Hull Fostering has joined forces with more than 90 local authorities for the simultaneous release of a new short film that highlights an urgent need for more foster carers.
‘The Run’ premiered at 12 noon at Birmingham’s Everyman Cinema and went live online nationwide, marking one of the largest collaborative fostering campaigns ever seen in the UK. You can view the film here.
Produced by the award-winning team at ReelTwentyFive and commissioned by CAN Digital, ‘The Run’ tells the story of Tom, an 11-year-old boy who finds himself constantly running, from chaos, hunger, and fear. But once in foster care, Tom begins to run for something else entirely: hope.
From sneaking into school for breakfast club to sprinting on a stadium track cheered on by a new foster family, Tom’s heartbreaking and uplifting mirrors the real-life experiences of many children in Hull.
Laura Gawthorpe, Recruitment, Retention and Marketing Officer at Hull Fostering, shares: “We’ve just watched the film alongside local authorities from across the UK, and it’s hard to put into words how powerful it feels. This isn’t just a campaign, it’s a call to action. There are children like Tom living in Hull today who are waiting for someone to open their door and say, ‘You can stay here. You’re safe now.’”
This project began with a handful of councils trying to do more with less. It has now grown into a national movement. For Hull, it couldn’t come at a more vital time.
“We’re not whispering anymore, we’re shouting,” Laura says.
“Because this is a national emergency. Hull has amazing children in care and we need people to step forward to foster – now more than ever.”
The film’s launch is part of a wider effort to encourage local employers to become Foster Friendly Hull Workplaces, offering practical support and flexibility to staff who foster.
Councillor Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “The message of this project is very simple, but so important – we need foster carers and we need people to foster for Hull Fostering.
This sentiment applies across the country, which is why this project has grown into a national campaign. ‘The Run’ is a brilliant, emotional film none of us could have produced on our own, which is why this partnership is so important.
We have an engaging, high-quality film – which is great for all of us – but the message is loud and clear; there’s an urgent need for more foster carers to step forward across the country. Here, in Hull, we need good people to join us at Hull Fostering and make a real difference.”
Call 01482 612 800 (option 2), email fostering@hullcc.gov.uk or visit www.HullFostering.co.uk for more information.
