The release of this year’s fostering awareness film ‘The Run’ took place on Thursday 9 October 2025 at the Everyman cinema in Birmingham. Over 90 local authorities across the country have invested in the production of the film which focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, and his need to run which sees him run away from a chaotic home life, from danger and how running, with the support of his foster family learns that running can be a positive experience.

It showcases how, with encouragement, patience and support Tom learns to see the potential others see in him.

Councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning said; “This year’s film really builds on the positive relationships showcased in last years ‘Everything’ film. It shows that the relationship between foster carers and the children and young people they care for can be for life. Foster carers are truly remarkable people and ‘The Run’ highlights how their compassion can be transformational, not just for children and young people but for them too. In Southampton, we need more people to come forward, as the challenges life presents can result in families breaking apart. As a former teacher, I have seen for myself how a good start in life and a loving family is so important for children.”

Rob Henderson, Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children and Learning said; “Local authority fostering services are under pressure like never before as more children need a safe, stable home. Local authorities face increased competition from independent fostering agencies to recruit foster carers. Last year in Southampton we announced our adoption of the innovative Family Safeguarding Model approach to working with the whole family as just one way we can support families to stay together wherever possible. Our foster carers are important to us and so we are building an increased level of support around them, far beyond that an independent agency can offer, and we want to work even closer with them to make sure that the care given to vulnerable children and young people prepares them to become young adults.”

In Southampton we have 447 children and young people living in care, for some this means being unable to live close to extended family, friends, and school. We need more foster carers to help children and young people to stay connected with their community, to give them a good start in life, feel happier and healthier, to achieve their goals in a more equal, growing city.

To find watch the film and out more about fostering for Southampton City Council visit the website and search for ‘fostering’ or call 0300 131 2797. Don’t forget to take a look at our ‘fostering stories’ page to hear about other foster carers journeys.