Fostering is… Everything

Fostering can mean everything to those involved. That is the message of a powerful our new fostering film from over 100 councils.

This is the seventh film produced by our growing partnership of councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering. The ‘Everything’ project is the largest collaboration yet, and we’re very pleased to be part of it here at Foster4.

‘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 60^th 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.

Thanks to footage shot on a genuine old camcorder, we are taken to the 1990s, to see how Will settles into the family. We also jump back to the 2010s, when a young Zara is being taught to play the guitar by Mike, something that comes full circle when she performs a song at the party. Mike’s son Chris is involved throughout, showing the important role the children of foster carers play.

The ‘Everything’ project shows the long-term impact fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood.

The message is the same for all of us – we need more people to step forward and become foster carers. ‘Everything’ will help us to reach more people in our communities and encourage them to find out more about this really rewarding role.

The concluding message of the film is that what you do with your life could forever change someone else’s – encouraging people to foster in order to make that change.

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.

‘Everything’ has been produced by the ReelTwentyFive film production company, and project managed by public sector media partner CAN and Rachel Brown. Find out more about the project: https://fosterwithyourcouncil.uk/join-film-project/