A new fostering film has been created by a partnership of over 100 councils and children’s trusts, including Brighton & Hove City Council.
The film, titled ‘Everything’, is the 7th film that has been produced by the partnership to promote local authority fostering.
The film highlights the long-term impact that fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood.
The film was created to encourage people to find out more about becoming a foster carer and show how rewarding and life-changing fostering can be.
‘Everything’ follows foster carer Mike and his family on a journey through time with two of the children they have looked after, Will and Zara, who are now adults.
A surprise 60th birthday party for Mike helps Will and Zara reflect on how being fostered changed their lives forever and the gives an opportunity to thank Mike for everything he’s done for them.
The film launched on Thursday 17 October and was shown to a group of 120 foster carers at an event celebrating our fostering community at the Amex Stadium.
The event included live music, inspiring speakers and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.
The event also gave special recognition to foster carers who have been fostering for 25 years or more, including Rob and Mandy Goddard who are retiring after fostering for over 30 years, and a standing ovation for 2 couples who have each fostered for 45 years.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “This new film shows just how important foster carers are and how long-lasting fostering relationships can be.
“Foster carers play a crucial role supporting some of the most vulnerable children and teenagers in the city by offering a stable, secure and loving base where they can thrive.
“We are enormously grateful for our wonderful fostering community, but we desperately need more foster carers to help provide safe and nurturing homes for care experienced children and young people in Brighton & Hove.
“We hope this film inspires many more people to come forward to join our fantastic network of foster carers and discover just how rewarding fostering can be.”
