Brighter Futures for Children is joining 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 agencies from all over England.

The unique film project, developed by the West Midlands Regional Fostering Recruitment Forum, is now working with councils and not-for-profit agencies 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 and not-for-profit agencies 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, children’s trusts and not-for-profit agencies 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

Maria Young, Director of Children’s Social Care at BFfC, 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 partnership approach really demonstrates the benefit of collaborative working.”

The film will be available to watch and share from midday on Tuesday 12 October on Brighter Futures for Children’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BFfCChild) and on www.readingfostering.co.uk. You can also view it on BFfC YouTube channel.

If the film inspires you to become a foster carer or learn more, you can contact the fostering team at 0118 469 3020 or email foster@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Brighter Futures for Children IFA is a not-for-profit independent fostering agency, independent of, but wholly owned by Reading Borough Council.