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Berkshire charity seeks adoptive family to change a little boy’s life

by Emma Merchant
April 6, 2026
in Community, Featured, Reading
PACT is looking for a loving home for Ashley. Picture: PACT

PACT is looking for a loving home for Ashley. Picture: PACT

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ONE of the UK’s leading adoption charities is looking for an adoptive family for a bright and engaging little boy.

Parents And Children Together (PACT), an adoption charity whose head office is in Reading, supports families across southern and central England.

The organisation is looking for a loving and permanent home for one-year-old Ashley.

Ashley*, needs a family who can offer him the love, patience and stability that will help him thrive.

He has Down’s syndrome and associated health needs.

He loves playing with his toys, being outside, going to the park and playing on the swings.

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He also really enjoys being around other children and adults.

This little boy needs a family who can understand and prioritise his health and developmental needs.

His adoptive parents will need to provide him with an extra level of care and will advocate for him as he grows.

PACT provides full training and ongoing support through its specialist team, including access to therapeutic services, peer support groups and its online platform CATCH to ensure Ashley’s family feels prepared and supported at every stage.

Mandy Davies, Assistant Director of Adoption Services at PACT, said: “Ashley is a joyful, resilient little boy who brightens the day of everyone he meets.

“We are committed to finding a family who can celebrate his strengths, understand his needs and give him the permanent home he truly deserves.

“He needs a family who can offer him the love, patience and stability that will help him thrive.”

PACT has been changing lives since 1911.

The charity provides adoption services across southern and central England, creating families by recruiting, assessing and approving people who want to become parents through adoption, and matching them with children looking for their permanent, loving home.

In 2024 to 2025 it placed 84 children with 55 PACT adoptive families through its adoption services.

Its bespoke adoption support packages offer therapeutic support, counselling, advice, training, virtual events and support in education.

In 2024 to 2025 156 families were supported by PACT’s adoption support team, and 3,954 parents, caregivers and professionals were members of its online support platform CATCH – Children And Trauma Community Hub.

The charity also supports and empowers women who face multiple disadvantages to make positive changes to their lives through its award-winning Alana House Community Project.

Alana House uses an innovative holistic approach to support women by empowering them to take control of their lives, make informed decisions and improve their life chances.

In 2024 to 2025 242 women have accessed support at Alana House.

And PACT supports children affected by domestic abuse and their non-abusing parent through its Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.

BB4K uses therapeutic techniques to break the cycle of domestic abuse, raise self-esteem and provide ways for children to explore and express their feelings safely.

In 2024 to 2025 the BB4K project directly supported 158 children and 284 parents.

But right now, PACT is highlighting the needs of Ashley.

It invites individuals and couples (who must be UK residents) from all backgrounds to come forward, including those who may not have previously considered adoption for a child with disabilities.

Comprehensive preparation, training, and long‑term support will be available to help adoptive families feel confident and equipped.

Could you be the family Ashley is waiting for?

Anyone who believes they can offer a safe, loving, and nurturing home for this little boy is invited to contact PACT.

For information, visit: pactcharity.org/Ashley

*Ashley is not the child’s real name, which has been changed to protect his identity.

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