New powerful fostering film launches today
A powerful fostering film that follows a young person’s foster care journey has launched today and acts as a reminder of the impact fostering can have.
The film, titled ‘Run’ has been produced in collaboration between councils across the country by ReelTwentyFive and public sector media partner, CAN Digital.
The film focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, contrasting his need to run - away from danger, a chaotic home life, to get to school in time for breakfast club because he’s hungry - with running as a sport.
Despite the disadvantages Tom faces before being fostered – not even having PE kit for school – he’s good at running and the film climaxes with Tom taking part in an athletics tournament, running in a stadium, with the support of his new foster family.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employments and Skills, said:
“This film highlights the life-changing impact foster care can have on children facing difficult circumstances. Like many councils, we urgently need more foster carers in Telford and Wrekin to support children like Tom.
“If you're considering fostering, our team can explain why choosing the Council offers greater support than independent agencies.
“We also know that not one size fits all, there are lots of different ways people can foster and there’s flexibility to work around people’s individual circumstances. Even if you can only foster for a few days a month, we encourage you to get in touch with our team, as part-time fostering opportunities are also available in addition to full-time ones.
“We’re proud to deliver outstanding services for children in our Borough and welcome caring, compassionate individuals to join us as foster carers.”
The film’s project director Rachel Brown, explains:
“This whole project grew out of the constant struggle to recruit foster carers, when you have limited resources. By working as a group – which has grown from 12 to more than 90 councils across the country – we’ve found a way to raise our voice and shout.
“I say shout quite deliberately - because this is a national emergency. Make no mistake, children’s futures depend on having homes to give them a supportive, nurturing upbringing.
“The Run won’t change things on its own, but we hope that everyone who sees it, will at least pause for thought, hopefully stepping forward to help our most vulnerable children and young people.”
For anyone interested in fostering with Telford & Wrekin Council, they can find out more at https://www.telfordfostering.co.uk/