4th October 2017

70 years of leading Adoption Agency with Diocesan links

Leading adoption agency, Adoption Matters, held a celebratory afternoon tea event at Whalley Abbey in the beautiful Ribble Valley recently to celebrate its 70^th Anniversary.

More than 70 people from across Lancashire attended the 40s-themed event including adopters, donors, local authority partners and representatives from the Diocese of Blackburn, including the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Julian Henderson and the Archdeacon of Lancaster, The Venerable Michael Everitt.

The agency has its roots going back to 1947 with the Blackburn Diocese Adoption Agency and also Chester Diocesan Adoption Services. Those two agencies merged in 2007 forming Adoption Matters.

The event at Whalley Abbey celebrated the achievement of placing more than 4000 children with their ‘forever families’ across a 70-year history.  Last year alone they placed 76 children, the highest number since 1967.

Bishop Julian, who is also President of Adoption Matters, said: “Adoption Matters is a wonderful organisation and I was delighted to be able to join them for this special event at Whalley Abbey, our Diocesan Retreat and Conference Centre. It was an opportunity to celebrate 70 years of faithful service.”

Chief Executive, Norman Goodwin CBE, added: “Commemorating our 70^th Anniversary is important to our charity in remembering our past, celebrating our achievements and looking forward to our future. 

“Our aim has remained consistent throughout our history, which is that children’s welfare and needs are paramount and we aim for them to grow up in a secure and loving family who will best meet their long-term needs and who can help them to reach their full potential.”

The agency offers lifelong support to adopters, their children placed and their extended family, through counselling, support groups, training and workshops.

Whilst originating from a Church of England background, the agency now operates independently of the church; however, the ethos and values of the CofE continues to inspire their work and it retains strong links with Blackburn Diocese and Chester Diocese, as well as a partnership with Christian Charity Home for Good.

For more information about adoption and the different options available, visit: www.adoptionmatters.org or call 0300 123 1066