Polly talks to...

Polly Talks Adoption and Fostering – Featuring Nell CarpenterIn this episode of Polly Talks Adoption and Fostering, Polly sits down with Nell Carpenter, author of Someday This Could Be Ordinary: Our Adoption Journey. Nell shares her raw and honest experience of adopting two children—an eight-year-old and a three-year-old—each with their own histories of trauma and resilience. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of forming a new family, the challenges of attachment, and the life-changing impact of adoption.This is a must-listen for anyone considering adoption or simply wanting to understand its reality—the highs, the lows, and the moments of pure magic.

In this episode, Dr. Polly Cowan talks with Dr. Sarah Suggs from Reading University about eating behaviours in care experienced children. Dr. Suggs shares her expertise on how early trauma, disrupted attachments, and experiences in care can deeply influence children's relationship with food. This episode offers valuable insights into how we can better understand and support these children, particularly at a time when food and family dynamics are so prominent. This conversation is especially important for those who work with vulnerable children, caregivers, and anyone who has experince of past trauma or eating struggles.We hope this episode provides some helpful insight into how we can create nurturing, trauma-informed spaces.#PollyTalks #EatingBehaviours #CareExperiencedChildren #ChildDevelopment #TraumaInformedCare #Christmas #EatingDisorders #EmotionalWellbeing #FoodSecurity #Podcast #DrSarahSuggs #DrPollyCowan #HolidaySeason #SupportingChildren

In this moving episode of Polly Talks, Polly is joined by Rachel, a birth mother who has found crucial support through the Bluebird Flock groups, and Sarah, her dedicated support worker. Together, they share how the Bluebird Project has played a transformative role in Rachel's journey—offering a vital network for birth parents who have a child in foster, adoptive, or kinship care and another living at home with them. The Bluebird Project was founded with one clear mission: to create a safe, non-judgmental space where birth parents can connect, heal, and access support. Whether you're in Edinburgh, the Lothians, or anywhere across Scotland, Bluebird is here to help. With services ranging from virtual and telephone counselling to peer support groups, the project offers essential resources for those who may feel isolated, judged, or alone following the heart-wrenching experience of having a child removed from their care.Tune in as Polly, Rachel, and Sarah talk about the life-changing impact of the Bluebird Flock and the sense of community it provides.

Polly Talks to Naomi & Vickie from Scottish Adoption & Fostering: The Bluebird ProjectIn this powerful episode of Polly Talks..., Polly sits down with Vickie and Naomi from Scottish Adoption and Fostering to dive deep into the Bluebird Project—a vital support network for birth parents whose children are in foster, adoptive, or kinship care.The Bluebird Project was created with one core mission: to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for birth parents to connect, heal, and find support. Whether you're in Edinburgh, the Lothians, or elsewhere in Scotland, Bluebird is here to help. From virtual and telephone counselling to peer support groups, this project offers vital resources for those who often feel isolated, judged, and alone after the heartbreaking decision of having a child removed from their care.

Polly Talks with Simon Benn from Thriving Adoptees!In this episode of Polly Talks..., Polly sits down with Simon Benn, founder of Thriving Adoptees, for a powerful conversation about the lived experience of adoption. Simon shares his personal journey as an adoptee, exploring the emotional challenges, the search for identity, and the resilience that comes with navigating life after adoption.Simon's work with Thriving Adoptees focuses on supporting adoptees in understanding and embracing their unique experiences, offering valuable insights into how to thrive beyond trauma and build a positive future. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone touched by adoption—whether you're an adoptee, adoptive parent, or professional in the field.Tune in to hear Simon's perspective on overcoming adversity, the importance of community, and why telling adoption stories can make all the difference in healing and growth.Listen now and gain a deeper understanding of the adoptee experience!

This episode Polly Talks... to Amanda about how to enjoy a stress free Christmas, how to manage expectations and hopefully stop those melt downs.

Polly talks to is Rosalind Powell and her son Levi. Rosalind is author of the book How I Met My Son and is also Contributing Editor for HELLO! Magazine and has written for a wide selection of national newspapers and supplements including the Observer, Independent, Guardian, Sunday Times and Mirror, as well as magazines such as Red, for which she was a contributing editor, Grazia, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan.You can purchase Roslind's book How I Met My Son on amazon here https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Met-My-Son-Adoption/dp/1910536555

Polly talks to Jette, an Occupational Therapist at Scottish Adoption.

In this podcast Polly speaks to adopters and fostercarers about what happens during the introduction process.

Polly talks to Shonagh and Chelsea about the emotions of becoming a mother.

Polly talks to Chelsea and Shonagh about the Family Finding Process.

In this episode Polly talks to Shonagh and Chelsea about the Homestudy process and getting to the Adoption Approval Panel.

Polly, one of Scottish Adoption's Senior Practitioners in the Family Placement Team, talks to single adopters Shonagh and Chelsea about their journey to parenthood.