BBC

This year, we was offered the most fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the 'You Can Adopt' campaign.

You Can Adopt launched their campaign to attract more adopters from culturally, diverse backgrounds. When being asked to be a part of this work, it meant that we could highlight the need for children in the care system, to be in families that looked like them and have an understanding of their identity. This couldn't have been more relevant to our work on: Replenish Culture, as advocating for children in the care system with afro hair, crosses over with so many challenges that adopters may also face. We were able to film with the BBC and be interviewed by Pandora Christie about the Replenish Culture boxes. Whilst Pandora is a DJ on Heart FM she is also from a mixed heritage background and understands what Replenish Culture is trying to achieve. 

Pandora was so easy to talk to as she has a lived experience of being in care. She had a clear understanding of how the Replenish Culture Boxes, could have made her journey in care a lot easier. When talking to her, we challenged some of the myths that can hold some members of the community back from thinking about adoption as a real possibility.

By the time we had finished the Replenish Culture segment, everyone knew why there was a need for Replenish Culture and they were able to gain a better understanding of what Replenish Culture is doing. We need to better support our black-looked-after children, as well as encourage potential black adopters to come forward. We also need to change our approach to how we parent these children in the care system and spend more time understanding their identity and cultural needs.

Talking to Pandora felt more like two people discussing change that needs to happen rather than an interview. Her warmth and knowledge of the care system meant that we could talk deeply about why there needs to be change and why Replenish Culture was born.

We believe all children in the care system need resources that embrace their individuality and an offer from the local authority that fits the needs of the child.

Thank you to Pandora for your care and compassion and You Can Adopt for this opportunity.

Morning Live

BBC iPlayer

29th June 2023