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‘Everything’ launched today (Thursday 17 October) and can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/XqESu4F-LiA.
It’s the seventh film produced by a growing partnership of councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering. The ‘Everything’ project is the largest collaboration yet, with participants from Cumbria to Devon and Lancashire to Essex.
‘Everything’ follows foster carer Mike and his family on a journey through time with two of the children they have looked after, who are now adults. A surprise 60th birthday party for Mike gives Will and Zara a chance to reflect on how being fostered made a difference to their lives, thanking him for everything.
The film was developed with the input and insight of foster carers and people with care experience.
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s executive member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “I’m thrilled that we’ve joined forces with more than 100 councils to create the powerful new ‘Everything’ campaign. It’s a fantastic film that highlights just how transformative fostering can be for families and young people.
“If watching this video makes you think you can foster, get in touch with us now. We have lots of children in our care in North Somerset who need loving homes to grow up in, and we’re currently looking for caring people who can open their hearts and homes.
“We welcome carers of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and relationship statuses. You just need to be over 21 with a spare room. All our carers benefit from an attractive package of training and support, and we’ll support you every step of the way in your journey.”
Rachel Brown, Project Director of ‘Everything’, describes the main message of the film: “Many people don’t realise how common it is for relationships made through fostering to last well beyond the ‘official’ caring role. This has a huge impact on the lives of those who have been fostered, giving them stability and security well into adulthood.
“We also wanted to reflect how the children of foster carers make a difference to children when they come into care, helping them to feel part of the family.
“Having over 100 councils taking part in the project, the film will reach a very wide audience, encouraging people to find out more and take the steps towards becoming a foster carer.
“Fostering with your local council or children’s trust means you can better support local children and young people who need a safe and nurturing home where they can grow and thrive.”
Sarah Thomas, chief executive of the Fostering Network, says: "The Fostering Network has been proud to support the collaborative film projects since 'Giants' in 2017. It's great to see local authority fostering services pooling resources to produce another amazing film. 'Everything' will help to amplify their message about the chronic shortage of fostering households, encouraging more people to come forward and foster.
“One of the main characters in the film, Chris, shows how important other family members are when it comes to fostering. This is something we champion throughout October, which is Children of Foster Carer's Month."
To find out more, visit: https://fostering.n-somerset.gov.uk/
Image credit: CAN Digital Solutions