Fostering can mean everything to those involved, and this week sees the start of a major new Fostering campaign for Torbay.

Today we have launched the powerful new ‘Everything’ Fostering video, as well as the vibrant new ‘Foster With Torbay’ campaign identity for the Bay.

The film, ‘Everything’ – produced in partnership with 100 other councils - follows Foster Carer Mike and his family on a journey through time with two of the children they have looked after, who are now adults. A surprise 60^th birthday party for Mike gives Will and Zara a chance to reflect on how being fostered made a difference to their lives, thanking him for everything.

Thanks to footage shot on a genuine old camcorder, we are taken to the 1990s, to see how Will settles into the family. We also jump back to the 2010s, when a young Zara is being taught to play the guitar by Mike, something that comes full circle when she performs a song at the party. Mike’s son Chris is involved throughout, showing the important role the children of foster carers play.

At the same time as the film goes live on Torbay Council channels including website and social media, the new ‘Foster With Torbay’ identity goes live, replacing the ‘We Are Family’ Foster Carer recruitment campaign that has been in place since 2020. The messaging and design has been put together with input from Torbay’s Foster Carers and you will also see quotes and (anonymous) Foster Carer stories start to appear on a range of channels over the coming weeks and months. Foster Carers have told us what their favourite Fostering moments and memories are and why they think you should consider Fostering.

The Fostering section on Torbay Council’s website has also recently been updated to make information more user-friendly and the journey for potential Foster Carers as smooth as possible.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay, said: “We are always working hard to increase the number of Foster Carers and it is important that we continue to look at new ways of promoting the benefits of Fostering as a lifestyle. We are very pleased to be able to launch our new Fostering campaign for Torbay and to collaborate with other councils and partners on this film.

“The ‘Everything’ project has given our Fostering service an amazing film that shows the long-term impact Fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood. The film shows how rewarding and life-changing Fostering is.

“The message is the same for all of us – we need more people to step forward and become Foster Carers.

“In a survey, we asked our own Foster Carers in Torbay to sum up their experience of Fostering and words they used included ‘life-affirming’, ‘rewarding’, ‘fun’, ‘challenging’ and ‘exhilarating’.

“So, as another of our Foster Cares would say if you’re thinking about it, change a child’s future:  Foster With Torbay.”

The film was developed with the input and insight of foster carers and people with care experience, was produced by Reel TwentyFive and project managed by public sector media partner CAN/Rachel Brown. It is the seventh such film they have produced but the first time that Torbay Council has collaborated.

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of the Fostering Network says: "The Fostering Network has been proud to support the collaborative film projects since 'Giants' in 2017. It's great to see local authority fostering services pooling resources to produce another amazing film. 'Everything' will help to amplify their message about the chronic shortage of fostering households, encouraging more people to come forward and foster.

One of the main characters in the film, Chris, shows how important other family members are when it comes to fostering. This is something we champion throughout October, which is Children of Foster Carer's Month."

Find out more

Watch the new 'Everything' Fostering video on our YouTube channel.

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer you can visit our new updated Fostering webpages, call 01803 207845 or email fostering@torbay.gov.uk

We are also part of the South West Fostering Hub and you can find out more by visiting their website. 

October is Children of Foster Carers Month and you can find out more about this on The Fostering Network website. 

‘Everything’ has been produced by the ReelTwentyFive film production company, and project managed by public sector media partner CAN and Rachel Brown. Find out more about the project.