Oldham Council is calling on everyday heroes to step forward and their latest short film, ‘Everything’, shows exactly why fostering could be the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do.
With a nationwide shortage of foster carers, children in Oldham are in urgent need of safe, loving homes.
To highlight just how life changing fostering is, over 100 councils across England have joined together to launch ‘Everything’, a powerful film that tells the real stories behind fostering, the kind of stories that show how you can make a lifelong difference to a child in need.
Fostering isn’t just a role, it’s a chance to change lives, and ‘Everything’ takes viewers through the emotional journey of foster carer Mike and the two children he cared for, Will and Zara.
Now adults, Will and Zara have come back together to surprise Mike at his 60th birthday party, looking back on the memories that shaped their lives.
From family moments captured on an old camcorder to Zara’s emotional guitar performance at the party, this film pulls at the heartstrings and shows the incredible, lasting memories that can be built through fostering.
Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This film is more than just a story, it’s a wakeup call. “Everything” shows how important foster carers are for the children they help and how fostering can be rewarding for the carers, too.
“It’s a chance to really make a difference in someone’s life and to feel good about what you do.
“We need more foster carers right now, and I hope this film encourages many people to take that next step and join us.”
The message is clear: Oldham needs YOU! Fostering is open to everyone over 21, whether you’re single, married, retired, or working. If you have a caring heart, you can make a real difference in a child's life, and Oldham Council will support you every step of the way.
Now is the perfect time to consider fostering! The council provides training, support, and financial assistance to help you succeed as a foster carer.
Interested in learning more? Call the Oldham Council fostering team who is now part of Foster for Greater Manchester on 0300 303 0321.
You can also request more information about becoming a foster carer here just be sure to mention Oldham Council.