The St. David's Quarterly Newsletter Vol. 1 - Nov '23

NOV ‘23

ISSUE 1

DAVID‘S

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OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

OUR NEW LOOK QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION

JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION

IN THIS ISSUE 2

LETTER FROM THE CEO Catch up with Wendy Keidan and our new Chair Phill Chick

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IN CONVERSATION We talk to Sarah, a solo adopter of two on their journey to becoming mum

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FUNDRAISING All the latest new from our fundraising team, and how you can join in

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CONNECT Dates for the diary of up coming events, support & training

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OUT AND ABOUT Things to do this Autumn and Winter in Wales, that won’t break the bank

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LETTER FROM THE CEO Celebrating community, dedicated to children's well-being.

Welcome to our first quarterly newsletter! For those familiar with our annual November newsletter, we're delighted to introduce a more frequent update on St. David's happenings over the next three months. While it will be shorter than our annual edition, we hope that this new format and frequency will serve you well. As ever let us have your thoughts on this or anything we could improve on by contacting us on info@stdavidscs.org As Autumn ushers in longer nights, it also brings new beginnings for many children, whether they are starting school for the first time, transitioning to secondary school, or entering different classes with new teachers. We understand that these changes can be both exciting and daunting for children and parents alike. If you require any assistance or support during this period, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Speaking of new beginnings, last year we welcomed 15 new parents into our St. David's family. They are now at various stages of their adoption journey, and connecting with other parents who have had similar experiences can be invaluable.

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Keep an eye out for information on support groups, training events, and our upcoming Christmas party (details on page 6), where being with other parents and children who share the common bond of adoption can be very affirming.

Over the past three months, we've also organized two enjoyable summer events in Cardiff and West Wales.

New beginnings and endings also extend to our staff team. After an incredible 21 years of service, Sue Harvey, Senior Administrator, has retired. Many of you may have had your first interaction with St. David's through Sue, and we wish her a long , healthy and much deserved happy retirement. Shaun Houcke has joined us as the new Senior Administrator and is already proving to be a valuable addition to the team.

We've bid farewell to Katie Jones, our AFKA administrator, as she embarks on her maternity leave for a year. We eagerly await the arrival of her new addition to our "family" and welcome Kelly Newnes, who will be joining the AFKA team for the year.

Professor Katherine Shelton has stepped down as Chair of our Board of Trustees due to increased work commitments, we express our thanks for her commitment and diligence in that role and are thrilled she'll continue to serve on the Board.

We're equally delighted to welcome Phill Chick as our new Chair, bringing his extensive background in health and social care to provide steadfastness and continuity of leadership and governance we experienced with Katherine.

On a personal note, after eight years with St. David's and five as CEO, I've made the decision to retire and pass the mantle to my successor. My post will be advertised later this month, and I will remain in my role until April 2024 for a seamless transition. Leading an organisation of such calibre and values—empathy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to children—has been the privilege of my career.

I’ve had the honour of meeting many of you during my tenure, and the lasting memories are of your dedication to the children you've embraced into your lives.

This journey isn't without challenges, and we are here to provide guidance, support, and advocacy whenever needed.

Lastly, a heartfelt shoutout to a remarkable Mum and Dad who ran in the Cardiff Marathon to raise funds for our adoption support services. Details are available on our fundraising page, and their incredible endurance has left me in awe, especially after completing 13k! We also had a remarkable young man running 2k in National Adoption Week, He raised a significant amount of money and we couldn’t be prouder of him!

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Christmas party on November 25th.

Until then, have a wonderful Autumn, and though it's early, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful 2024.

Warm regards,

Wendy R Keidan WENDY KEIDAN, CEO

I'm Phillip Chick, and I'm delighted to introduce myself as the newly appointed interim Chair of the Society.

I'm greatly honoured to have been nominated and selected for this important role during an exciting phase in our organisation's journey. I would like to express my gratitude to Katherine, our outgoing Chair, for her years of devoted and inspiring service.

I've had the privilege of serving as a Trustee with St. David’s for the past nine years. My professional background lies in Social Work, and I bring over 40 years of experience in public services to this role. I began my career in local authority children’s services, later specialising in mental health, where I worked as a Social Worker and Team Manager.

Over the last two decades, I've held various national strategic roles within Wales, working in both the NHS and the Welsh Government. I'm also a member of Pwyllgor, the Mind Cymru steering Committee.

As a Trustee and now as Chair, I am committed to utilising the skills, knowledge, and experience I've gained from my career and personal life to support the Society's mission. My primary focus will be on working closely with the Chief Executive, the management team, and fellow Board members to navigate the Society through the challenges faced by third sector organisations in these financially constrained times.

While we confront these challenges, the Society has already demonstrated its proactive approach by diversifying and maintaining strong governance practices. I eagerly look forward to contributing to future newsletters, providing updates on the Board's work and the progress of the Society’s plans.

Phill Chick PHILL CHICK, CHAIR

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IN CONVERSATION:

SARAH

Sarah's story is a testament to the strength of commitment and determination she had for creating her family through adoption. In a heartfelt conversation, we had the privilege of speaking with Sarah, who embarked on a remarkable journey to become a parent to two children through solo adoption with us here at St Davids. Sarah's desire to make a difference, particularly to children considered harder to place in adoption because they are siblings had been a longheld wish and led her to choosing adoption as a solo parent over more traditional routes to parenthood.

The adoption process was filled with moments of selfreflection, paperwork, and unwavering patience. Sarah encountered challenges along the way, including expectations and stereotypes about the "typical" family structure and whether she really understood what she was embarking on, yet she remained steadfast in her commitment to provide a loving and stable home for two children in need.

Sarah's journey was not without its doubts and fears, but her determination prevailed. Solo adoption, she attests, has been incredibly rewarding. Her children have brought immeasurable joy and love into her life, teaching her the true meaning of resilience and unconditional love.

For those considering solo adoption, Sarah offers valuable advice. She urges prospective parents to trust themselves, have faith in their ability to create a loving home, and seek support from adoption agencies and communities. Her story underscores the unique nature of the journey but also highlights the boundless love and personal growth it can offer. Sarah's message to those who may be unsure about their capacity to be solo adoptive parents is clear: A child's need for a loving and supportive home can be met just as effectively by a single parent as by a couple and for some children having a solo parent is the right choice for a variety of reasons.

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Being a single adopter should never deter anyone from creating their family through adoption. If you’d like to explore adopting siblings, contact us HERE or via the details at the back of this newsletter.

FUNDRAISING AT ST DAVID’S St David’s is an adoption charity with children at the heart of all we do. Every adoption starts with a child, and each child’s story is unique.

THE CARDIFF HALF

26K CHALLANGE

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On Sunday, October 1st, our incredible runners, Thomas and Olivia, took on the Cardiff Half Marathon in support of St. David's. Their determination and dedication paid off, impressive finishes of 1 hour and 53 minutes, and 2 hours and 12 minutes. Their combined efforts raised a remarkable £1,000!

During National Adoption Week, the St. David's team embarked on a significant challenge, walking 26km along the South Wales Coastal Path.

Do you have a passion for running or a desire to take on new challenges?

Would you like to support St. David's and raise funds for our essential work?

Symbolically, this distance represents the average number of adoptive families we approve each year. Despite slightly achy legs and sore feet, our team triumphantly crossed the finish line!

We're actively seeking opportunities for participation in various running challenges and events across Wales in the future.

These funds will be used to host our cherished Christmas and Summer family parties, creating unforgettable moments for St Davids families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Thomas, Olivia, and all those who supported them along the way.

We are immensely proud of everyone who participated and grateful for the support we received. If you'd like to contribute, click HERE

If you're interested in joining us in our mission or want to learn more about upcoming opportunities, please reach out to us, details can be found HERE 5

CONNECT Events to bring the whole family together.

SUMMER PARTY This year's South Wales Summer event in Sully, held in July, was a resounding success. Over 40 St. David's families gathered to celebrate. A captivating storytelling duo delighted both children and adults with their balloon animal crafting and an interactive puppet show. Although the weather prevented the use of bouncy castles, children had a great time playing with ride-on toys and exploring the open spaces.

The creative spirit persevered as children engaged in arts and crafts activities, ensuring the fun continued.

For parents, the event provided an excellent opportunity to form new friendships and engage in informal conversations while the children played and made friends with others who shared similar experiences.

The West Wales summer party in Carmarthenshire was a fantastic success, even in the face of the wet weather. We were delighted to see so many families brave the rain and come together for a day of enjoyment. The children had a splendid time participating in bushcraft activities, meeting the ponies, and taking part in an exciting treasure hunt.

Meanwhile, parents had the chance to reconnect and catch up with each other.

CHRISTMAS PARTY Join us for a festive and joyous occasion on Saturday, the 25th of November, as we gather together to celebrate our annual St. David's Christmas Celebration. The event will take place at the Hawthorn Leisure Centre, and we can't wait to share the holiday spirit with you and your loved ones.

Our St. David's Christmas Celebration promises to be a wonderful experience filled with holiday cheer, community, and a variety of exciting activities for all ages, including a bouncy castle and a visit from the big man in red himself. Remember to bring a gift for your child and drop it off at our reception area beforehand, and Santa will hand it out, making this Christmas extra magical for the little ones.

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Please RSVP to info@stdavidscs.org

OUT AND ABOUT

Things to do this Autumn / Winter in Wales that wont break the bank.

Wales offers an array of free activities to make the most of the season's charm. From scenic hikes to cultural experiences, there's something for everyone.

Explore Wales’s stunning landscapes as the leaves change colour. Bannau Brycheiniog, Eryri, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks offer picturesque trails that are completely free to wander. The Welsh coastline boasts numerous beautiful beaches. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the sandy shores of Rhossili Bay or the dramatic cliffs of Three Cliffs Bay, taking in the fresh sea air.

Discover Wales’s rich history by visiting free-to-enter historic sites like Tintern Abbey, Caernarfon Castle, and St. David's Cathedral. These sites not only offer a glimpse into the past but also stunning architecture and scenic views.

Many of Wales’s museums and galleries, such as the National Museum Cardiff and the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea, offer free entry to their permanent collections, allowing you to immerse yourself in art and culture.

Wales is home to diverse wildlife. Grab your binoculars and visit places like the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve or the Red Kite Feeding Centre in Rhayader for a chance to spot some of the country's fascinating creatures. On clear, crisp nights, Wales’s dark skies provide a perfect backdrop for stargazing. Head to one of the Dark Sky Discovery Sites for a celestial experience.

Make the most of the Autumn / Winter seasons in Wales by exploring its natural beauty, history, and culture without spending a penny.

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DAVID’S

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OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

01/24

ISSUE 15

01/24

Thomas Larson

CONTACT St Davids Adoption Service 28 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3BA 029 2066 7007 info@stdavidscs.org

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ISSUE 15