Film highlights difference foster care makes to children

A POWERFUL short film highlighting the huge difference foster carers to children in care make has been launched by Tameside Council working with other Greater Manchester authorities.

The film, called ‘The Run’, 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 is hungry - with running as a sport.

Despite the disadvantages Tom faces before being fostered – not even having PE kit for school – he is 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. 

The film, launched on 9 October at Everyman Cinema in Altrincham and across the country, supports Tameside Council’s campaign to recruit more foster carers to provide safe and stable homes for local children in care.

It is a major nationwide advertising campaign involving over 90 local authority fostering services, including Foster for Greater Manchester.

To watch the short film - ‘The Run’ click here.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children and Families Cllr Teresa Smith said: “The message of this project is very simple, but so important – we need foster carers and we need foster carers in Tameside. 

“This sentiment applies across the country, which is why this project has grown into a national campaign. ‘The Run’ is a brilliant, emotional film 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 is an urgent need for more foster carers to step forward across the country. Here in Tameside, we need good people to join us our Fostering Family to be the real difference.”

Local authority fostering services are under pressure like never before as more children need a safe, stable home.

Tameside Council provides foster carers with full training, support and an allowance. Each foster carer is appointed a dedicated social worker, who offers support and guidance throughout the fostering journey.

All foster carers are also incorporated into a buddy system where anyone can access advice or support from experienced foster carers to ensure foster carers are never alone at any stage of the process.

Fostering doesn’t have to be full-time or long-term. In Tameside, there are various different fostering opportunities, such as emergency, respite, short-term and many more. Therefore, it can be flexible to resident’s lifestyles, schedules and environments.

The council’s fostering service is not for profit, and the priority is the welfare of the children and young people.

The criteria to apply is to be aged 21 or over, have a spare room in your property (if fostering a child over 2 years old), and to be able to provide a safe and loving home. People from all backgrounds can apply.

One thing is for sure, there are children like Tom all over the country. Here in Tameside, if you want to be the difference get in touch and find out more by either calling 0300 303 031 or email enquire@fosterforgm.com or visit www.fosterforgm.com/tameside