Leeds Adopteens group helps adopted teens feel less alone
During Mental Health Awareness Week (11-18 May), Family Action is highlighting the power of connection for adopted teenagers through Adopteens, a supportive group run by PAC-UK, Family Action’s adoption support agency.
The Leeds Adopteens group brings young people together through a range of activities, with trusted adults on hand to support them.
It also gives young people a chance to have their say about what they need, at school and in other services, so they feel listened to and taken seriously.
Adopteens supports adopted teenagers who may be dealing with big feelings or tricky questions about who they are and where they fit in. In Leeds, the group offers a relaxed space to meet others who understand, build confidence and feel accepted.
Some young people find it hard to open up, so there’s no pressure to talk. They can join in at their own pace, take part in activities, and get to know people gradually.
Many adopted teenagers describe feeling ‘different’ or misunderstood, which can feed into anxiety, loneliness and low self-esteem. Adopteens’ groups help reduce that isolation by offering a community of peers with shared experiences.
Molly, who attended Adopteens as a teenager, said: “It became a staple of my life… no matter what was happening, I always had an Adopteens thing coming up… Having people understand your experience helps you know that you’re not going crazy.”
Tanya Killick, Service Manager for Adopteens, said: “Peer support can be a turning point. When adopted young people meet others who just ‘get it’, it can ease shame, reduce isolation and help them feel they belong.
"Our job is to create safe, welcoming spaces where they can be themselves, build trust in their own time, and know they don’t have to deal with everything on their own.”
When adopted young people spend time with others who understand, they often feel less alone, more comfortable in themselves, and more able to trust relationships. Over time, that can make it easier to accept help in other areas of life too.
Adopteens is part of Family Action’s service PAC-UK. It supports adopted young people aged 11–18. Families and professionals can find out what’s available in Leeds by contacting PAC-UK.
Visit PAC-UK - adoption & special guardianship support - Family Action to find out more.