The Fostering for Wolverhampton team joined forces with 55 other councils across England in a ground breaking national collaboration to share ideas and jointly fund the creation of the short film, Childhood.
The film is aimed at increasing interest in becoming a foster family, in order to provide a nurturing home environment for children and young people across the country.
The film highlights the impact of neglect on children, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left at times to care for each other. It shows the journey of ‘Sophie’ and ‘Charlie’ who are in a very difficult home situation, where their needs are not being met. It highlights the difference a foster parent can make to ensure they are cared for and allowed to have a 'childhood'.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “While we already have many brilliant foster parents in Wolverhampton, the reality is that we always need more people to open their homes and their hearts to fostering.
"This project is a brilliant example of authorities working together to produce a high quality film that will be a real asset in helping us to recruit much needed foster carers within our city.
"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. We are very proud to have played a part in making this film happen and urge anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to get in touch with our friendly team.”
Rachel Brown, who has been a foster carer recruiter for a number of years, led on the national project and said: “Sadly, there is an unmet need for foster carers in the country today and there is likely to be an increase in this need. The cost of living crisis and other struggles families across the UK are facing creates and escalates difficulties for many.
“Having worked on previous projects we know that these beautifully crafted films have a real impact. With the support of Council Advertising Network, I am really proud that we will reach even further around the country, a third of all council fostering services in England. We’d like to thank every single person involved in what has been a great collaborative experience.”
The project follows earlier, smaller partnerships between councils in the West Midlands. Together with the film company ReelTwentyFive, the councils have produced several award winning films to highlight the need for foster carers. The most recent, Out There, was released in October 2021 and is currently shortlisted for a Royal Television Award.
To watch the film, visit Fostering for Wolverhampton or search for ‘Fostering for Wolves’ on Facebook. To find out more about Fostering for Wolverhampton, book onto an autumn information event at Fostering for Wolverhampton or call 01902 551133.
