Southend-on-Sea City Council has collaborated with 80 local authorities across England to help create a compelling short film about the urgent need for foster carers.
Southend-on-Sea City Council has collaborated with 80 local authorities across England to help create a compelling short film about the urgent need for foster carers.
The council shared ideas and jointly funded the creation of the short film, which is aimed at finding more people with the capacity to care to consider becoming foster carers and provide nurturing, positive homes for children and young people across the country.
The new film called ‘Any of Us’ looks at three very different people who all demonstrate the attributes needed to be 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 helping them at school.
Different individuals in very different scenarios, but each in their own way showing the caring instincts fundamental to being a successful foster carer. Their individual journey’s to becoming foster carers are all interwoven with the story of Chloe, a young person who desperately needs a safe and loving home.
Cllr Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children’s services, education and learning, said: “We are delighted to support this initiative in solidarity with local authorities across England. There is a national and local shortage of foster carers here in Southend to help support and care for children and young people who cannot live with their birth parents.
“We are passionate about keeping children near to familiar surroundings and if you live in or around our city and have the capacity to care and have always thought you could provide a home for a child, please get in touch with us.”
‘Any of Us’ is being shared across the social media platforms of all 80 participating councils. Watch the film now on Southend-on-Sea City Council’s YouTube channel.
Have you ever thought about fostering?
Whether you're single, married, a homeowner or a tenant, part of the LGBTQ+ community or from an ethnic minority group, we’d love you to join our Fostering Community.
If you're over 21, have a spare room and the time and dedication to help a local child achieve their dreams, please talk to us first.
To find out more and attend one of our upcoming fostering information events, please visit the Southend Fostering website.