The Digital Family Patchwork Quilt will bring together patchwork drawings created by children and families across the region. Each patch will represent what family and home mean to that individual, which forms part of a larger digital patchwork quilt.
The final digital quilt will be launched online at a special online launch party hosted by Adoption@Heart next month. A physical version will also be displayed as part of the Wolverhampton Fringe Festival from 28 to 30 November.
To bring this project to life, Adoption@Heart is collaborating with local Black Country artist Alex Vann, whose work has previously been featured at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Simon Green, Head of Service for Adoption@Heart, said: “Adoption provides amazing outcomes for many children who, for a variety of reasons, can’t live with their birth families.
“If you or someone you know might want to have a conversation about adoption, our friendly team are here and ready to talk. Please get in touch with us through our website and let’s make talking about adoption as open and as easy as possible.
“We’re here whenever you’re ready, and we’ll do whatever we can to support you at every stage.”
In addition to the quilt, Adoption@Heart is providing teacher toolkits to local schools, including lessons and resources to help children explore themes of family and adoption.
Families are also taking part ‘patch workshops’ hosted in partnership with Gatis Community Space, where children and their parents or guardians can design their patch together while learning about different types of families.
Black Country residents are encouraged to engage in the project by submitting their own patchwork design.
Full details, along with a downloadable patch template, are available at Adoption@Heart.
Hosted by the City of Wolverhampton Council, Adoption@Heart provides adoption services for Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley. The agency continues to buck the national trend of declining adopter recruitment, welcoming a record number of new adoptive households to provide loving homes for children in need.
Anyone considering adoption is invited to visit Adoption@Heart or contact the team at info@adoptionatheart.org.uk.
