Today, at exactly 12 noon, Hull joined over 90 local authorities across the UK in the simultaneous release of a powerful short film, and the message is clear: Hull needs more foster carers, now.
‘The Run’ has just premiered at Birmingham’s Everyman Cinema and gone live online nationwide, marking one of the largest collaborative fostering campaigns ever seen in the UK.
And right here in Hull, the emotion behind the film hits home. With one of the highest numbers of looked-after children in the country and a growing shortage of foster carers, the need is real and urgent.
Produced by the award-winning team at ReelTwentyFive and commissioned by CAN Digital, ‘The Run’ tells the story of Tom, an 11-year-old boy who finds himself constantly running from chaos, hunger, and fear. But once in foster care, Tom begins to run for something else entirely: hope.
From sneaking into school for breakfast club to sprinting on a stadium track cheered on by a new foster family, Tom’s story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, mirroring the real-life experiences of many children right here in Hull.
Laura Gawthorpe, Recruitment, Retention and Marketing Officer at Hull Fostering, shares -
“We’ve just watched the film alongside local authorities from across the UK, and it’s hard to put into words how powerful it feels. This isn’t just a campaign, it’s a call to action. There are children like Tom living in Hull today who are waiting for someone to open their door and say, ‘You can stay here. You’re safe now.’”
This project began with a handful of councils trying to do more with less. It has now grown into a national movement. For Hull, it couldn’t come at a more vital time.
“We’re not whispering anymore, we’re shouting,” Laura says.
“Because this is a national emergency. Hull has amazing children in care and we need people to step forward to foster – now more than ever.”
The film’s launch is part of a wider effort to encourage local employers to become Foster Friendly Hull Workplaces, offering practical support and flexibility to staff who foster.
Please watch, feel and share this film far and wide, you never know who it might inspire.
If you have ever thought about fostering, even for a moment, today is the day to take the next step.
Call 01482 612 800 (option 2) or email fostering@hullcc.gov.uk for more information about our amazing fostering community.
Because no child should be left waiting for someone to run toward them.