19th October 2026
Adoptive families, staff, partners and supporters gathered today at the Guildhall, Derry to mark the launch of Adoption Week NI. We were delighted to be welcomed by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais and event was filled with inspiring stories from adoptees and adoptive parents, celebrating the lifelong impact that adoption has on children and families. We also had a video message of support from Health Minister, Robbie Butler MLA.
Adding his support to Adoption Week NI, Peter Cunnah, frontman of internationally successful music group D:Ream, reflected on his own adoption journey at the event, from growing up in a loving adoptive family in Derry to meeting his birth father 50 years later.
Peter said: “Growing up, I knew from an early age I was adopted, and it was simply part of my story. As I got older, I became curious about my roots. My birth parents had met while performing in a band in the 1960s, and discovering that connection helped me understand another part of who I am.
In later years, I was fortunate to build a close relationship with my birth mother. Meeting my birth father for the first time was both emotional and exhilarating, and it opened the door to relationships with my two half-siblings, who share the same love of music that runs through our family.
While reconnecting with my birth family has been a wonderful experience, adoption gave me something truly priceless. My adoptive parents, Monica and Les, filled my life with love, encouragement and opportunity. They gave me the confidence to become the person I am today and always made me feel cherished and secure.
Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate. I have the love and support of the family who raised me, meaningful connections with my birth family, and a deeper understanding of my own identity. I feel grateful for the many people who have helped shape my life.”
Catherine McKevitt, Head of Adoption and Fostering in the Western area, said: “Adoption has the power to transform a child’s future. It offers permanence, stability and the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support. Most importantly, it gives children a family, a sense of belonging and the security of knowing they have people there for them throughout their lives.
Sadly, some children in NI continue to wait for adoption because we do not have enough adoptive families coming forward. Sibling groups, older children, and children with additional needs often wait the longest for a permanent family.”
Karen, an adoptive parent to three siblings, also attended the event and shared her family’s experience of keeping brothers and sisters together. She said: “Of course, parenting siblings comes with challenges, just as it does in any family. But the rewards far outweigh them. Seeing them comfort one another, celebrate each other’s achievements, protect each other and simply enjoy being together reminds us every day why keeping siblings together matters.
Perhaps the greatest gift of keeping siblings together is that they have never had to lose each other. Their shared story didn’t end when they entered care. It has continued to grow every day as they laugh together, support one another, make memories and simply enjoy being brothers and sisters.”
As well as enjoying fabulous music from Peter Cunnah, the audience had the privilege of hearing one of our young adoptees, Emily, perform a beautiful rendition of the song ‘Home’. Her heartfelt performance was a poignant highlight of the event, perfectly reflecting the themes of love, belonging and the importance of having a place to call home.
