is an independent support group for adopted adults in Central Scotland who are looking for an informal setting to meet other adopted people and to share experiences of growing up in an adoptive family and then searching for birth relatives. We are not a counselling service but can point people in the right direction for professional help. GAP was set up in 1992 at the request of a few adopted adults in Clackmannanshire who wanted to meet others in a similar situation. We have a kind of motto that “GAP is run for adopted people, by adopted people.” Everyone on the committee has been adopted and has some experience of searching for relatives. The group is funded by the 3 local councils Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire. The group meets once every month at Level One in Stirling. Meetings are informal and newcomers are made to feel very welcome. We have the chance to chat and share ideas about adoption issues over a cup of coffee, and members often say this type of support is invaluable. GAP members also get involved in the local council training of prospective adopters, giving talks and insights into real issues faced for adopted people as they grow up.
