Are you an adult adoptee or care experienced person?

Do you like cake, coffee and crafts? Would you like the chance to meet other adoptees and get creative?

Join us for Crumbs & Kin, our new coffee & cake club!

Crumbs & Kin is a relaxed, drop-in group for those of us with lived experience of adoption and care settings to be in community together. The space is shaped by you — whether you like board games, craft or conversation, or if you want to organise activities and create art, Crumbs & Kin is for you.

What?

A monthly social meet-up for adoptees and care experienced adults.

When?

The last Wednesday of every month, 6–8pm (drop in). First event: Wednesday 28th January.

Where?

Assay Studios, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham (main Atom space). You can find more detailed information on directions, public transport and facilities here.

What to expect

A relaxed, drop-in space with plenty of cake (including nut-free, gluten-free and vegan options) plus tea and coffee. We'll provide board games, craft materials, fidget toys and gentle music — just bring yourself.

Crumbs & Kin is part of our global adoption project CANOPY — if you'd like to get involved, email Canopy Producer Toni Lewis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the venue accessible?

Assay Studios is fully wheelchair accessible and step‑free. The building has a lift, disabled bathrooms, and gender‑neutral bathrooms. You can explore the space ahead of time via a Virtual Tour.

Is there free parking?

Yes — free on‑street parking is available on Newhall Street after 6pm, Monday to Saturday. If you need to arrive earlier, paid on‑street parking is available via RingGo and other parking apps.

Can I bring someone for moral support?

We know attending can feel daunting for adoptees and CEP. To protect the group, we ask that you only bring someone if they are a support worker required for disability or accessibility needs. We do however offer a buddy system, pairing you with another member before your first session so you don’t have to walk in alone!

What kinds of cake do you have?

Each month, a member of the group chooses a flavour, bakery, or craving — we’ve had everything from classics to the infamous Durian pancakes (never again). We always provide nut‑free and gluten‑free options- nobody ever goes hungry!

Do I need to sign up?

Yes. For fire and safety regulations, everyone must complete the registration form linked in the event description before attending. You only need to do this once, and we never share your data. You can register here or by clicking the link below!

Is there any additional support available?

Every session includes a qualified wellbeing practitioner who is available for 1‑to‑1 conversations or general support. If you’re feeling vulnerable or need quiet time, we also have break‑out rooms you can use.

What happens during a session?

We begin with a group check‑in to welcome new people and hear how everyone’s been doing. After that, it’s cake, games, painting, crafts, films — whatever the group feels like! Members are welcome to suggest or bring activities at any time.

What is the WhatsApp group for?

The WhatsApp group helps adoptees and CEP stay connected between sessions. It’s also a gentle way to meet people beforehand, which can make attending for the first time feel easier.

Is this an adoptee/CEP‑only space?

Yes. Crumbs & Kin is for anyone who has been formally or informally adopted, or who has experience of growing up in care, foster care, institutions, kinship care, special guardianship, or other alternative arrangements.

Who are Selina Thompson Ltd?

We are an arts organisation based in Birmingham creating work that champions marginalised voices. Selina is an adoptee and conceived Crumbs & Kin to build community with others who share similar experiences.

Are all members of the Selina Thompson team adoptees/CEP?

No. While the team is PAC‑UK trained, DBS‑checked and committed advocates, only Selina has lived experience. We provide the space, cake, and support — but the group is led by its members, as it should be.