The Fostering Network has teamed up with the BBC to produce a new campaign calling for more foster carers. Narrated by care leaver Hollie, the short film shows how foster care can transform the lives of children and young people. Joseph, also a care leaver, is featured in the film. Now studying for his Masters, he is a shining example of how the right foster carers can change a young person’s life. He told us his story in this blog.

The campaign also features Dianne who is a foster carer with Step Up Step Down, a pioneering project run by The Fostering Network in Northern Ireland in partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and funded by the Big Lottery’s Supporting Families fund. You can read more about Dianne’s work in her blog.

The broadcast appeal was shown as part of the Community Life series on BBC One NI. The programme gives local charities the chance to describe their vital work or make an appeal for volunteers or funds.

Kathleen Toner, Northern Ireland director for The Fostering Network, was also interviewed for an accompanying clip discussing how fostering can make a big difference to the lives of many children. She said: “The campaign shines a light on the great work foster carers do as well as encouraging others to come forward and offer their skills, time and, most importantly, a loving home. We are delighted the BBC could raise the profile of such an important issue and we hope we can recruit more carers following the campaign.”

You can watch the appeal video on the BBC NI website along with Kathleen’s interview.

If you’d like to find out more about fostering in Northern Ireland, please call 028 90705056 or visit couldyoufoster.org.uk.