Eye-Opening Short Film Shines a Light on the Urgent Need for Foster Carers in Rutland

Eye-Opening Short Film Shines a Light on the Urgent Need for Foster Carers in Rutland

Rutland County Council has thrown its support behind a powerful new short film, ‘The Run,’ designed to highlight the crucial role foster carers play in providing safe, loving homes for children and young people. The film is part of a major collaborative effort involving 90 councils across the country to raise awareness and recruit more local authority foster carers.

The two-minute film centers on 11-year-old Tom, who frequently runs away from uncomfortable, often neglectful or dangerous situations surrounding him. The story takes an uplifting turn when Tom is welcomed into the home of foster carers Daniel and Melissa. In this safe environment, he finally finds a place to call home and even develops his running skills for sport. The narrative, developed with input from real foster carers and young people with care experience to ensure accuracy and sensitivity, delivers a strong, emotive message about the transformative power of a stable home.

Fostering: A Life-Changing Role

Councillor Tim Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Rutland County Council, stressed the rewarding nature of the role. "This is the third year we’ve partnered with councils across the country to put a focus on fostering and raise awareness of the need for more local authority foster carers," he said. "Fostering is incredibly rewarding... ‘The Run’ is incredibly emotive and gives real insight into why foster carers are so important. I’d encourage everyone to watch and share the film, and to get in touch if it’s something you’d like to learn more about.”

 

 An Urgent Local Need

Foster carers provide vital support for children and young people who, for various reasons, cannot live with their birth families. Rutland County Council urgently needs more local foster carers to help children aged 0 to 18 remain close to their schools, friends, and communities, maintaining essential connections during a challenging time.

The Council is looking for people who are over 21 and have a spare room. You don't need to be married, own your home, or have children of your own to make a difference.

Support and Different Types of Care

Fostering isn't one-size-fits-all, and there are several types of foster care to suit different lifestyles, including:

Short-term care: Providing a temporary home until a child can return home or move on

Long-term care: Offering a stable home right through to adulthood.

Emergency care: For children needing immediate safety.

Short breaks: For children with additional needs.

Respite care: Providing regular support to families.

All foster carers receive expert training, emotional support, and financial allowances to help cover costs. These allowances start from £342 per week for younger children and rise to £489 for teenagers, in addition to birthday and festive payments.

Find Out More

If you’re a caring person with room in your life for a child, the Council strongly encourages you to get in touch.

Contact Rutland’s Fostering Team for an informal chat on 01572 720 942 or email fostering@rutland.gov.uk. You can also find more information at www.rutland.gov.uk/fostering.