Have you or someone you know been affected by Historic Adoption in Scotland?
The term Historic Adoption refers to the period between the 50s and the 80’s when there were practices in place that resulted in new-born babies being unnecessarily taken away from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption (sometimes referred to as forced adoption).
Peer support is available to people who have been affected.
What is Historic Adoption?
The term Historic Adoption refers to the period between the 50s and the 80’s when there were practices in place that resulted in new-born babies being unnecessarily taken away from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption (sometimes referred to as forced adoption).
If you’re one of the thousands of people impacted by this you may have experienced some of the following: feelings of unresolved grief, loss and trauma, struggles with identity, and fear of rejection. Some may experience difficulties with relationships or with their mental health. While there are commonalities, each person’s experience is unique. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your experiences and see whether peer support is right for you.
What is Historic Adoption Peer Support?
In a confidential peer support space, we can share personal experiences, listen to and accept other’s stories, and provide empathy and understanding. It’s also a space to share encouraging stories of how people have moved forward and what helps keeps them motivated and well. If you have been affected by historic adoption and would like more information about how to become involved in a Mothers group or an Adult Adoptee group in Scotland, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome enquiries from fathers and other family members.
“There is something comforting about being in a room with a group of people and not having to say a word to know that they genuinely understand what I am feeling”
Peer support attendee
We recognise that taking part in a group peer space may not appeal to everyone or it might not be the right time. We are happy to discuss the options for arranging individual peer support by telephone, online or depending on location in person for those who are not yet ready for group peer support.
How to find out more
We would love to hear from you!
You can get in touch by:
- Calling 0131 225 8508
- Emailing historicadoption@health-in-mind.org.uk
- Filling out our support enquiry form – noting your interest in finding out more about historic adoption peer support
- Writing to us at: Health in Mind, 40 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RT.
You’ll hear back from us within 10 days.
Online Information Sessions
Our Historic Adoption Peer Support Team would like to invite people interested in becoming involved in peer support to find out more online.
An information session has also been arranged for organisations with staff who would be interested in learning about plans for our historic adoption peer support service.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are seeking volunteers who would be interested in supporting the Historic Adoption Peer Support Service with the following roles.
Advisory Group Member
We need people who are able to will work alongside the Peer Development Worker, Service Manager and Advisory Group Members on a range of areas; to guide the service using your lived experience of historic adoption and; to provide advice and guidance with the aim of the service offering the best support possible to people who have experienced historic adoption practices.
Community Champion
We need people who are able to raise awareness around what historic adoption practices are and the impact this has had on people with lived experience.
Peer Volunteer
We need people who have experienced historic adoption practices to support peer groups, online or in your local area, creating a safe space for group members to explore their experiences of historic adoption.
Find out more about volunteering with Health in Mind and register your interest on our volunteer page. Enter ‘Historic Adoption Peer Support Service’ volunteer when completing the form.
This service is funded by:
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