We are here to guide you, support you and listen to you.
The Next Step team are dedicated to helping you understand the what has happened and to help you find a positive way to move forward with your life.
We will listen
to your story
It can sometimes be difficult to understand why your child, your brother/sister or grandchild has been placed for adoption.
We want to listen to your story and help you understand why this has happened.
Many people who have come to us before have said that talking about what happened really helped them to come to terms with their situation.
We can explain
what’s happening
We understand this has been a confusing time for you, with lots of different people telling you what you have to do and not telling you why.
We won’t tell you what to do and we aren’t here to judge you. We want to help you understand the adoption process and what you have been through.
We will stand with you, support you
and walk your journey with you
Our priority is your wellbeing. We want to help you understand what has happened and answer the questions you might have.
It’s important to us that we meet you where you feel safe and comfortable.
We will always send you a reminder and reschedule meetings when you need us to.
Everyone’s journey is different and we will be here for you for as long as you need us
We can help you make the most of any contact
You might still have contact with your child, whether it is direct contact or indirect contact. We can help you make it the best you can through:
What people have to say about Next Step
“The best thing is getting help with the letters… I couldn’t have done it and it helped me say what I wanted to say.”
– Service user
“You’ve helped me a lot and I couldn’t have gotten through this without you because it is very hard and I have learning difficulties. Thank you.”
– Service user
“More human, talk about normal things- don’t feel judged… like a friend and there is no pressure with you.”
– Service user
“It’s helpful, talking about how you feel.”
– Service user
“Definitely definitely definitely think about bringing Next Step into your life, it is worth it, they help you, and it was a wee pick me up knowing you were coming.”
– Service user
“Go ahead and do it. What have you got to lose? …Next Step has helped asking questions of social worker and supporting me with that, helping me write letter to the kids and helping me think about my own life story, all my losses and recording that for the kids.”
– Service user
Next Step at Family Routes
Ground Floor
Unit 2
18 Heron Road
Belfast
BT3 9LE
T: 028 9073 6086
E: nextstep@familyroutes.co.uk
Family Routes Charity No: 101826 Company No: NI24153
