Trafford was proud to host the Greater Manchester launch of a new short film that brings to life the benefits and rewards of fostering – for both the people who become foster carers and the children and young people they care for.
The event took place at Everyman Cinema in Altrincham, and saw foster carers (including connected carers) and local authority fostering teams from across Greater Manchester come together to enjoy their first viewing of the new film, ‘The Run’. It focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, contrasting his need to run - away from danger and a chaotic home life, to get to school in time for breakfast club because he’s hungry - with running as a sport.
‘The Run’, is the seventh fostering awareness film produced by award-winning producers ReelTwentyFive. What started as a small local project in the Midlands is now a major nationwide campaign involving over 90 local authority fostering services.
Pamela Wharton, Trafford’s Director of Children’s Social Care opened the event and welcomed attendees to Altrincham. She said:
“It was a privilege to have the first showing of this excellent and impactful short film here in Trafford, and I’d like to thank the Everyman Altrincham team for making it such a memorable event.
“The message in ‘The Run’ is very simple, but so important. When people step up and open their hearts and homes to children and young people in need of safety and stability, the difference they can make is huge.
“It’s fantastic to have this engaging, high-quality film to help us to spread the word that there’s an urgent need for more foster carers for our children. Please do contact our team today if you would like to know more about becoming a foster carer in Trafford.”
The film’s project director Rachel Brown added:
“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.”
Trafford Council works with local authorities across Greater Manchester to encourage more people to consider fostering, under the banner of Foster for Greater Manchester.
Please email enquire@fosterforgm.com or call 0300 303 0321 to find out more about becoming a foster carer in Trafford.