Foster for East Midlands Councils is proud to be part of ‘The Run’, the seventh fostering awareness film produced by award-winning production company ReelTwentyFive.
The project has been coordinated by CAN Digital, bringing together 90 councils across the UK to pool resources and create powerful, unified messages about fostering.
‘The Run’ tells the story of Tom, an 11-year-old boy whose love of running becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. From running away from chaos and hunger to running towards opportunity and belonging, Tom’s journey reflects the experiences of many children who need the stability and encouragement that fostering can bring. With the support of his new foster family, Tom takes part in an athletics tournament — a moment that represents not only his race on the track, but also his race for a better future.
Watch the short the short film, ‘The Run’.
Are you inspired to be a foster carer and want to find out more?
Visit Foster For East Midlands Councils web page to enquire for more information
Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands said:
We’re delighted to be part of this inspiring national project. The message behind ‘The Run’ is simple but powerful, we urgently need more foster carers. By working together on projects like this, local authorities can share one voice to reach more people and show the life-changing impact fostering can have. Here in the East Midlands, we’re always looking for compassionate, dedicated people to join us and make a real difference to children’s lives.
The fostering landscape is facing unprecedented pressure, with more children needing safe, stable homes and increasing competition from independent fostering agencies. Collaborative projects like ‘The Run’ demonstrate how local authorities can work together to raise awareness and recruit the carers who are so desperately needed.
Project Director Rachel Brown explains:
This campaign began as a response to the ongoing challenge of recruiting foster carers with limited budgets. By joining forces, now over 90 councils strong we’ve created something powerful. It’s not just about making a film; it’s about making our message impossible to ignore. There are children like Tom in every community. We hope this film encourages more people to step forward and offer the supportive, nurturing homes these children deserve.
Foster for East Midlands Councils is a partnership of four councils - Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire. Together, we help people explore fostering and guide them through every stage of their journey to becoming foster carers. We provide comprehensive training, expert guidance, and ongoing support to ensure every foster carer feels confident, valued, and well-supported in their role.
Fostering isn’t just about providing a room, it’s about giving a child a future.
To start your fostering journey, visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, call 03033 132 950, or email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk.