Film calls for more foster carers to help give all children a childhood
13 Oct 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland County Council is taking part in a ground-breaking national collaboration of local authorities to raise awareness of the life-changing role of foster carers.
A total of 56 councils across England have worked together to share ideas and jointly fund the creation of a short film.
It is aimed at finding more people who may be interested in becoming foster carers and providing nurturing, positive homes for children and young people who need them across the country.
Simply called ‘Childhood,’ it highlights the impact of neglect on children, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left at times to try and care for each other.
It shows the journey of ‘Sophie’ and ‘Charlie’ from being in a very difficult home situation where their needs are not being met, to being nurtured and supported through foster care to attend school and be able to enjoy their hobbies and interests. In other words, have a childhood.
The project follows last year’s successful partnership of over 30 councils and film company ReelTwentyFive. The fostering film ‘Out There’, was released in October 2021 and is currently shortlisted for a Royal Television Award.
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “We are very fortunate to have many wonderful people who foster with us, supported by the fantastic Northumberland Fostering Team.
“Together they are making a real difference to many lives, but we need more people to come forward to offer short and long-term homes, giving children the family and childhood they deserve.
“This moving film captures the simple yet complex messages about childhood and what it should mean.”
Graham Reiter, the council's Joint Interim Director of Children’s Services and Service Director, Children's Social Care, said: “The council currently supports over 180 foster families, but with 440 children in care, there is an urgent need for more people to come forward and join the team.
“When children need foster care, we aim to place them with their brothers and sisters as near to their home and local communities as possible and to achieve this consistently we need more carers from all areas.
“I am really proud that Northumberland has participated in this innovative project with a third of all council fostering services in England with the aim of encouraging more people to consider becoming foster carers for children in the North East and the rest of the country.”
The film will be launched from noon on 13 October and shared on social media and other platforms using the hashtag #FosterForYourCouncil and #Childhood, right across the country, reaching many more people and leading them to consider whether the rewarding role of fostering could be an option for them.
Watch the film ‘Childhood’ here.
To keep up to date with news of the film and learn more about fostering, visit the Northumberland County Council Fostering website www.northumberland.gov.uk/foster
To find out more about fostering join our “Is fostering for me?’ online event on 16th November 6pm book via our website, or see our webpage for the Teams link on the night.