Fostering can mean everything to those involved. That is the message of a powerful new fostering film and echoed through the stories of Croydon foster families.
‘Everything’, an emotionally powerful film produced in partnership with over 100 councils across the country, shows the long-term impact fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood.
Fostering has changed the lives of Croydon foster carers Debbie and Joana. Debbie has been fostering for over 20 years and Joana for three years and both joined other foster carers at the David Lean Cinema recently to view the new film.
Debbie fostered Robert when he was 14 and has been part of his life ever since. Robert now has his own family with Debbie at its heart, showing how fostering changes the lives of everyone involved.
Debbie said “I loved the film. I found it very moving and a true reflection of young people and the emotional difficulties they may face – I couldn’t agree with it more.
“Fostering has brought so much to my and my family’s lives. Many of my previous young people are now my extended family. I have the joy of being part of their lives as they now become parents.”
Joana said: “Although the film didn’t cover all areas of fostering, it did give a true reflection of the area it covered in respect of the journey over the years of a fostering family. It showed both the highs and lows, the positives and negatives without glorifying what is a very difficult and intense job.
“The best thing about fostering for Croydon is that it is my home borough, and the amenities and facilities needed by the looked after children and the foster families are close to hand without having to travel long distances.”
To find out more about fostering for Croydon, please call 0300 222 2112 or email iwanttofoster@croydon.gov.uk
The film is the seventh produced in partnership with a growing group of councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering. The ‘Everything’ project is the largest collaboration yet, with participants from Cumbria to Devon and Lancashire to Essex.
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said:
“This film shows beautifully how rewarding and life-changing fostering can be.
“Anyone with the capacity to care for someone can be a foster carer and our fostering team provides fantastic support and benefits to foster carers.
“Croydon needs more foster carers. If you are considering fostering – remember that what you do with your life could forever change someone else’s.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
