A powerful new fostering film has been produced by more than 100 councils, including North Somerset Council.

The film, titled Everything, was launched on Thursday, October 17, and aims to highlight the significant impact fostering can have on those involved.

It is the seventh film produced by a growing partnership of councils and children's trusts to promote local authority fostering.

The Everything project is the largest collaboration yet, with participants from Cumbria to Devon and Lancashire to Essex.

It 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 60th 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.

The film was developed with the input and insight of foster carers and people with care experience.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s executive member for children’s services, families and lifelong learning, said: "I’m thrilled that we’ve joined forces with more than 100 councils to create the powerful new ‘Everything’ campaign.

"It’s a fantastic film that highlights just how transformative fostering can be for families and young people."

Rachel Brown, project director of Everything, described the main message of the film: "Many people don’t realise how common it is for relationships made through fostering to last well beyond the ‘official’ caring role.

"This has a huge impact on the lives of those who have been fostered, giving them stability and security well into adulthood."

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of the Fostering Network, added: "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."

North Somerset Council is currently looking for foster carers to provide loving homes for children in their care.

The council welcomes carers of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and relationship statuses.

To become a foster carer, you just need to be over 21 with a spare room.

All carers benefit from an attractive package of training and support.

If you think you can foster, get in touch with North Somerset Council.

To find out more, visit: https://fostering.n-somerset.gov.uk/.