Caritas Care are delighted to be joining Voluntary Adoption Agencies (VAA’s) across the North West and the UK on Wednesday 21 January to take part in Big Adoption Day 2026.

Big Adoption Day is a national event led by the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) and Coram, the UK’s first children’s charity. It highlights the work off VAA’S and encourages people to find out more about adoption and the support available.

Big Adoption Day brings together VAA’s from across the country to host local face to face and online events, share real life adoption stories and offer open and honest conversations for anyone considering adoption.

The day aims to help people better understand the adoption process and the benefits of adopting through a not for profit adoption agency.

To mark Big Adoption Day, we will be hosting two free adoption information events for people living in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Merseyside:

Both events are free to attend and open to anyone interested in adoption. Places can be booked via website

Across England there are 3,000 children currently waiting to be adopted, with approximately 1,500 children waiting more than 18 months since entering care*. Many of these children live in the North West and there is an urgent need for more people to come forward who can offer stable and loving homes.

VAA’s like Caritas Care are independent, not for profit organisations offering a personalised adoption service to people from all backgrounds across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Merseyside.

We have over 90 years of experience supporting the adoption of children who often wait the longest in care, including:

·        Children over 3 years old

·        Brothers and sisters

·        Children with disabilities or additional needs

All Caritas Care adopters receive lifelong adoption support, tailored to each family’s need as and when it is needed.

“Big Adoption Day is a really important opportunity for us to open our doors and have honest, welcoming conversations about adoption,” said Kate Knowles, Head of Children’s Services.

“There are many children waiting for loving, caring families and adoption can look very different for each child and each adopter. As a VAA, we offer a personalised approach and lifelong support, ensuring families feel fully informed, supported and confident at every stage of their journey. We’d encourage anyone who has ever thought about adoption, even just a little, to come along, ask questions and find out more.”

A: Big Adoption Day is a national event led by the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) and Coram. It celebrates adoption, shares real life stories and provides opportunities for people to learn about becoming adoptive parents.

A: Caritas Care is hosting two free events on Wednesday 21 January 2026:

·        Drop in event: 12.00pm – 2.00pm at 218 Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES

·        Online event: 6.30pm

A: Anyone interested in adoption in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Merseyside is welcome. Both events are free, BOOK HERE

A: VAA’s are independent, not for profit organisations that provide personalised support for adoptive families. Caritas Care has experience placing children who often wait longest, including children over 3 years, brothers and sisters and children with additional needs, and provides lifelong support.

Q: How can I learn more about adoption in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Merseyside.

A: Attend one of Caritas Care’s Big Adoption Day events, explore our Adoption page, or contact our team directly to ask questions on 0800 652 6955.