In May 2024 a group of 21 adult adoptees gathered in North Wales for a weekend of input on adoption topics and group sharing. 

We were welcomed by the wonderful people at Noddfa (meaning spiritual retreat in Welsh) in North Wales, who host events, retreats, or just plain old B&B in a lovely old mansion house. There was nice home-cooked food in a cosy and homely environment. 

Participants came from far and wide – Scotland, The Isle of Wight, North and South – one participant came from Oregon USA!  Even though some had long journeys people felt it was worth the trip – the simple fact of being in a room filled with adoptees was all a bit magic in itself.

The event was organised and run by Adoptees in Alliance: Lara Leon and Gilli Bruce – both adoptees and qualified counsellors, assisted by Roz Munroe – adoptee and knowledgeable coach. 

The team hold a wealth of experience and understanding of all things adoption and covered a range of adoption topics including:

• Inner Child work

• Relationships with the adopted family

• Reunion

• Relationships with other adults as an adoptee

• Boundaries

• Calming the Nervous System

With sessions for group sharing on their own adoption experience and how, with reference to the subjects covered - how being adopted had impacted upon people’s lives.

The weekend was rich and rewarding and the group enjoyed some free time to explore locally – some ventured into Conwy, some relaxed in the lovely garden and some brave souls went swimming in the sea!

For some this was their first adoptee weekend, whilst others were returners from the ’23 retreat in The Lake District. We really see the benefits of gathering together as adopted people, so whether that is in-person or on-line it feels very beneficial to connect with other adoptees.

There is a significant demand for adoptee gatherings so we will endeavour to offer what we can, watch this space! 

Go gently out there fellow adoptees and look after yourselves.

Gilli Bruce x

Read about the first retreat for adoptees run by Gilli and Leon.

Read more at Lara Leon’s website

Share below if you know of any other events or retreats for adopted people!