Thurrock Council have partnered with over 90 other local authorities to launch a brand-new campaign to inspire more people to start fostering.
Managed by CAN Digital, ‘The Run’ has been produced by award-winning producers, ReelTwentyFive and is set to be the most ambitious jointly funded fostering film project yet.
The film focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, contrasting his need to run - away from danger, a chaotic home life, to get to school in time for breakfast club because he’s hungry - with running as a sport.
Despite the disadvantages Tom faces before being fostered – not even having PE kit for school – he’s good at running and the film climaxes with Tom taking part in an athletics tournament, running in a stadium, with the support of his new foster family.
It’s Tom’s chance to shine. Can Tom win his race? On the track and in his life?
Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Community Safety, said: “The message of this project is very simple, but so important – we need more foster carers and we need people to foster for Thurrock Council.
“The need for more foster carers applies across our entire country, which is why this project has grown into a national campaign. ‘The Run’ is such a brilliant, emotional film, that none of us could have produced on our own, which is why this partnership is so important.
“We have an engaging, high-quality film – which is great for all of us – but the message is loud and clear; there’s an urgent need for more foster carers to step forward across the country. We’re home to some amazing foster carers here in Thurrock, but there isn’t enough, we need more inspiring people to join us and make a real difference to our looked-after children.”
That message is at the core of the film project. Local authority fostering services are under pressure like never before as more children need a safe, stable home. This is combined with increased competition from independent fostering agencies to recruit foster carers.
The film’s project director Rachel Brown explains; “This whole project grew out of the constant struggle to recruit foster carers, when you have limited resources. By working as a group – which has grown from 12 to over 90 councils across the country – we’ve found a way to raise our voice and shout.
“I say shout quite deliberately - because this is a national emergency. Make no mistake, children’s futures depend on having homes to give them a supportive, nurturing upbringing.
“‘The Run’ won’t change things on its own, but we hope that everyone who sees it, will at least pause for thought, hopefully stepping forward to help our most vulnerable children and young people.”
One thing is for sure, there are children like Tom all over the country.
To watch the 'The Run', below or visit the Thurrock Council YouTube channel
To learn more about fostering in Thurrock, visit www.thurrock.gov.uk/fostering