Newsroom

13 October 2023

New film shows any of us can foster

Any of us can foster. That’s the message of a powerful new fostering film. If you have the capacity to care then anyone can foster a child or young person.

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The film is a result of the largest public sector fostering collaboration yet, with more than 80 participants including Blackpool Council.

‘Any of Us’ looks at three very different people who all show some of the attributes needed to be a foster carer in incidents from their daily lives.

Each in their own way demonstrates the caring instinct that is fundamental to being a foster carer.

Ayesha going to the aid of a pedestrian after a minor road accident, Neil calming down an aggressive situation in a snooker club, and Marsha identifying a young person showing signs of distress and intervening with them at school.

The film develops so that it becomes clear that one of these three people will become the foster carer to Chloe.

In Blackpool, the council needs a diverse range of foster carers from all walks of life who can provide children and young people in care with a safe and loving environment.

Foster carers benefit from a comprehensive package of support, which includes ongoing training, enhanced allowances, regular support groups, peer mentors for new carers, an out of hours support and advice line, and a dedicated supervising social worker.

People interested in becoming a foster carer must have a spare bedroom and be over 21 years.

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Cllr Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said:

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“This project has provided an ideal opportunity to reinforce how we need real people as foster carers who are willing to make a difference. “That message is the same from Blackpool to Brighton – anyone who cares has the potential to become a foster carer. “It’s all about giving children a chance to thrive and become the best person they can be. “We know that fostering isn’t a 9 to 5 job, which is why at Blackpool Council, we offer an out of hours support line alongside an excellent personal development package to make sure our foster carers are supported from the start. “We all need more people to step forward and consider fostering so if you can offer a home to our most vulnerable children and young people then please get in touch.”
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The film has been produced by Reel TwentyFive and project managed by CAN Digital/Rachel Brown.

Project Director, Rachel Brown explains the thinking behind the film:

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“Whilst there is always a core message about the difference fostering makes within our films, ‘Any of Us’ has been more ambitious in telling three different stories from diverse foster carers, based around them sharing their experiences with people considering fostering. “Fostering directly with your council means that you can support your local community by working with a fostering service that is dedicated to supporting local children and young people who need a nurturing, safe fostering home.”
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To find out more about fostering, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/Fostering or call 01253 420222.

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