Nottingham City Council’s fostering service is showcasing a national film designed to increase the number of carers.

Local authorities across the country have joined forces on the unique film project, which has been developed by the West Midlands Regional Fostering Recruitment Forum.

The short film, called Out There, highlights the ways fostering can make a difference to the lives of everyone involved, from the children and young people who live with foster carers, to those who come forward to care for them.

Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at Nottingham City Council, said: “Our fostering recruitment team has been doing some great work over the past 18 months during the pandemic. It’s clearly been a really tough time for everyone.

“Covid has brought about new challenges for us but it hasn’t reduced the demand on our fostering service for the hundreds of local children who need a loving home.

“Speaking as a foster carer myself, I can say with absolute certainty that opening your home and your life to a vulnerable child is one of the greatest gifts a person can give back to our city.

“We have youngsters who are desperate to experience the joy that comes from having a stable family environment where they can grow and thrive.

“If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster carer, please come and talk to us. We hold regular introduction meetings where you can simply come along and find out more, without any pressure or obligation. Our next one is being held virtually on Wednesday 3 November a 6.30pm.”

A total of 34 local authorities have been involved in the project, and the film will have a virtual premiere at noon today (Tuesday) which will include an introduction from Kevin Williams, the Chief Executive of The Fostering Network.

Everyone attending from the participating councils will then be asked to share the film via all social media platforms and help the message spread across the UK using the hashtags #FosterForYourCouncil and #findthebestofyou

Helen Watson, Interim Director of Children’s Integrated Services at the City Council, said: “By being a part of this project, we can see that we get the best benefits from pooling resources. The time, knowledge and expertise that working as partners has brought to this project can now help the children and young people in our area.

Out There is a beautifully poignant film which really captures many of the thoughts and emotions being felt today, particularly as many people have reflected during the pandemic about their life choices and the importance of community support.

“I think the film itself and the collaborative approach really demonstrates the benefit of collaborative working.”

To find out more about becoming a foster carer with Nottingham City Council, visit www.fosteringnottingham.com or call 0115 876 3335.

The link to join the information evening on Wednesday 3 November is https://nottinghamcity-gov-uk.zoom.us/j/91863493548?pwd=RzA3d3JUM0UwVit4MVYzUVJPQWgyZz09, using passcode 355051.