Daffodils representing children in care have bloomed

Almost 500 daffodils – each one representing a child in care in Mid and West Wales – have come in to full bloom at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

The bulbs were planted in the winter by representatives from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, part of the West Wales Adoption Service.

Now that winter has given way to Spring, the team reunited to check on the progress of the daffodils and were delighted to see them in full bloom.

It was also an opportunity to welcome colleagues from Powys, who – from April 1 – joined the three counties in a partnership which is now known as the West and Mid Wales Adoption Collaborative, part of the National Adoption Service.

Frances Lewis, Service Manager, said: “We felt that the daffodils would be a perfect way of signifying the children in our care – that with a little love, care and sunshine they will bloom.

“It was lovely to meet at the Botanic Gardens to see such a beautiful sight, and to welcome Powys to the service.

“This is an opportunity to further develop adoption services and increase the efficiency in the region and within Wales. We look forward to working together to support and improve the lives of children in care within all four counties.”

The new West and Mid Wales Adoption Collaborative team encourages people to come forward to adopt children who wait the longest for a loving family home.

Such children include sibling groups, children aged over three, children with disabilities, medical needs, developmental delay and uncertainty; children whose birth families have complex backgrounds and mental health issues and some children from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Cllr Keith Davies, executive board member for children’s services added: “The team works hard to find suitable placements for children in care and provide placement permanence for adopted children. Providing a warm and secure home for these children can be highly rewarding.”

Anyone interested in adoption should call 01267 246970 or email adoptionenquiries@carmarthenshire.gov.uk, or 01874 614030 or adoption@powys.gov.uk for people in Powys.