Diagrama Foundation runs a free adoption and fostering drop-in at Sun Pier House, Chatham, on 7 November, 10am to 3pm. No talk to sit through; children welcome.
Anyone in Medway who has wondered about adopting or fostering a child can put their questions to a team that does it, face to face, at Sun Pier House in Chatham on Saturday 7 November, between 10am and 3pm.
The drop-in is run by Diagrama Foundation, a Kent charity that operates a voluntary adoption agency and a not-for-profit fostering service. It is free. There is no presentation to sit through and no need to stay for the whole day: you call in, have a coffee and talk.
Who it is for
Diagrama says individuals, couples and families are all welcome, and that people can bring other family members along, children included, because Sun Pier House is a child-friendly venue.
Kate Patel, the foundation’s Head of Adoption and Fostering, said the charity wants to widen the picture of who can do this:
“People sometimes assume that adoption or fostering is only an option for certain types of family, but we want everyone who is interested to feel welcome to come along and find out more. Whether you are single, part of a couple or have a family of your own, we would be delighted to talk to you about the possibilities.”
The agency’s own information says it welcomes adoption enquiries “regardless of age, faith, sexuality, ethnicity or whether you are single or a couple.”
No pressure, the charity says
“Choosing to adopt or foster is a significant decision, and we want people to feel comfortable asking questions and finding out what is involved, without any pressure or expectation,” Ms Patel said.
“As a voluntary adoption agency and not-for-profit fostering organisation, our focus is on helping children and young people find the safe, stable and loving families they need. We also recognise the importance of supporting adoptive parents and foster carers throughout their journey.
“We would encourage anyone who has ever wondered whether adoption or fostering might be right for them to come along, enjoy a coffee and have an informal chat with our friendly team. You don’t need to have all the answers before you arrive: we’re here to help you explore your options.”
The day is meant for learning how the process works, raising worries and finding out what support is offered along the way, the charity says.
Why they are asking
The charity says there is a “critical shortage of foster carers and adopters”. Its fostering service says that every day around 100 children enter the UK care system, and that it concentrates on finding homes for the children who have waited longest.
Diagrama’s adoption agency and fostering service both work with children across London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey. The event page gives the agency’s base as Revenge Road in Chatham, so the people you meet on the day are local. Its foster carers get, in the charity’s words, “a generous benefits package, 24/7 support, additional payments, holiday cover and a free training and appraisal programme”.
What it means for you
- When: Saturday 7 November 2026, 10am to 3pm.
- Where: Sun Pier House, on the riverside in Chatham.
- Cost: free.
- Booking: optional. You can reserve a free ticket for a time slot if you would rather know you will get time with the team, or just turn up.
- Bring: anyone you like, including children.
- Can’t make it? The charity’s event page offers an informal introductory call instead, and lists its adoption line, 0800 802 1910.
More on the agency is at diagramaadoption.org.uk and on the wider charity at diagramafoundation.org.uk. For other things happening across the towns this month, see What’s On in Medway.
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