us for deliciously fun bake- off where you’ll be challenged to create the most chocolate- packed cake and compete for the title of Chocolate Cake Champion.
Saturday 31st January 2026
Time – 10.30m – 12pm
Venue – Online
Adopteens Celebrate 10 years of Empowering Adopted Teens
Adopteens, a pioneering service created by adopted young people, for adopted young people, has marked its 10-year anniversary with the release of a powerful impact report showcasing its achievements from 2015 to 2025.
Launched in response to a large-scale consultation known as The Big Consult, Adopteens was designed to give adopted teenagers a safe space to connect, share experiences, and influence change. Over the past decade, the service has grown into a vibrant community that not only reduces isolation but also amplifies youth voices in shaping adoption practice across the UK.
What’s the Impact?
- 330 adopted young people have accessed support through Adopteens and its projects.
- 736 young people attended social events across 66 sessions, from graffiti workshops to treetop adventures.
- 466 professionals have been trained through Adopt a Change, a unique program co-produced and delivered by young adoptees.
- Over 30,000 views on YouTube for films created by members, tackling myths and sharing real-life experiences.
Practice Manager Tanya Killick reflected on the milestone:
“Growing up as an adopted person, I didn’t have this opportunity myself. To now enable young people to feel seen, accepted, and empowered is my proudest professional achievement.”
Why It Matters Adoption can feel isolating, especially for teens navigating identity and belonging. Adopteens offers social events where young people can simply “be themselves” among peers who understand. Parents report that these events help their children feel less alone and more confident. One parent shared:
“Our son joined Adopteens and came back buzzing and happy each time. He didn’t need to hide his adoption status – he could just be himself.”
Beyond social events, Adopteens runs two voice-and-influence projects:
- Youth Council – Members create films, resources, and even host events like the recent 10-year celebration at Temple Newsam.
- Adopt a Change – Training professionals to understand adoption through lived experience, sparking systemic change in schools and social care.
Looking Ahead The next decade promises even more growth. Plans include expanding Adopteens nationally, reinstating services for 18–25-year-olds, and strengthening partnerships with education and mental health services.
“The past decade has shown us what’s possible when adopted young people are given space to lead and connect,” says the report.
For teens and parents, Adopteens is more than a service – it’s a lifeline, a community, and a movement for change.
Click here to read the full IMPACT REPORT
Follow us @adopteens on Instagram.