The Run fostering film project 

We have joined over 90 local authority fostering services to produce 'The Run', an engaging and emotional fostering film project, produced by award-winning producers ReelTwentyFive and project managed by CAN Digital.

The film focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, contrasting his need to run away from danger, a chaotic home life, to get to school in time for breakfast club because he’s hungry. He participates in running as a sport too.

Despite the disadvantages Tom faces before being fostered, including not even having a PE kit for school, he's good at running, and the film climaxes with Tom taking part in an athletics tournament, running in a stadium with the support of his new foster family.

A special screening of the film took place at the David Lean cinema in Croydon on Wednesday 8 October, with local foster carers and families invited.

How to watch The Run

You can watch The Run below. It's Tom's chance to shine. Can Tom win his race? On the track and in his life?


What's been said about this film project

Rachel Brown, the film's project director, said: "This whole project grew out of the constant struggle to recruit foster carers, when you have limited resources. By working as a group, which has grown from 12 to over 90 councils across the country, we have found a way to raise our voice and shout."

"I say shout quite deliberately – because this is a national emergency. Make no mistake, children's futures depend on having homes to give them a supportive, nurturing upbringing."

"The Run won't change things on its own, but we hope that everyone who sees it will at least pause for thought, hopefully stepping forward to help our most vulnerable children and young people."

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: "This is a powerful film, and the message is loud and clear; there’s an urgent need for more foster carers to step forward across the country."

"Croydon is a young borough with London's largest under-19 population, and it's one of my priorities to help them thrive, keeping them safe from harm, and enabling them to fulfil their potential. So, we need good people to join us as foster carers. Could you make a difference to a child, like Tom? If you can, I really encourage you to get in touch with our Fostering service."

Pressures that fostering services face

Local authority fostering services are under pressure like never before as more children need a safe, stable home. This is combined with increased competition from independent fostering agencies to recruit foster carers.

Future aims for fostering in Croydon

Croydon's Fostering service is at the forefront of developing improved support for children and carers. It's aiming to be the first choice for people wanting to embark on, or continue their fostering career, looking after vulnerable children in the community. This is achieved through innovative schemes such as its Horizons Fostering Hubs, local support groups, mentoring, recognition events, specialist training and regular reviews of the fostering allowances.