12:29, 15 January 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Never one to shy away from a difficult topic, writer and broadcaster James O’Brien has remained open about being adopted for much of his journalistic career.
Born to a teenage single mother, James was then adopted by his parents, and raised alongside his sister - also adopted from a different biological family. While some families choose not to tell children they are adopted until later on in life, James’ parents were always open about the fact - something he seems to have taken as a blueprint.
"The way we were raised, my relationship with my mum and dad is every bit as deep and loving as anybody else's,” says James. “Subconsciously, there was a sort of missionary zeal, a desire to demystify [adoption] because people often have completely the wrong end of the stick about it."
It worked out wonderfully, then, that James came across the charity Coram. Once known as the Foundling Hospital, established in 1739, Coram is both the first and the longest-serving children’s charity in the UK.
Today, Coram is a group of charities and organisations which support children; including providing adoption services, and post-adoption support.
"The Hetty Feather books by Jacqueline Wilson were set in the Foundling Hospital that Thomas Coram established,” explains James. “My daughters loved those books, so we went to the Foundling Museum. That was where I discovered that Coram was still active, carrying on its legacy of looking after children that no one else was looking after."
Since then, James has been a huge supporter of Coram, returning every year to host their carol concert where money is raised to fund their vital work.
When he was adopted, James explains, more than five decades ago, the role of adoption agencies like the one used by his parents seemed fairly basic. It didn’t go too far beyond connecting children with their families, and facilitating the adoption process; something that has changed considerably since.
James adds: “The more I got to know about Coram, the more I discovered how much the world had changed; you really need a wrap-around culture now. Coram does so much more than just placing children; they make a lifelong commitment."
On the 15th January 2025, also known as Big Adoption Day, James will be hosting a panel discussion before a performance of the National Theatre’s Ballet Shoes, on behalf of Coram.
Guests will also be offered bespoke family-friendly tours of the National Theatre, showing off the magic that brings the show to life.
Ballet Shoes, adapted from the novel by Noel Streatfeild, is the heartwarming tale of three sisters, all adopted from different families and circumstances, who create a family together. It is the perfect play to represent Coram - of how we can create families outside of the realms of biology, and together craft an incredible future.
“Some adopted children can feel a little bit stigmatized, even when it's well-intentioned questions, never mind bullying in the playground,” explains James.
“Stories of adopted people going on adventures and achieving things are doubly inspirational compared to how it would be for people who grew up in a family exactly the same as all the other families.”
Big Adoption Day involves a huge push from charities like Coram to encourage families around the UK who might be considering adopting to do so.
Across the UK, both in person and virtual events will be held to share with potential adoptive parents the information that they need to start the process, as well as demonstrating some of the positives of growing your family through adoption.
There are so many children in need of permanent families and guardianship, and this is just more proof that, if you do choose to embark on this incredible journey, Coram will be right beside you every step of the way.
"The best charities create a space in which people don't have to explain themselves,” says James. “[Coram] brings together adopted people; nobody that comes to that will have to explain or feel different from any of the other families that are there."
You can learn more about Coram and how they are assisting families this Big Adoption Day and all year round here.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Coram. Established as the Foundling Hospital in 1739, today Coram is a group of children's charities creating better chances for young people and families. Learn more here.
Adoption UK. They support and connect adopted people, adoptive parents, prospective adopters and the community around children who cannot live with their birth parents. Find out more here.
Adopt London. This charity brings together four regional adoption agencies providing adoption support and services for 23 Local Authorities across London. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDGs Reduced Inequalities and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
