THE charity South West Adoption Network (SWAN), which provides services for people affected by adoption, is holding a drop-in day in Okehampton.
SWAN service manager Su O?Donnell said people affected by adoption often already experience isolation and this can be exacerbated in rural areas.
?This is due to physical isolation and diminished access to public transport, lack of opportunity to share experiences with others in similar situations and little readily available face-to-face advice and counselling,? she said.
In order to redress this SWAN made a successful application to the Department of Health for funding a rural areas adoption support service to reach everyone involved in adoption.
The Okehampton drop-in day is being held at the Ockment Centre, Okehampton on Wednesday, February 26 between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
?In the past, adopted adults and birth parents had little knowledge of what happened in each other?s lives after an adoption order was made.? said Ms O?Donnell.
?There is now a large demand from birth parents and adopted adults to trace relatives and the failure to do so can cause great anguish.?
Referrals and inquiries are made via the Helpline on 0845 601 2459.
The SWAN website is