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"ANY of us can foster…." That's the message of a powerful new short film produced by Councils including:- Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley.

Cabinet Member for Liverpool City Council's Children's Social Services, Cllr Liz Parsons, said:- "Across the Region and UK there is a real need for more people to come forward to provide homes for our children. It’s therefore really important that we work together with other Councils across the UK in funding this film and other similar initiatives to raise awareness. The fostering message is the same wherever you live and so we believe this film will appeal to as wide an audience as possible. Being a Local Authority foster carer was one of the most rewarding roles of my life and one I would recommend. So, if you feel you have love to give and you can relate to the nurturing personalities portrayed in this film then, please, get in touch with your local council’s Fostering Service.”

The film:- ‘Any of us’ is hoping to raise awareness of fostering and highlights that anyone has the potential to make a difference to a child’s life.

There are over 2,500 cared for children across the 3 Local Authorities and with a national shortage of local carers, authorities have no alternative, but to look further afield, meaning some children are moved away from their School, friends, and familiar environments. Experiencing this can be traumatic for a child, or young person.

The film follows 3 people:- Ayesha, Neil and Marsha, who in their own way show that they are caring people, the video reveals that being caring is fundamental to being a foster carer, from going to the aid of a pedestrian after an accident, to calming down an aggressive situation. Their stories are all interwoven with that of a young foster child, Chloe, as viewers get an insight into her journey into
foster care.

The short film is being shown on:- Thursday, 19 October 2023, to a specially invited audience at FACT Cinema, in Liverpool.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Knowsley Council, said:- "Fostering directly with your Council means you can support your local community by working with a fostering service that is dedicated to supporting local children and young people who need a nurturing, safe foster home."

Councillor Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care said:- "We all have a role to play in helping our children who have come into care through no fault of their own. It takes a village to raise a child and communities, businesses and organisations can help in many ways for example, sharing messages across their channels, by thinking about making their workplaces:- 'Fostering Friendly' so its easier to work and foster at the same time or even helping current foster families by offering discounts on days out or activities. Our children benefit when we all work together."

Kim began fostering with Sefton Council 2 and a half years ago says it's the best decision her and her family made. She said:- "This film is a powerful reminder that any of us can make a difference in a child's life. Fostering isn't about being perfect, you just need to be willing to be there for a child. We don't think we're special, we are just normal people trying to look after children who need our care. For me and my family, fostering is the best thing we've ever done. I'd recommend it a hundred percent because the enjoyment of seeing kids grow and become more confident is the best feeling ever."

Isabelle Kirkham, who lives in Liverpool and is Co-Founder at The Care Experienced Movement, which works to give people in care a voice, said:- "If I hadn't had the stability my foster mum gave me when I was growing up, I genuinely would not be where I'm today. You don’t need to be perfect to foster and you're not always going to get it right, and that's ok. The impact you have on that child, for however long you have them, will stay with them for the rest of their life."

To find out more about fostering in Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley, visit:-