National fostering campaign launches as Northamptonshire Children’s Trust releases a powerful new film 'Because Someone Said Yes'

A new national fostering campaign launched by the Department for Education is encouraging more people to consider fostering as England faces a shortage of foster carers. The campaign aims to challenge common misconceptions about who can foster and support the Government's ambition to create 10,000 new foster care places by the end of this Parliament.

The campaign comes as the number of approved foster carers has fallen by 12% since 2019, while the number of children needing care continues to grow.

Supporting this national effort, Northamptonshire Children's Trust has launched its new film, Because Someone Said Yes, highlighting the life-changing impact foster carers have by making the decision to foster.

Every day, foster carers across Northamptonshire help children and young people build confidence, become more resilient, process trauma and achieve things they never thought possible. Whether it's helping with homework, celebrating achievements, listening after a difficult day or simply being a trusted adult, those everyday acts of care can have a lasting impact.

'Because Someone Said Yes' follows a young boy as he experiences everyday milestones, from settling into a bedroom of his own to trying new activities and growing in confidence. Initially, he appears to be navigating these moments alone, but as the story unfolds, viewers discover that a foster family has been by his side throughout, encouraging him, supporting him and helping him believe in himself.

The film's message is simple, fostering is not about grand gestures. It's about the everyday moments that help children feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

To watch the film, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCDtBTeby9c

Colin Foster, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Children's Trust, said: "There has never been a more important time to consider fostering. The new national campaign is helping to raise awareness that fostering is open to people from all walks of life and that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference."

"Every child deserves the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. What this film shows is that those opportunities often begin when someone says yes to fostering. Behind many of the achievements we celebrate for children, foster carers are there providing the stability, encouragement and support that they need every day."

The launch of 'Because Someone Said Yes' forms part of Northamptonshire Children's Trust's ongoing campaign to recruit more foster carers, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional needs.

Cllr Elizabeth Wright, North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, said: “Foster carers play a vital role in helping some of our most vulnerable children and young people feel safe, supported and able to achieve their potential. This powerful film highlights how the simple decision to foster can transform a child's life and create opportunities that can last a lifetime.

“We know there are many people across North Northamptonshire who could make a real difference as foster carers. I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about fostering to find out more and consider whether they could provide a stable, caring home for a child who needs one.”

Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and full training and support is provided. The Trust is encouraging anyone who has ever considered fostering to find out more because sometimes a child's future can change because someone said yes.

Cllr Michael Stratton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northants Council, said: “Foster carers provide one of the most important roles in our communities. They offer children and young people a safe, stable and nurturing home at a time when they need it most, helping them build confidence, develop resilience and achieve their potential.

“This powerful film shows that fostering isn’t about doing something extraordinary every day. It’s about the everyday moments that make a real difference to a child’s life. Whether it’s offering reassurance, encouragement or simply being there, those acts of care can help transform a child’s future.

“We urgently need more people to consider fostering, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional needs. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, I would encourage you to find out more. You could make a lasting difference to a local child’s life, simply by saying yes.”

To find out more about fostering in Northamptonshire, visit www.fosterme.co.uk or call 0300 126 1009.