A new video called ‘Childhood’ tells the heart-rending story of the everyday life of a struggling family and the impact on the children to demonstrate the real difference foster carers make when family life is no longer sustainable.
There are currently around 338 children looked after in Bromley and this has been growing as a result of the pandemic and the increasing challenges in people’s lives. Sometimes families just need some respite and support to sort things out and on other occasions, longer term solutions must be found. Throughout, our team of foster carers provide amazing support and encouragement to the children who are affected by these family difficulties.
The video is a ground-breaking national collaboration supported by Bromley’s fostering team along with a number of other local authorities across England to highlight the importance that fostering can have in the lives of vulnerable children.
Bromley’s fostering team encourages anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to get in touch to learn more about the support and training Bromley foster carers experience. The Childhood video is intended to reach out further to potential carers and to show how fostering can help a child to thrive.
The new film highlights the impact of neglect on children, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left alone to rely on and care for each other. Viewers will follow Sophie and Charlie’s journey through a difficult home situation where their needs are not being met, to their destination of finding a nurturing environment and support in foster care where they can have a childhood to explore their hobbies and interests.
Childhood was officially launched with a premiere at the Everyman cinema in Birmingham on 13 October.
Councillor Kate Lymer, Executive Councillor for Children, Education and Families said, “Seeing Sophie and Charlie’s story unfold in Childhood was extremely moving and showed how instability at home can badly affect children and have knock-on effects on their education, social development and exploring their passions. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer do speak with our team to learn more about how Bromley Council can support you, our team is happy to assist and answer your questions.”
Fostering relies on the collaboration of the council and residents to provide a network of support for carers and Bromley’s children that can ensure every child can find the stability and care needed for them to achieve, thrive, and reach their full potential.
If you have been thinking about becoming a foster carer for a while, or know someone who may be interested visit www.bromley.gov.uk/fostering to learn more about fostering with Bromley, join the next fostering information session, or contact the Bromley fostering team on 0208 461 7701.
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- For media enquiries, please contact Liam Scoble in corporate communications, on 020 8313 4688 or email liam.scoble@bromley.gov.uk