Fostering can mean everything to those involved. That is the message of a powerful new fostering film.

‘Everything’ was launched on 17 October. It is the seventh film produced by a growing partnership of over 100 councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: “The Everything project has given our fostering service a powerful film that shows the long-term impact fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood.

Fostering event in Bridlington on November 12 — ERYC councillors supporting Fosteting in the area. Photo: Submitted.

“In East Riding we need to recruit more foster carers, and by collaborating to produce this film we hope it shows people how rewarding and life-changing fostering is for the children and foster carers.”

‘Everything’ follows foster carer Mike and his family on a journey through time with two of the children they have looked after, who are now adults. A surprise 60^th birthday party for Mike gives Will and Zara a chance to reflect on how being fostered made a difference to their lives, thanking him for everything.

Thanks to footage shot on a genuine old camcorder, we are taken to the 1990s, to see how Will settles into the family. We also jump back to the 2010s, when a young Zara is being taught to play the guitar by Mike, something that comes full circle when she performs a song at the party. Mike’s son Chris is involved throughout, showing the important role the children of foster carers play.

The concluding message of the film is that what you do with your life could forever change someone else’s – encouraging people to foster to make that change.

The film was developed with the input and insight of foster carers and people with care experience.

Watch the Everything film: www.eastriding.gov.uk/fostering

Councillor Aitken continued: “All of our councillors are working together to help spread the word about our fostering offer. We particularly need families who can offer a home, love and support to teenagers, siblings, parent and child and unaccompanied asylum seeker children.

“Foster families come in all shapes, sizes, ages and can include single people as well as couples. Foster carers are integral for us to get the best outcomes possible for our East Riding children.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about fostering, or if you’re an experienced carer wanting to transfer, get in touch with East Riding Fostering at one of our drop-in sessions:

Saturday 19 October, Haltemprice Leisure Centre, 9.30am to 12noon
Saturday 2 November, Beverley Leisure Centre, 9.30am to 12noon
Tuesday 12 November, Bridlington Leisure Centre, 4.30pm to 7pm
Thursday 14 November, Online information event, 7pm to 8pm – please book here:www.eastriding.gov.uk/fostering

Or contact the team via: