A West Oxfordshire resident is playing a central role in a new campaign showing people what it is like to adopt.

Rachel, who adopted two-year-old Winnie, is part of this year's National Adoption Week campaign, which runs from October 21 to 27.

The campaign shares the experiences of adopted adults and adopters and underscores the importance of support from social workers, wider family members, and other adopters.

Rachel features in the campaign video aboard a train, where she reflects on her adoption journey with Winnie.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education, and young people’s services, said: "The train in the campaign video symbolises movement, the journey that anyone adopting or being adopted goes through.

Councillor John HowsonCouncillor John Howson (Image: Newsquest) "There is the slow start when everyone feels nervous and uncertain, moving to maximum speed when the bond and trust of the adopted family have been established.

"Finally, the destination, when the young person reaches adulthood and is ready to step outside and live independently."

Rachel and her husband chose adoption over IVF after initially struggling with fertility.

Rachel's mother was a social worker, meaning adoption was always on their radar.

They received support from Oxfordshire County Council’s social workers throughout their journey to adopt Winnie.

An important aspect of modern adoption is maintaining connections with the birth family, and Winnie meets regularly with one of her grandparents.

Rachel said: "For me, it’s really important that Winnie has a sense of herself and her identity - that she understands that not only do all families look different, but she has more than one family, and that’s OK.

"We just know we were always meant to be together."

The council said the campaign highlights "just like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes and go through ups, downs, and detours".

It added: "Many different people will be part of someone’s lifelong adoption, including birth families, foster carers, social workers, friends old and new, and family members.

"Some people are present throughout, others for a smaller part - but all of them form part of the adoption journey, symbolled by the campaign’s train video."

Councillor Howson said: "While welcoming all to apply, we would particularly like to hear from potential adoptive parents who can consider adopting older children, sibling groups, and those with complex health needs or a disability.

"We would also love to hear from more potential parents from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as these children traditionally wait longer to be matched with a new adoptive family."

Those interested in becoming adopters can call 0800 731 0171 for an initial, no-obligation conversation or visit Adopt Thames Valley.