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LETTERFROM THECEO
Dear St David's Family,
As we firmly step into 2026, I am delighted to welcome you to the tenth issue of our newsletter, themed “Firsts!” It’s a theme that perfectly captures the spirit of adoption — the milestones, the beginnings, and the journey taken by children, families, and our supporters alike
At St David’s, every journey begins with a first step. For prospective adopters, that may be their initial contact with our team, or the decision to explore adoption as a path for their family. For children, it may be their first day with their forever family, their first school experience, or the first time they feel fully secure and understood. Each first is unique, significant, and worth celebrating.
This issue highlights some of these firsts in action You’ll meet Dan, our Stage One Manager, whose role is to guide and reassure families as they take their initial steps into adoption We also explore the very real concerns adopters often face the fear of missing out on a child’s milestones and offer guidance on how these feelings can be understood, reframed, and eased.
I’m also excited to share a new effort from our sister foster agency: Weekenders! This lets you Step in for a Weekend & Stand Out for a Child. Since last month’s launch, the response has been amazing. It’s a reminder that small firsts can make a big difference.
On the fundraising front, we’re thrilled to offer supporters their own firsts From the Newport 10K for new runners, to an adopter tackling the London Marathon St David’s first ever we’re reminded that firsts come in many forms and have a meaningful impact.
I hope this issue inspires and reminds you of the power of firsts in shaping lives.
Thank you for and for helpin brighter future families acros Jason B
JASON BAKE
MEETTHETEAM: DANWARNER
Your First Conversation Matters: Talking to Dan, Stage One Manager at St David’s
Taking the first step towards adoption can feel like a big moment For many people, it comes with a mix of curiosity, nerves and plenty of unanswered questions. At St David’s Adoption Service, that journey usually begins with a conversation with Dan, our Stage One Manager – and often the first person you’ll speak to when you get in touch.
Read more about Stager One here
We caught up over a coffee to talk about that first step: the initial enquiry, what it looks like in practice, and what prospective adopters can really expect. “Reaching out doesn’t lock you into anything,” Dan explains. “It’s simply a chance to talk things through, get clear and accurate information, and work out whether adoption feels right for you”
Many people expect that first conversation to feel formal or even a little daunting. In reality, it’s very much the opposite. Dan describes it as a conversation led by the person enquiring, not an interview or a checklist.
“It’s about your questions,” he says. “Some people come knowing exactly what they want to ask. Others just want a broad overview of how adoption works. Both are absolutely fine.”
It’s also usually the point where Dan explains a bit about who St David’s is. As a voluntary adoption agency (VAA), St David’s is an independent, notfor-profit charity focused solely on creating and supporting families through adoption
When people begin exploring adoption, it can feel confusing trying to understand the different routes available. You can apply through your local authority or through an independent VAA like St David’s. While the assessment process itself is the same, choosing the right service is about finding the support that feels right for you At St David’s, the emphasis is on personalised, child-centred support, shaped around each family’s individual circumstances
Unsurprisingly, common worries often surface early on People may question whether they’re ‘right’ for adoption, how their past experiences might be viewed, or how demanding the process really is Dan’s role is to bring clarity, breaking the process down into manageable steps and explaining what Stage One is truly about.
“This stage isn’t about judgement,” he says. “It’s about learning. People are exploring what adoption involves and whether it fits with their lives, and we’re here to support that reflection.”
St David’s also recognises that everyone engages differently. Some people prefer to read information in their own time, while others value a phone call, WhatsApp, video chat or face-toface conversation. That flexibility is built into the enquiry stage, allowing people to connect in a way that feels most comfortable for them.
Those early conversations matter. When people feel listened to and not rushed, they’re able to reflect more honestly on adoption and their own readiness for it.
For Dan, one of the most rewarding parts of his role is seeing how those first conversations can open the door to possibility “You often see people arrive feeling unsure,” he says, “and leave feeling reassured – knowing they’re not alone and that support is there”
Over time, those initial conversations can grow into something much bigger. Dan often reconnects with families years later, long after Stage One, and sees how those early discussions helped lay the foundations for thriving family lives. His advice to anyone thinking about making that first call is simple: come as you are. “You don’t need to have perfect answers,” he says. “Honesty, openness and a willingness to learn matter far more. Adoption is a partnership, and that starts from the very first conversation.”
If you’re considering adoption and wondering where to begin, that initial chat could be the first step on a truly life-changing journey. chat to us here
FAMILYFUN DAYS
Join us for a Spring of Fun!
Over the spring, join us for a whole host of St David’s family events, from our annual takeover of Parc Play in Cardiff to stomping on the beach and exploring the Museum of Land Speed in West Wales.
Our family days are a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together, meet other families who have adopted through St David’s, and enjoy fun, memorable experiences in a safe and welcoming environment
Whether it’s running, playing, learning, or simply relaxing together, there’s something for everyone. Attending these events can help children build confidence, make new friends, and create lasting memories, while parents and carers get a chance to connect, share experiences, and enjoy time with the wider St David’s family.
To keep our events safe for everyone, we don’t publish exact times and locations. Invitations are sent to all St David’s families and those who have adopted with us.
If you haven’t received your invitation, please contact Shaun at shaunhoucke@stdavidscsorg or send us a DM on social media to be added to the invite list We’d love to see you there! Please note that all our events are fully funded by your ongoing support and donations.
TRAINING REVIEWS
“GOOD SHARING OF EXPERIENCES, UTILISING ASSESSMENTS, GOOD ADVICE ON TIPS/STRATEGIES FOR CHILD”.
“GOT MORE INFORMATION FROM THIS COURSE THAN WE DID THROUGH OVER 6 YEARS OF FOSTERING ”
“EXCELLENT TRAINER WITH SOME REAL EXAMPLES OF HER PRACTICE. VERY RELATABLE, AND SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT RELEVANT FOR PEOPLE ON ALL LEVELS AND IN DIFFERENT ROLES IN ATTENDANCE”
FIRSTSIN ADOPTION
Navigating the Fear of Missing Out
One of the most common feelings for adoptive parents, especially in the early days, is a sense of loss or worry about missing out on a child’s “firsts.” These firsts a first word, first step, first day at school, or first birthday without their birth/ Foster family — carry emotional weight For adoptive families, they can be joyful milestones but also moments that highlight a child’s early experiences before adoption, which parents weren’t part of
It’s important to acknowledge that this fear is normal. Adoption doesn’t erase the past, and no parent can be there for every moment a child has experienced. But while you can’t change what’s already happened, you can create new firsts together, ones that matter just as much if not more. Firsts represent progress, growth, and the passing of time. Many adoptive parents find themselves thinking:
“Did I miss the chance to be there for their first word?”
“Will I ever feel like their ‘real’ parent if I wasn’t there from the start?”
These thoughts are completely understandable. Acknowledging them is the first step in building a healthy, honest relationship with your child/ren. Firsts aren’t only chronological events — they’re experiences and memories created together. A child may have said their first word before joining your family, but the first word you hear them say in your home is your first word together, a memory uniquely yours A first day at school with your support, or celebrating birthdays and holidays in your home, becomes part of the story you are building together
By thinking of firsts this way, you can shift from a mindset of loss to one of opportunity and creation. Every new experience is a chance to build memories that strengthen your bond.
Practical Ways to Celebrate New Firsts
Create Your Own Traditions: Weekly routines, special outings, or birthday rituals help children have meaningful experiences in your home.
Mark Milestones: Scrapbooks, photos, or journals can celebrate achievements and create lasting memories.
Focus on the Present: Acknowledge the past, but emphasise the new experiences you are sharing now.
Celebrate Small Wins: First attempts at schoolwork, friendships, or hobbies are all milestones worth noticing.
Sometimes, these feelings can feel overwhelming If you feel you’d like some support, don’t forget that St David’s has daily duty social workers available, ready for a chat or advice with all of our St David's families Talking things through can help you feel more confident and reassured about the firsts in your child’s life.
THEABP NEWPORT10K
Following the incredible success of our runners at the Cardiff Half Marathon, we’re thrilled to announce that St David’s Children’s Society has secured places for the ABP Newport 10K 2026, taking place on Sunday 19 April This is a fantastic opportunity for runners of all abilities to get involved, have fun, and support families across Wales.
Places are free to register, with a minimum request to raise £100 for St. David’s. Every pound raised will go directly towards providing vital post-adoption support, helping children and families thrive in their forever homes.
As part of the experience, all runners will receive a St. David’s running t-shirt and race pack, ensuring you’re kitted out and ready to hit the course in style. Whether you’re an experienced runner or new to the distance, the Newport 10K is a friendly and inspiring event, and running for St David’s makes every step meaningful
We’d love for as many of you as possible to join Team St. David’s. By running, fundraising, or cheering, you’ll be part of a community that celebrates resilience, hope, and togetherness just like our Cardiff Half Marathon runners demonstrated.
To register your interest and secure your place, email shaun.houcke@stdavidscs.org.
Let’s make 2026 another year of running for change!
STEPINFORA WEEKEND.
Step in for a weekend Stand out for a child
At St. David’s, our fostering community continues to grow, and we’re proud to see more families opening their hearts and homes to children in need. Each new foster carer brings hope to a child waiting for someone to believe in them.
Across Wales, there’s still an urgent need for foster carers. Too many children spend nights in residential care simply because there aren’t enough families available. If you’ve ever considered fostering or even just wondered what it might involve—now is the time to take the next step
Many of our foster carers began their journey through adoption and have chosen to continue supporting children through fostering. They tell us it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done giving children a stable, loving environment where they c grow and thrive. At St. David’s, we provide speciali training, personalised support, and financial assist to help every carer feel confident.
For those who can’t commit full-time, there’s the David’s Weekender. Swimming, museums, gigs, or simply exploring the city as a Weekender, you’r matched with a child or siblings who would benef from fun, stability, and a trusted adult.
Email us at fostering@stdavidscsorg or visit our website to find out more
FIRST!
Curated by the St David’s Children’s Society team.
St. David’s Playlist Issue 10: First!
For Issue 10, we’re excited to share “First!” a specially curated playlist celebrating discovery, new experiences, and those unforgettable first moments. From a child’s first steps to a family’s first adventure together, these songs capture the joy, wonder, and excitement that come with trying something new.
Whether you’re heading out on a St. David’s Weekender, spending time with your foster or adoptive child, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, this playlist is a soundtrack to those milestones and discoveries that shape our lives.
Press play, let the music take you on a journey, and celebrate the power of firsts.
Listen now: HERE
CONTACT
St David’s Adoption Service Lambourne House, Llanishen Business Park, Cardiff CF14 5GL
029 2066 7007 or info@stdavidscsorg
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DONATE
As a registered Charity you may like to consider supporting the work of St David’s. Your contribution will help ensure that every child with an adoption plan in Wales is placed with a loving family and supported to reach their full potential. HERE
Registered Office: Lambourne House, Llanishen Business Park, Cardiff CF14 5GL
St David’s Children Society is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Registration No: 509163) and a company limited by Guarantee (Registered Cardiff 1546688) St David’s Adoption Service is the brand name of the St David’s Children Society’s adoption service
© St David’s Children Society 2026
