Stoke-on-Trent City Council fostering service alongside fostering services from across the country have joined together for the national release of a new short film commissioned by the largest collaboration of local councils and children’s trusts from all over England.

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.

The unique film project, developed by the West Midlands Regional Fostering Recruitment is jointly funded by councils around the country and aimed at helping to find more foster carers who can provide homes for the children and young people who need them.

Councillor Dave Evans, cabinet member for children and young people said: “Sadly, there is still a great need for foster carers in our city and around the country. We are very fortunate to have many wonderful people who foster in Stoke-on-Trent and they are supported by a fantastic team. Together they are making a real difference to many lives, but more needs to be done and we need more people to open their homes and their hearts to fostering. 
“The aim is that this film will be shared on social media in cities, towns and villages right across the UK, reaching countless people and showing them the many benefits fostering brings and helping children and young people into safe, nurturing homes. We are very proud to have played a part in making it happen.

“Out There is a beautifully poignant film which really 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.”

A total of 34 local authorities have been involved in the project. Hashtags across Social media platforms include #FosterForYourCouncil and #Findthebestofyou.

‘Out There’ follows earlier partnership project between councils in the West Midlands that have produced the award-winning fostering films ‘Giants’ and ‘There was a Boy’.

Visit the ‘Fostering Stoke-on-Trent’ Facebook page, fostering_stoke_on_trent Instagram and @StokeFostering on Twitter, as well as the city council’s YouTube page ‘Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

If you would like to know more about becoming a foster carer in Stoke-on-Trent visit www.stoke.gov.uk/fostering or call 01782 234555.