D:Ream star Peter Cunnah backs Derry launch of Adoption Week NI
Pop frontman shares his personal adoption story as health officials reveal 53 children in Northern Ireland are urgently waiting for permanent homes
A landmark week celebrating the transformative power of adoption officially commenced today at the historic Guildhall in Derry, marking the start of Adoption Week Northern Ireland (19–25 October 2026).
The annual campaign, dedicated to honouring adoptive families and raising awareness for children awaiting stable homes, brought together adoptive families, adult adoptees, Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSC NI) Adoption staff, and regional stakeholders to officially launch the week's events.
There are currently 53 children waiting for adoptive families in Northern Ireland, including 11 sibling groups who need to remain together. With the number of adoption enquiries and applications declining, HSC NI Adoption is highlighting the growing need for more adopters who can provide permanent, loving families for children currently waiting for adoption.
Under this year’s theme, ‘Together We Are Family’, Adoption Week celebrates the unique stories that make up Northern Ireland’s adoption community. Families may have different beginnings, but it is the love, commitment and shared bonds formed along the way that bring them together.
Throughout Adoption Week, HSC NI Adoption is encouraging people to consider adoption, whether they are exploring it for the first time, are existing adoptive parents considering adopting again, or are hoping to grow their family through adoption.
Catherine McKevitt, Head of Adoption and Fostering at the Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: “Adoption has the power to transform a child’s future. It offers permanence, stability and the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support. Most importantly, it gives children a family, a sense of belonging and the security of knowing they have people there for them throughout their lives.
“Sadly, some children in NI continue to wait for adoption because we do not have enough adoptive families coming forward. Sibling groups, older children, and children with additional needs often wait the longest for a permanent family.”
Adding his support to Adoption Week NI, Peter Cunnah, frontman of internationally successful music group D:Ream, reflected on his own adoption journey at the event, from growing up in a loving adoptive family in Derry to meeting his birth father 50 years later.
Peter said: “Growing up, I knew from an early age I was adopted, and it was simply part of my story. As I got older, I became curious about my roots. My birth parents had met while performing in a band in the 1960s, and discovering that connection helped me understand another part of who I am.
In later years, I was fortunate to build a close relationship with my birth mother. Meeting my birth father for the first time was both emotional and exhilarating, and it opened the door to relationships with my two half-siblings, who share the same love of music that runs through our family.
While reconnecting with my birth family has been a wonderful experience, adoption gave me something truly priceless. My adoptive parents, Monica and Les, filled my life with love, encouragement and opportunity. They gave me the confidence to become the person I am today and always made me feel cherished and secure.
Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate. I have the love and support of the family who raised me, meaningful connections with my birth family, and a deeper understanding of my own identity. I feel grateful for the many people who have helped shape my life.”
Karen, an adoptive parent to three siblings, also attended the event and shared her family's experience of keeping brothers and sisters together. She said: "Of course, parenting siblings comes with challenges, just as it does in any family. But the rewards far outweigh them.
Seeing them comfort one another, celebrate each other's achievements, protect each other and simply enjoy being together reminds us every day why keeping siblings together matters.
Perhaps the greatest gift of keeping siblings together is that they have never had to lose each other. Their shared story didn't end when they entered care. It has continued to grow every day as they laugh together, support one another, make memories and simply enjoy being brothers and sisters."
To find out more about adoption call HSC NI Adoption on 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net