Adopt South, the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, is reaching out to find a family for a very special little girl who is full of life and loves being in the company of adults and children.
Meet Tilly
Meet Tilly
Tilly* is a little girl with Down syndrome, and every day with her is full of joy. Her unmistakable giggles, love of dancing, and personality light up every room and bring smiles to everyone who meets this vibrant five year old. Adopt South has produced a short film which gives a little insight into who Tilly is.
She is very active and does everything you would expect of a child in Reception Year at school. She enjoys a wide range of activities such as scootering, jumping and climbing, mimicking K-Pop songs on the TV, and humming along to the latest chart music on the radio. She fills her foster family’s home with joy and a lighter perspective of the world around her.
*To protect the child’s identity and the foster carer, Tilly and Jenny are not their real names. Images have also been obscured. A choice of photographs of Tilly is available.
She loves looking at pictures in books, especially favourites like the nursery rhyme Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed and then curling up on the sofa for a “snuggle cuddle” with one of her foster carers. At bedtime, she happily heads upstairs, brushes her teeth with her foster carer, and settles off to sleep until she gets up ready for the day ahead.
At her foster home, she likes her morning routine of having her breakfast, before playing with her dollies or watching a bit of TV then getting ready to go to school. Tilly has a swivel seat with no back which she can sit or lie on, gripping the side handles to spin herself round and round, giggling at the thrill of going really fast and filling the room with her infectious laughter.
“Tilly is a busy, happy little girl who loves home life and likes to be helpful in our home. She enjoys little tasks like pretending to hoover or putting clothes in the washing machine. She eats well and when she is finished, she will bring her empty yoghurt pot or plate to you, then takes your hand to show you what she wants next.
She loves to go to school and is starting to say words and the names of some of the children she knows. Everyone adores her, and she greets people with hugs and a big smile. Tilly is a lovely little girl and needs a parent(s) who will understand her and give her the time she needs to continue to thrive.
At school, she enjoys getting messy jumping in the puddles in the playground, as well as art sessions, sticking, gluing and painting. Tilly’s language is limited, but she is learning to express herself, to tell her teachers and classroom assistant what she needs. When something is a bit challenging, she sometimes practises her Makaton and using visual cards. She enjoys being with the other children and is often engaged in imaginary play in the little kitchen area with them.
At the weekends and during school holidays, her foster family takes her on days out, including to live events such as Car Fest. Whether it’s soft play, live music, a community event or a day filled with lots of different experiences, Tilly really enjoys being in busy spaces and expresses her delight at what she sees and experiences with her foster family. She doesn’t mind crowds and happily joins in. She’s not too keen on walking at times, so her foster family has a buggy for her which allows her to hop out and explore, then have a rest when she needs to.
Tilly reminds us of the joy and potential that children with Down syndrome bring. With role models like Ellie Goldstein, George Webster on CBeebies and actor Tommy Jessop showing what is possible, it is clear how much children thrive when they are understood and celebrated.
Charities such as ours, the Down’s Syndrome Association and Down Syndrome UK, support families every step of the way, including adoptive families. We hope the right family will come forward to give Tilly the loving, secure home she deserves.
Next Steps
Adopt South would love to hear from anyone considering adoption and who thinks they could support a child as they grow and meet their own milestones. Adopt South welcomes singles, couples, families who already have children, the LGBTQ+ community, people of faith, renters, shared ownership households and those living in flats. What really matters is being able to give a child warmth, understanding and the chance to thrive.
Could you be Tilly's forever family?
To find out more, call our friendly team on 0300 3000 011 or arrange a call back