Dundee-based fostering charity, Carolina House Trust has released a powerful new film starring its own carers and young people. It is hoped the voices of people in their community will inspire other carers to come forward.
In the film, two foster carers, Maggie and Cathy, are interviewed and asked about their experiences of fostering and the difference they think they make.
Maggie’s shares, “The pleasure of seeing a child happy and settled, feeling secure is the benefit you get from fostering.“
Cathy sums up by saying, “Anybody can do it [fostering]. All you need is care and compassion.“
At the heart of the video are the voices of two young people who live with Carolina House Trust carers, Noah and Naod.
Noah, 17, talks about what fostering has meant for him.
“I have had a lot of experiences here that I wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t in foster care. It helps a lot to know I am safe here.“
Naod, also 17, describes his new life in Scotland and how his new family have supported him.
“They are not a host family. They are MY family. Some people live alone but I have them to help me.“
Sara Lovelock, Chief Operating Officer at Carolina House Trust revealed the charity were keen to use real voices on the film.
“We know that the best advocates for fostering with our organisation are our existing foster carers and the young people we look after. Families who are thinking about fostering want to hear from the people who are actually caring every day and learn what the reality is like.
“Fostering is a challenging thing to do, but when you hear from young people like Naod and Noah about the difference it makes to their lives, the personal rewards are clear.”
Made by local film maker, Dylan Drummond the interviews were carried out at the end of 2024 in a foster carer’s home, at Carolina House Trust’s Head Office and at The Change Centre Dundee.
The charity encourages families who are considering fostering to get in touch with them for a chat or register for their Open Afternoon on Wednesday 26th March from 2pm to 4pm.
Link to video – https://carolinahousetrust.org.uk/foster-carers-impact-new-video/
