Support The Centre

Adopted children often have a tough start in life. Experiencing early life trauma, abuse or neglect, followed by long periods in care. These experiences have a lasting impact and adoption can be extremely challenging for both children and parents.

The Centre is CCS’s adoption support hub. The Centre offers a unique range of support groups, workshops, and activities for tots to teens and their parents which support and improve the well-being of the whole family. We offer this crucial support to all adoptive families from Bristol and the surrounding counties.

Many of you will be familiar with our work. But did you know –

— Our Centre services are not paid for by statutory funding

— The Centre services cost about £200,000 a year to run

— Last year over 200 families benefitted from our specialist services (rated Outstanding by Ofsted)

The last couple of years have been challenging. Like many charities, we face a big shortfall in fundraising income. We urgently need to raise funds to ensure the recovery of the Centre and the continuation of services.

Can you help?

— Can you help by making a gift to CCS? Gifts of any size are hugely appreciated and really will make a difference.

— Can you help by holding a fundraiser? If so, please get in contact with us – email fundraising@ccsadoption.org.

— Can you help by spreading the word? Follow us on social media – Facebook and Instagram – and share our fundraising posts!

Donate online today

The services you will support

Please help to secure the future of these services by supporting our appeal today. Our services include:

— Tots Group

Our specialist playgroup is for adopted children aged 0-4 years. Run by our two amazing Children’s Activity Workers. Tots provides a safe and welcoming space for children to build attachment with their new adoptive parents. Carefully planned activities help to support children’s development, address emotional and behavioural issues, and prepare them for ‘mainstream’ playgroups and school.

“A wonderful safe, fun and happy place where my children and I could feel completely at home.”

— A-Team & Prime Team

Regular opportunities for adopted children and teenagers to enjoy activities such as sports, art and music and meet other adopted children. These include collaborations with other charities such as HorseWorld, Empire Fighting Chance, All Aboard Watersports and Beacon Music Centre.

“A group where she could feel completely understood, accepted and ‘normal’.”

— Holiday Hub

In collaboration with Holiday Hub, CCS Adoption supports families during the Easter and Summer holidays by organising a range of fun activities for children to take part in and providing meals for them. This is a two-week project for children and teenagers only, for everyone to come and try out a new hobby/activity.

“We have recently adopted our daughter and it was great for her to meet other adopted children of the same age.”

— Wild ‘n’ Free

An outside wild exploration activity group for the whole family, which takes place during school half terms and holidays. Offering wild exploration and woodland adventure in a stress-free environment with a focus on shared time together. Wild ‘n’ Free helps parents to develop a healthy attachment with their children. Children benefit from new experiences which help to build confidence, develop social skills and provide the space to play and express themselves.

“It felt like a place to heal together surrounded by lovely, understanding and friendly faces.”

— Parents’ Support Groups

We run regular parents’ groups – Mums’ Meet Up, Dads’ Curry Club, the LGBTQ+ Coffee Morning, the Single Adopters Catch Up and the STEP (Support Through Early Permanence) Group. These groups give adoptive parents the chance to get together, meet others who can relate to their experiences, share worries, and give and receive support.

“Mums’ group has been a vital support for me. Meeting others who ‘get it’, being able to share our highs and lows.”

— Family Funday

Our services

Thank you for your support. If you would like any further information on the services we offer or how you can help, please contact fundraising@ccsadoption.org.