Family Routes secures £360,000 for adoptive family support services

Family Routes, a specialist support programme for adoptive families in Northern Ireland, is set to expand its current operations after securing almost £360,000 in funding from the National Lottery

Family Routes successfully applied for the six-figure grant through the National Lottery’s Strengthening Communities Programme – an initiative designed to assist community-led projects that can connect with families and individuals to live healthier and happier lives.

The investment has been assigned to support the delivery of Family Route’s Therapeutic Education Support Services in Adoption’s (TESSA) Growing Together Project, until 2029.

An event was held in Lisburn to officially mark the launch of the Growing Together Project and provide an opportunity to reflect on TESSA’s work over the past eighteen months. Among those in attendance was Mike Nesbitt MLA – the Northern Ireland Health Minister.

“I was delighted to attend the Family Routes event to witness first-hand the great work they do through the TESSA project. I want to congratulate them on being awarded money from the National Lottery’s ‘Strengthening Communities Programme’ to help sustain this important project,” said Minister Nesbitt.

“Through TESSA, adoptive families, children and young people who are adopted will continue to receive therapeutic and educational support which helps to build resilience, avert relationship breakdowns and improve long-term outcomes for everyone. I wish the service every success and look forward to seeing the positive difference it will continue to make in the lives of adoptive families,” he added.

Over the next three years, one-to-one group support for up to two hundred beneficiaries per year will be made available, along with the development of existing parent initiatives, and the delivery of school support in the form of special sensory processing workshops.

Family Routes

A therapeutic and educational programme for adopters and their adopted children, TESSA’s experienced sessional staff help both groups navigate the challenges that often arise following-g adoption. This includes counselling and creative therapies for adoptive parents and children; parenting programmes and group support; family events and peer support opportunities.

“The National Lottery’s Strengthening Communities Programme funding marks a hugely important milestone for Family Routes and those who work in it,” said Lynda Wilson, the charity’s Chief Executive. “It will enable us to continue strengthening support for adoptive families and wider community through the ongoing development of the TESSA initiative.

“Adoptive families can face unique challenges, particularly when children are living with the impact of early trauma and attachment difficulties. The Growing Together Project will provide more consistent, accessible and meaningful support to families across NI, helping them build stronger relationships, improve emotional wellbeing, and feel less isolated.”

“Everyone associated with Family Routes is incredibly grateful to the National Lottery for recognising the importance of this work and for investing in the future of adoptive families across Northern Ireland.  We also want to thank our delivery partners whose ongoing collaboration, encouragement and shared commitment have played such an important role in helping TESSA grow and reach more families in need of support,” Lynda added.

TESSA representatives also shared the impact the service has had on users and outline the aims and planned outcomes of the Growing Together Project. The breakfast briefing also served as a networking opportunity with partner organisations and adoptive families.

Alison Fraser, the Senior Head of Funding in Northern Ireland for The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Family Routes are making a real and lasting difference to adopted children and their families, helping them develop positive relationships, build skills and confidence, and reach their potential. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to continue supporting this vital work, which will improve the wellbeing of adopted families across Northern Ireland.”