A MOVING new film released today pays tribute to the unsung heroes of the foster care system.

“Everything” highlights the difference one individual can make to the lives of many through fostering.

The fictional story played out in the film centres on foster carer Mike and his family. Mike’s wife organises a surprise 60th birthday party for him and invites two of the children they looked after, who are now adults.

The happy memories shared in the film show how challenges were overcome and life-long bonds formed between Mike and Will and Zara, the two foster children, who thank Mike for everything he did for them.

“Everything” has been produced by a partnership of councils and children’s trusts across the country to promote local authority fostering.

The project is the largest public sector fostering film collaboration to date, with over 100 participants including East Sussex County Council.

Councillor Bob Bowdler, lead member for children and families at East Sussex County Council said: “This new film takes us on an emotional journey, showing the positive difference love and resilience can have on the lives of the children and young people in foster care, and I hope it encourages people to consider joining our fostering family.

“We continue to face a national crisis in foster care, and sadly there are more children needing placements than there are carers available.

“I urge any residents who may have thought about fostering to contact the council direct to find out more about our in-house fostering service.”

“Everything” was produced by Reel TwentyFive and project managed by public sector media partner, CAN.

Project Director Rachel Brown describes the main message of the film: “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.

“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, said: “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.”

Cllr Bowdler continued: “The East Sussex Fostering Service is solely dedicated to supporting local children and young people who need our help and care. Importantly local authority fostering services operate on a not-for-profit basis.

“We always try to support our children through our own foster carers which helps keep children close to their friends, families and schools, and means that our foster carers have the first opportunity to foster local children.”

Help and advice is available to county council foster carers, day or night and every foster carer has a dedicated social worker who is locally based in East Sussex. In addition, a 24-hour telephone helpline is available, seven days a week.

More information on fostering with East Sussex County Council is available at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/children-families/children-in-care/fostering. To view the film “Everything” visit eastsussex.gov.uk/EverythingFosteringFilm