Fostering: New film 'The Run' premieres in Birmingham

A powerful new short film, The Run, premiered at a special launch event hosted by Birmingham Children’s Trust at The Mockingbird Cinema on 9 October. The event brought together local businesses, community organisations, and media to spotlight the urgent need for more foster carers in Birmingham - and how everyone can play a part.

Produced by the award-winning team at ReelTwentyFive, The Run is the seventh instalment in a growing national campaign that began in the Midlands and now involves over 90 local authority fostering services across the UK.

At the heart of the film is Tom, an 11-year-old boy whose story is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. We follow Tom as he runs - from chaos, from hunger, from fear - until he finds something worth running toward: a future. With the support of a new foster family, Tom’s talent for athletics becomes a symbol of his resilience and potential. The film culminates in a powerful stadium scene where Tom finally gets his moment to shine.

“This film is more than a call to action - it’s a heartfelt plea,” said Tracy Collins, Assistant Director for Commissioning and Specialist Services at Birmingham Children’s Trust. “Right now, in Birmingham and across the country, children are waiting for someone who can provide stability, love and the chance to thrive. Please don’t rule yourself out - we need people from all walks of life to step forward. Fostering isn’t about being perfect - it’s about being present. If you’ve ever felt you could make a difference, now is the time to act.”

The premiere also introduced the Foster Birmingham Community Champions initiative - a new way for local businesses and organisations to support fostering through their HR policies, outreach, and networks. Attendees learned how they can help create a city where every child has the chance to thrive.

With local authority fostering services under increasing pressure as more children need a safe, stable home, The Run is a timely reminder that fostering is a community responsibility - and that the smallest act of support can change a child’s life.

To learn more about fostering in Birmingham, visit fosterbirmingham.co.uk or call 0121 303 7575.