The release of ‘The Run’, the seventh fostering awareness film produced by award-winning producers ReelTwentyFive, took place today with the launch in Coventry taking place in One Friargate reception.
What started as a small local project in the Midlands is now a major nationwide campaign involving over 90 local authority fostering services, project managed by CAN Digital. ‘The Run’ is set to be the most ambitious jointly funded fostering film project yet.
The film 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’s hungry - with running as a sport.
Despite the disadvantages Tom faces before being fostered – not even having PE kit for school – he’s 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.
It’s Tom’s chance to shine. Can Tom win his race? On the track and in his life?
Councillor Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said;
“The message of this project is very simple, but so important – we need foster carers and we need people to foster with their local authority, Foster with Coventry.
“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 we will certainly be using to promote the Foster with Coventry message and the message loud and clear remains there’s still an urgent need for more Coventry foster carers to step forward. Here in Coventry, we are actively encouraging local people who feel they can make a real difference to people’s lives to get in touch and find out more.”
That message is at the core of the film project. Local authority fostering services are under pressure like never before as more children need a safe, stable home. This is combined with increased competition from independent fostering agencies to recruit foster carers.
The film’s project director Rachel Brown explains;
“This whole project grew out of the constant struggle to recruit foster carers, when you have limited resources. By working as a group – which has grown from 12 to over 90 councils across the country – we’ve found a way to raise our voice and shout.
I say shout quite deliberately - because this is a national emergency. Make no mistake, children’s futures depend on having homes to give them a supportive, nurturing upbringing.
‘The Run’ won’t change things on its own, but we hope that everyone who sees it, will at least pause for thought, hopefully stepping forward to help our most vulnerable children and young people.”
One thing is for sure, there are children like Tom all over the country. Here in Coventry, if you want to make a difference talk to Coventry City Council’s Fostering Service.