You Can Adopt Podcast

Recently, we had a fantastic opportunity, we were invited to be a part of a Podcast about Black Identity, Culture, and Belonging in fostering and adoption. It was hosted by the amazing

British actor, Jimmy Akingbola who has a lived experience of the care system.

It was arranged for Replenish Culture to participate in the Podcast by You Can Adopt, for their 2023 campaign which is to highlight the need for more adaptors from the black community and more diverse backgrounds.

The Podcast was an honest and frank discussion about how identity and culture are addressed in the fostering and adoption forum. We discussed Jimmy’s story and the fact that he was in foster care from the age of 2 and brought up by a white foster mother. His honest approach to his childhood is a breath of fresh air.

Jimmy’s story was full of love for his foster family and how they embraced his culture. He also acknowledged that if the Replenish Culture Boxes where available during his time of care he would of benefiting greatly from them.

We discussed the need for the Replenish Culture initiative, and how Replenish Culture is about the boxes but also about the educational side of identity and culture and why the care system needs to address it better. We discussed the future of Replenish Culture, the potential buy-in from local authorities, why this support hasn't happened before, the bespoke Replenish Culture initiative.

It was lovely meeting Jimmy, he is such a warm and inspirational man with an abundance of humility and gracefulness.

Replenish Culture is hoping to work with Jimmy in the future. His lived experience would be so impactful to our mission.

This Podcast was such an incredible experience for Replenish Culture. Collaboration is key in our efforts to shine a light on the disadvantages of some of our most vulnerable children. If we don’t do it who will? The Care system has to be more than just a head on a bed and food in their belly. 

Click the headphones to listen