A short film has been created to help raise awareness of fostering.
Cumbria County Council has joined forces with 55 other local authorities across England to jointly fund the film, aimed at finding more people who may be interested in becoming foster carers and providing nurturing, positive homes for children and young people across the country who need them.
The new film, Childhood, highlights the impact of neglect on children, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left at times to try and care for each other. It shows the journey of Sophie and Charlie, who are in a difficult home situation where their needs are not being met, to being nurtured and supported through foster care to attend school and be able to enjoy their hobbies and interests. In other words, have a childhood.
Anne Burns, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are proud to have played a part in producing Childhood. Anyone who sees the film cannot help but be moved by Sophie and Charlie’s story, which mirrors the story of so many children and young people who come into our care.
“With the number of children coming into care increasing all the time, we are calling for families, couples, and individuals to contact us now for a no obligation chat about joining our local fostering family, where assessment, training and extensive ongoing support is available to all foster carers.
“If you have space in your heart and your home to make a difference to the lives of local children, then we’d love to hear from you. Attending one of our events around the county or an online event is a great way to find out more about how you can change a child’s life this year and your own!”
The new film launched with a premiere at the Everyman cinema, Birmingham earlier this month.
As part of a countywide campaign to celebrate the launch of the new film, Cumbria County Council’s fostering service is running a series of information events in November across the county, offering people the chance to speak to the team and foster carers about fostering.
Events are:
- Friday November 11: Penrith Costa Coffee fostering drop-in at Angel Square from noon to 2pm
- Tuesday November 15 – Virtual fostering information event from 6.30pm to 7.30pm
- Thursday November 17 – Workington fostering drop-in from 10am to 2pm. Opposite the entrance to the multi-storey car park
- Friday November 18 – Carlisle fostering information stand at Carlisle Library, The Lanes Shopping Centre from 11am to 1pm
- Thursday November 24 – Barrow fostering Information event at the Holiday Inn, Barrow from 6pm to 8pm, which includes a short presentation on fostering
For more information on fostering, call 0303 333 1216 or visit cumbria.gov.uk/fostering
