'The Difference' invites you to change lives by joining your local authority fostering community here in the North East

Called 'The Difference,' the advert is a celebration of our fostering community and the incredible changes fostering makes in the lives of young people and foster carers.

You may have already seen the advert on TV or while watching it on demand channels here in the North East and spotted our young people and their foster carers.

View your fostering information pack.

 The advert has two versions. In the 30-second film the young people speak the thoughts and feelings real children in foster care in our region have shared about the difference fostering made in their lives.

The short film sees the young boy exploring a fantastic fort lit by fairy lights. It also features a young woman smiling and snipping away with scissors as she styles hair.

In an extended one-minute version of the advert, we also hear from foster carers and get insight into the difference fostering has made to their lives.

The advert was developed and filmed by Gateshead-based Motif Pictures, who have worked with Foster with North East on a number of projects and getting to know our fostering community well.

Talking about the project, James Craggs, Managing Director at Motif Pictures, said: "We're immensely proud to have been trusted to make this advert. It was really important to ensure that the voices and stories at the heart of the campaign reflected the real experiences of those who've lived them. So, including real foster carers and real young people who make 'the difference' to each other was so important for us.

"It's been an honour to collaborate with our wonderful carers and young people for the making of the film. They generously gave their time to help encourage more people in our region to consider fostering. It was also great to hear that the advert's fort explorer, enjoyed more fun in the fort after filming wrapped!"

"He slept in the fort that night,' explained his foster carer, Sharon, adding: "He just loved the filming and was so proud of the advert."Sharon agreed to take part in the advert because in her own words, "I wanted the advert to be authentic and I recognise the need to attract more foster carers."

At the close of the advert, the Foster with North East message, 'Share your home, shape their future' flashes up on the screen.

 When you see the advert, we hope you will take a moment to consider the difference you could make to a child through fostering. If it strikes a chord with you and you're ready to learn more, you can arrange a no-obligation chat with one of our Foster with North East hub support team.

If you spot the advert on social media, we'd appreciate you sharing or reposting it. By sharing our advert, you can also make a difference by raising the visibility and awareness of local authority fostering in the North East. Sharing the advert can help more potential foster carers realise they can foster for their local authorities with the support of Foster with North East and change lives.

Watch our 60 second version below!