National fostering film project launches in Bury

Fostering services across the country are joining together for the national release of a new short film commissioned by the largest collaboration of local councils and children’s trusts 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.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Children Services, Young People and Skills said:

“While we already have many brilliant foster carers in Bury the reality is we always need more people to open their homes and their hearts to fostering.

This project has been a brilliant way of working together to make the production of a high-quality film that will be a real asset to our recruitment of new foster carers for Bury.

The aim is that this film will be shared on social media in cities, towns and villages right across the UK, reaching countless people and showing them the many benefits fostering brings and helping children and young people into safe, nurturing homes and we are very 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 hashtags #FosterForYourCouncil and #findthebestofyou

Sandra Bruce, Assistant Director Early Help and School Readiness said:

“By being a part of this project, we can see that 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 our area.

“Out There” is a beautifully poignant film which really 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 from midday 12^th October on @FosterWithBury Facebook and Twitter platforms and our website www.fosterwithbury.co.uk. For more information on becoming a foster carer for Bury Council please call are freephone dedicated recruitment line 0800 9555 311.

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Editors Notes

Our next friendly information webinar event takes place on Wednesday 20^thOctober at 7pm. Click here to register your place.