Brighter Futures for Children joined fostering services across the country for the national release of a new short film commissioned by the largest collaboration of local councils, children’s trusts and not-for-profit fostering agencies from all over England.
The unique film project, developed by the West Midlands Regional Fostering Recruitment Forum, is now working with councils around the country who have jointly funded the creation of a new film, aimed at helping to find more foster carers who can provide homes for the children and young people who need them.
The short film, called ‘Out There’, highlights the ways fostering can make a difference to the lives of everyone involved, from the children and young people who live with foster carers, to those who come forward to care for them.
Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said:
“While we have many brilliant foster carers in Reading, we always need more people to open their homes and their hearts to fostering.
“This project has been a great example of collaborative working to produce a high-quality film that will be a real asset in our campaign to recruit new foster carers in Reading.
“The aim is for this film to be shared on social media across the UK, reaching countless people and showing them the many benefits fostering brings to everyone involved, and we are proud to have played a part in making it happen.”
A total of 34 local authorities have been involved in the project, and the film will have a virtual premiere at midday on 12 October which will include an introduction from Kevin Williams, the Chief Executive of The Fostering Network. Everyone attending from the participating councils and children’s trusts will then be asked to share the film via all social media platforms and help the message spread across the UK using the hashtag #FindTheBestOfYou
Maria Young, Director of Children’s Social Care at Brighter Futures for Children, said:
“By being a part of this project, we get the best benefits from pooling resources. The time, knowledge and expertise that working as partners has brought to this project can now help the children and young people in Reading.
“Out There captures many of the thoughts and emotions being felt today, particularly as many people have reflected during the pandemic about their life choices and the importance of community support. I think the film itself and the collaborative approach really demonstrates the benefit of collaborative working.”
The film will be available to watch and share on social media from midday on Tuesday 12 October on Brighter Futures for Children’s Facebook page. Please do help us spread the word to all corners of Reading.
Has ‘Out There’ inspired you to think about fostering? Learn more from our friendly fostering team, contact us at 0118 469 3020 or foster@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.