Children reveal what they want from parents as part of Let's Adopt Give us a Voice campaign

Launched in 2014, Blackburn with Darwen Council's Let’s Adopt agency was introduced to encourage more people to consider adoption and bust common myths.

Since its inception, the campaign has worked to educate people on adoption and support families through the process.

As part of Let’s Adopt’s Give Us A Voice campaign which aims to encourage would-be parents to think about giving older children, those with complex health needs and sibling groups a loving home, youngsters have created soundbites describing what they want from a potential parent.

The soundbites will be showcased in the mayor’s parlour in Blackburn Town Hall this afternoon.

The clips include contributions from a four-year-old who said: “I’d like a family like Santa that I give lots of cuddles.”

Another said: “I want to be with my sister and brothers” while an eight-year old said: “I want a mummy and daddy that doesn’t hurt me.”

Tracey Tyler, who adopted three children with her husband, is supporting the campaign.

The 47-year-old said: “I always wanted two children, so when my partner and I decided on adoption, it felt like the natural thing to do to adopt two siblings. We then adopted their biological brother later down the line, completing our family unit.

“Of course, adoption isn’t a matter to be taken lightly and there are many factors to take into account when considering giving a child a home, let alone two or three. However, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences and allowed us to not only be parents to three beautiful children, but has enabled them to grow up together as siblings – as it should be.”

Cllr Maureen Bateson, the council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “We’re extremely proud of the success of Let’s Adopt since its launch three years ago and we’re honoured to have established such strong community ties.

For more visit www.letsadopt.co.uk.