Fostering is…Everything

Fostering can mean everything to those involved. That is the message of a powerful new fostering film from over 100 councils, including Sutton Council.

‘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 60th birthday party for Mike gives Will and Zara a chance to reflect on how being fostered made a difference to their lives and thank him for everything. 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 in order to make that change.

The film was developed with the input and insight of foster carers and people with care experience. It is the seventh film produced by a growing partnership of councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering.

Sutton Council is supporting the project as part of a drive to recruit additional foster carers. The Council has a variety of fostering options available, including long-term, short-term and respite care. Residents can find out more by visiting https://www.sutton.gov.uk/fostering. 

Cllr Marian James, Chair of Sutton Council People Committee, says:

“At Sutton Council we are immensely proud of our foster carers. This film does an excellent job of not only showing the positive impact foster carers have on the children they care for, but also of how the children enrich the lives of the fostering family.

In Sutton, we urgently need more foster carers and I encourage anyone who believes that they could provide a supportive and loving environment for a child in care to get in touch with our Fostering team. We will support you every step of the way as you make a real difference in a child’s life.”

Laura, a foster carer with Sutton Council, says:

“For me, fostering isn’t just a job, it’s like having an extended family, and this film really captures that. While the children you look after might leave your care, you never stop wanting the best for them.

My advice to anyone would be as long as you’ve got a spare bedroom, lots of love and a sense of humour, then go for it. It’s so rewarding and I can’t recommend it enough.”

Rachel Brown, Project Director, says: 

“Many people don’t realise how common it is for relationships made through fostering to last well beyond the ‘official’ caring role. This has a huge impact on the lives of those who have been fostered, giving them stability and security well into adulthood.

“We also wanted to reflect how the children of foster carers make a difference to children when they come into care, helping them to feel part of the family.

“Having over 100 councils taking part in the project, the film will reach a very wide audience, encouraging people to find out more and take the steps towards becoming a foster carer. 

“Fostering with your local council or children’s trust means you can better support local children and young people who need a safe and nurturing home where they can grow and thrive.”

Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of the Fostering Network says: 

"The Fostering Network has been proud to support the collaborative film projects since 'Giants' in 2017. It's great to see local authority fostering services pooling resources to produce another amazing film. 'Everything' will help to amplify their message about the chronic shortage of fostering households, encouraging more people to come forward and foster.

One of the main characters in the film, Chris, shows how important other family members are when it comes to fostering. This is something we champion throughout October, which is Children of Foster Carer's Month."