The POTATO Group 🥔
@thepotatogroup.bsky.social
Peer-to-peer support group of parents of adopted teenagers and young adults across the UK. We therapeutically re-parent young people who have experienced early-life trauma.
www.thepotatogroup.org.uk
www.thepotatogroup.org.uk
Heading home after a lovely weekend in Brum for our AGM. Huge thanks to Becky Brooks, Dr David Junior Gilbert and Gillian Elam for outstanding presentations, & to our volunteer committee for making it all happen. Grateful to members who joined us, and to those who wanted to but couldn't. - Euan
November 23, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Heading home after a lovely weekend in Brum for our AGM. Huge thanks to Becky Brooks, Dr David Junior Gilbert and Gillian Elam for outstanding presentations, & to our volunteer committee for making it all happen. Grateful to members who joined us, and to those who wanted to but couldn't. - Euan
Today our research article was published in Community Care.
Thanks to our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and to all of those POTATO Group members who revisited some of the most traumatising times of their lives to share their experiences.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/11/12/w...
Thanks to our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and to all of those POTATO Group members who revisited some of the most traumatising times of their lives to share their experiences.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/11/12/w...
November 12, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Today our research article was published in Community Care.
Thanks to our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and to all of those POTATO Group members who revisited some of the most traumatising times of their lives to share their experiences.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/11/12/w...
Thanks to our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and to all of those POTATO Group members who revisited some of the most traumatising times of their lives to share their experiences.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/11/12/w...
At our professionals conference last year, our members’ lived experiences took centre stage.
A volunteer team, led by Research Manager Gillian Elam, carried out research that shaped our landmark report.
Clip from Family Matters podcast. thanks to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on.
A volunteer team, led by Research Manager Gillian Elam, carried out research that shaped our landmark report.
Clip from Family Matters podcast. thanks to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on.
October 26, 2025 at 11:55 AM
At our professionals conference last year, our members’ lived experiences took centre stage.
A volunteer team, led by Research Manager Gillian Elam, carried out research that shaped our landmark report.
Clip from Family Matters podcast. thanks to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on.
A volunteer team, led by Research Manager Gillian Elam, carried out research that shaped our landmark report.
Clip from Family Matters podcast. thanks to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on.
It’s #NationalAdoptionWeek, and it would be remiss not to mention our landmark research into the lived experiences of adoptive families raising children and young adults affected by early-life trauma.
www.thepotatogroup.o...
www.thepotatogroup.o...
October 22, 2025 at 4:57 PM
It’s #NationalAdoptionWeek, and it would be remiss not to mention our landmark research into the lived experiences of adoptive families raising children and young adults affected by early-life trauma.
www.thepotatogroup.o...
www.thepotatogroup.o...
Overnight bag packed and on the train to Cardiff for the National Adoption Service Cymru AGM, Adoption in Wales: Learning from Research and Experience. Grateful to have been invited to share insights from our research on how early trauma shapes our children’s lives.
~ Euan
~ Euan
October 13, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Overnight bag packed and on the train to Cardiff for the National Adoption Service Cymru AGM, Adoption in Wales: Learning from Research and Experience. Grateful to have been invited to share insights from our research on how early trauma shapes our children’s lives.
~ Euan
~ Euan
Hundreds of dedicated parents. Peer support, solidarity, and a drive for change. Chair of The Potato Group, Euan Preston, introduces who we are, and why we exist.
A clip from the Family Matters podcast. Thanks again to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on to discuss our research.
A clip from the Family Matters podcast. Thanks again to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on to discuss our research.
September 5, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Hundreds of dedicated parents. Peer support, solidarity, and a drive for change. Chair of The Potato Group, Euan Preston, introduces who we are, and why we exist.
A clip from the Family Matters podcast. Thanks again to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on to discuss our research.
A clip from the Family Matters podcast. Thanks again to @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting us on to discuss our research.
The #ASGSF is being extended for another year. Welcome news, but it’s not enough. Adoptive and kinship families deserve appropriately funded, stable, effective support, not short-term extensions and vague promises.
questions-statements...
questions-statements...
September 5, 2025 at 2:04 PM
The #ASGSF is being extended for another year. Welcome news, but it’s not enough. Adoptive and kinship families deserve appropriately funded, stable, effective support, not short-term extensions and vague promises.
questions-statements...
questions-statements...
We love our kids fiercely, and we always will. But adoption culture needs to move beyond the idea that “love is enough”.
Our research report shows what happens when trauma is left unrecognised and families are left without the right support:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
Our research report shows what happens when trauma is left unrecognised and families are left without the right support:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
August 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
We love our kids fiercely, and we always will. But adoption culture needs to move beyond the idea that “love is enough”.
Our research report shows what happens when trauma is left unrecognised and families are left without the right support:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
Our research report shows what happens when trauma is left unrecognised and families are left without the right support:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
Thanks to Sarah Ruston OBE from @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and Chair, @euanpreston, onto the Family Matters podcast to talk about The POTATO Group’s research, 𝘍𝘢𝘳 𝘍𝘢𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳. www.adoptionuk.org/family-matte...
Family Matters Podcast
This year’s campaign showcases adoption journeys of all kinds, as well as the people who are there along the way – from foster carers and social workers to birth families and the adoption community. L...
www.adoptionuk.org
August 20, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Thanks to Sarah Ruston OBE from @adoptionuk.bsky.social for inviting our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and Chair, @euanpreston, onto the Family Matters podcast to talk about The POTATO Group’s research, 𝘍𝘢𝘳 𝘍𝘢𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳. www.adoptionuk.org/family-matte...
Many thanks @alcoates.bsky.social & @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social for having our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and Chair, @euanpreston.bsky.social, on The Adoption and Fostering Podcast to talk about our research report.
www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-4r...
www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-4r...
The Adoption and Fostering Podcast | Al Coates & Scott Casson-Rennie
Conversation & discussion on contemporary Adoption & Fostering
www.podbean.com
August 2, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Many thanks @alcoates.bsky.social & @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social for having our Research Manager, Gillian Elam, and Chair, @euanpreston.bsky.social, on The Adoption and Fostering Podcast to talk about our research report.
www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-4r...
www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-4r...
Some pods to listen out for:
2.
Today Sarah Ruston spoke with us on @adoptionuk.bsky.social’s Family Matters podcast, again about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
2.
Today Sarah Ruston spoke with us on @adoptionuk.bsky.social’s Family Matters podcast, again about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
July 24, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Some pods to listen out for:
2.
Today Sarah Ruston spoke with us on @adoptionuk.bsky.social’s Family Matters podcast, again about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
2.
Today Sarah Ruston spoke with us on @adoptionuk.bsky.social’s Family Matters podcast, again about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
Some pods to listen out for:
1.
Last week, @alcoates.bsky.social & @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social very kindly invited our chair @euanpreston and research manager Gillian Elam onto @aandfpodcast.bsky.social to talk about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
1.
Last week, @alcoates.bsky.social & @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social very kindly invited our chair @euanpreston and research manager Gillian Elam onto @aandfpodcast.bsky.social to talk about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
July 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Some pods to listen out for:
1.
Last week, @alcoates.bsky.social & @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social very kindly invited our chair @euanpreston and research manager Gillian Elam onto @aandfpodcast.bsky.social to talk about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
1.
Last week, @alcoates.bsky.social & @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social very kindly invited our chair @euanpreston and research manager Gillian Elam onto @aandfpodcast.bsky.social to talk about our research, which you can (and should) find here: www.thepotatogroup.o...
Our research reveals the realities of modern adoption.
438 families shared experiences of parenting children living with the impact of early-life trauma.
Read the full report: www.thepotatogroup.o...
438 families shared experiences of parenting children living with the impact of early-life trauma.
Read the full report: www.thepotatogroup.o...
July 1, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Our research reveals the realities of modern adoption.
438 families shared experiences of parenting children living with the impact of early-life trauma.
Read the full report: www.thepotatogroup.o...
438 families shared experiences of parenting children living with the impact of early-life trauma.
Read the full report: www.thepotatogroup.o...
Published today: Our research report, Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Lessons from lives Impacted by Trauma.
Based on the experiences of 438 adoptive families, it reveals long-term impact of early trauma and urgent need for better support.
Read here:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
Based on the experiences of 438 adoptive families, it reveals long-term impact of early trauma and urgent need for better support.
Read here:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
June 30, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Published today: Our research report, Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Lessons from lives Impacted by Trauma.
Based on the experiences of 438 adoptive families, it reveals long-term impact of early trauma and urgent need for better support.
Read here:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
Based on the experiences of 438 adoptive families, it reveals long-term impact of early trauma and urgent need for better support.
Read here:
www.thepotatogroup.o...
On Monday, we'll publish our full research report Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Lessons from Lives Impacted by Trauma. This is more than a report; it’s a testament to love, courage and commitment from families. Register to receive it: research@thepotatogr...
June 28, 2025 at 9:52 AM
On Monday, we'll publish our full research report Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Lessons from Lives Impacted by Trauma. This is more than a report; it’s a testament to love, courage and commitment from families. Register to receive it: research@thepotatogr...
Reposted by The POTATO Group 🥔
Encouraging and reassuring to see how much of the adoption and kinship community are giving their backing to the @asgsfprotest.bsky.social campaign. www.asgsfprotest.com
April 29, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Encouraging and reassuring to see how much of the adoption and kinship community are giving their backing to the @asgsfprotest.bsky.social campaign. www.asgsfprotest.com
Reposted by The POTATO Group 🥔
ANNOUNCEMENT || Information re Protest March on Downing Street here and attached
asgsfprotest.com/information/
#FundNowOrPayLater #CareNotCuts #ACutTooFar
@adoptionuk.bsky.social @kinshipcharity.bsky.social @thepotatogroup.bsky.social @thebelayfoundation.org.uk @cvaauk.bsky.social
asgsfprotest.com/information/
#FundNowOrPayLater #CareNotCuts #ACutTooFar
@adoptionuk.bsky.social @kinshipcharity.bsky.social @thepotatogroup.bsky.social @thebelayfoundation.org.uk @cvaauk.bsky.social
April 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
ANNOUNCEMENT || Information re Protest March on Downing Street here and attached
asgsfprotest.com/information/
#FundNowOrPayLater #CareNotCuts #ACutTooFar
@adoptionuk.bsky.social @kinshipcharity.bsky.social @thepotatogroup.bsky.social @thebelayfoundation.org.uk @cvaauk.bsky.social
asgsfprotest.com/information/
#FundNowOrPayLater #CareNotCuts #ACutTooFar
@adoptionuk.bsky.social @kinshipcharity.bsky.social @thepotatogroup.bsky.social @thebelayfoundation.org.uk @cvaauk.bsky.social
Reposted by The POTATO Group 🥔
Clare Solomons and I were guests on an emergency episode of @aandfpodcast.bsky.social discussing the @asgsfprotest.bsky.social campaign. Thanks for having us, @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social and @alcoates.bsky.social.
open.spotify.com/episode/2TiO...
open.spotify.com/episode/2TiO...
April 25, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Clare Solomons and I were guests on an emergency episode of @aandfpodcast.bsky.social discussing the @asgsfprotest.bsky.social campaign. Thanks for having us, @gayadoptiondad.bsky.social and @alcoates.bsky.social.
open.spotify.com/episode/2TiO...
open.spotify.com/episode/2TiO...
Specialist providers are clear that changes to the ASGSF won’t just reduce the amount of therapy available. They will remove entire treatment options, including those known to be the most effective, from being available at all.
April 23, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Specialist providers are clear that changes to the ASGSF won’t just reduce the amount of therapy available. They will remove entire treatment options, including those known to be the most effective, from being available at all.
The Potato Group is backing calls for the government to reverse the changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. Please consider signing this petition, and joining us on May 3rd in London. #asgsf
April 22, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The Potato Group is backing calls for the government to reverse the changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. Please consider signing this petition, and joining us on May 3rd in London. #asgsf
We're publishing research on the challenges faced by families raising traumatised adopted teens & young adults. Based on insights from 438 parents caring for 690 young people, it highlights urgent needs in mental health, education, and social care. tinyurl.com/2kufswe8
Potato Group Set to Publish Research
In May 2024, The Potato Group, in partnership with The Belay Foundation, hosted a unique conference for professionals, presenting the lived experiences of families caring for traumatised adopted children.The title of the conference, Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Lessons from Lives Impacted by Trauma, referenced Julie Selwyn’s seminal study for the Department for Education (DfE), Beyond the Adoption Order: Challenges, Interventions and Adoption Disruption (Selwyn et al., 2014). The conferen
tinyurl.com
April 21, 2025 at 2:27 PM
We're publishing research on the challenges faced by families raising traumatised adopted teens & young adults. Based on insights from 438 parents caring for 690 young people, it highlights urgent needs in mental health, education, and social care. tinyurl.com/2kufswe8
Statement following changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.
www.thepotatogroup.o...
www.thepotatogroup.o...
Response to Changes to The Adoption & Special Guardiandship Support Fund (ASGSF)
The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) is a vital source of therapeutic support for some of our most vulnerable children, teenagers and young adults. For many families, ASGSF funded therapy is the only source of effective therapeutic intervention.Following uncertainty regarding the continuation of the fund, which caused distress and anxiety to thousands of families across England and Wales, the government announced on 14 April that the Fair Access Limit (FAL), representing th
www.thepotatogroup.org.uk
April 19, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Statement following changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.
www.thepotatogroup.o...
www.thepotatogroup.o...