Drastically improving the UK’s ability to address climate change is the grand challenge that the new United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)-affiliated CIFAL centre at the University of Surrey will tackle.

CIFAL Surrey will be officially launched on Monday, 25 November, with a ceremonial UN flag raising, a Signing Ceremony and a panel event. In attendance will be a senior delegation from UNITAR, including Alexander Mejia, Head of the CIFAL Global Network and Director of the Division for People and Social Inclusion at UNITAR, other UNITAR delegates, Zöe Franklin, M.P. for Guildford, alongside a range of the university’s collaborative partners in business and government.

Drawing on the University’s strong research heritage and active engagement in sustainability, the new CIFAL Centre (Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders), known as ‘CIFAL Surrey’, will work with UNITAR (the UN’s training branch) and the CIFAL Global Network among other stakeholders to lead both training and capacity-building initiatives in sustainability. In doing so, CIFAL Surrey will make a unique and much-needed contribution to empowering climate leadership through enhanced climate literacy within and beyond Surrey.

As part of its activities, CIFAL Surrey will work in partnership with national and local government, industry, civil society, and beyond, developing sustainable economic practices, and helping to advance action towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Situated within the University’s Institute for Sustainability, CIFAL Surrey will draw strongly on multi-disciplinary expertise in delivering both training and capacity building on a wide range of sustainability challenges, to help facilitate knowledge exchange among leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society – locally, nationally and internationally, as well as UK-based international organisations.

Professor Amelia Hadfield, the University of Surrey’s Associate Vice President for External Engagement, and the new Director of CIFAL Surrey, said:

“Sustainability is far more than just a philosophy limited to net zero here at the University of Surrey. For us, and our community, sustainability reflects our deep, shared commitment to rebuilding a thriving planet for future generations. From the fundamentals of climate change to advanced policy implementation, CIFAL Surrey will provide hands-on training and resources to national and local government, businesses, and community groups, helping them deliver on the demands for a more sustainable future.

“Focused on knowledge sharing, skills building and decision-making, CIFAL Surrey will connect local expertise with global insight, fostering collaboration across government, the private sector, civil society, and the United Nations system to drive sustainable progress. As CIFAL Surrey Director, I’m delighted to be working with our own Institute for Sustainability, other CIFAL centres around the world, and UNITAR itself to deliver these critical goals.”

CIFAL Surrey is the second UN-affiliated centre on campus, following the 2023 launch of the Centre of Excellence for Ageing, which appointed its first cohort of Fellows in June 2024.

Nathalie Hinds, co-founder of the Institute for Sustainability at the University of Surrey, said:

“If the UK is to be a leader on sustainability, leaders need more than just an awareness of net zero – they need the skills to create real change. CIFAL Surrey’s training gives leaders hands-on experience with sustainable practices and governance, focusing on systems thinking and breaking down silos across sectors. Alumni of CIFAL Surrey will leave not only with world-renowned accreditation but they will also be part of a global network of alumni, gaining access to our Sustainability Innovation Hub for insights, research partnerships, and ongoing support.”

Mr Alex Mejia, Division Director at United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), said:

“We are honoured to inaugurate CIFAL Surrey, hosted by the University of Surrey, a renowned global institution at the forefront of innovation and learning. This new centre will mark an important step in our mission to advance sustainable development and capacity-building worldwide. It will serve as a vital hub for fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the United Kingdom and beyond.”

Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration at Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Tom Hunt, said:

“We are proud to support the launch of CIFAL Surrey and be a key partner in the project. This initiative will play a big role in driving sustainable development. It will give us the chance to work together to share knowledge, improve skills and deliver practical solutions for our communities. One of our key priorities as a council is to create a more sustainable borough. Our partnership with CIFAL gives us a unique opportunity to work alongside local, national and international experts to ensure a bright, sustainable future for Guildford.”

Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, said:

“It’s a pleasure to be able to welcome the team from the United Nations to launch this new international centre in the heart of Surrey. The CIFAL centre will play a key role in promoting sustainable development at home and abroad while also opening up opportunities for our communities. It also reinforces the region’s global reputation for innovation, research and knowledge exchange.”

Schools across Epsom and Ewell, along with Banstead, joined forces to support this year’s Children in Need appeal, raising impressive amounts through creative and engaging activities.

Danetree Primary School – Guess the Bear’s Name

At Danetree Primary School in West Ewell, children participated in a range of activities designed to both entertain and educate. Younger pupils in Early Years and Key Stage 1 enjoyed a “guess the name of the teddy” competition, while Key Stage 2 students took on the challenge of guessing the number of objects in a jar, with winners taking home the prize-filled jar.

The school also held a non-uniform day, contributing to a fundraising total expected to exceed £800. Reflecting on the event, Reception Class Teacher Tracy Willemse highlighted its broader significance:
“Events like this support teaching children about the importance of charities – how they help people in need and promote community values such as diversity, equality, and inclusion.”

The Vale Primary School – Spotty Fun and Coin Trails

Staff and pupils at The Vale Primary School embraced a spotty theme, donning polka-dotted outfits for their fundraising efforts. The school organised a variety of activities, including a coin trail created from donations brought in by pupils, and a raffle for Pudsey Bear toys donated by the PTA.

Year 6 pupils enthusiastically sold raffle tickets ahead of the event, with winners announced during a celebratory assembly. Classroom activities also helped pupils learn more about the work of Children in Need. The Vale aimed to raise over £500, a testament to the community’s generosity.
“Preparing children as active and empathic citizens is central to our ethos,” said Co-Headteacher Cathy Browne.

Warren Mead School, Banstead – Make Life Lighter

At Warren Mead School in Banstead, the theme “Make Life Lighter” inspired a vibrant day of fun-filled activities. Pupils and staff came dressed in costumes ranging from disco outfits to Pudsey Bear-inspired ensembles. The day began with an energetic assembly featuring a “fizzy drinking challenge,” setting the tone for the festivities.

Children participated in a Pudsey Maths Challenge, treasure hunts, and group art projects, with a focus on mental health and emotional resilience. Younger pupils enjoyed learning the Piggle-Wiggle dance and taking part in a school disco. An after-school fun run brought together staff, parents, and the local community, rounding off a memorable day.

Assistant Headteacher Jess Moylan expressed pride in the school’s efforts:
“The smiles and camaraderie displayed throughout the day reflected our commitment to fostering compassion, unity, and resilience.” Warren Mead aimed to raise £500, building on the success of previous years.

A Collective Effort

All three schools are part of the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, which collectively raised thousands for the cause. The enthusiastic participation and creative approaches from Danetree, The Vale, and Warren Mead highlight the local commitment to supporting those in need, while also instilling important values in the next generation.

Community Spirit Shines

Across Epsom and Ewell, these Children in Need events have shown the power of community spirit, creativity, and compassion, making a real difference for children and families in need.

In a contentious meeting on 12th November, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources (S&R) Committee rejected a £161,250 funding bid for the Nam Yang Martial Arts Centre, reversing an earlier recommendation from the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee (LPPC). The decision has drawn sharp criticism, particularly as it highlights inconsistencies in the Council’s handling of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allocations.

The Debate: A Promised Replacement Deferred

Nam Yang’s facility, once a vibrant community hub in Alexandra Recreation Ground, was demolished by the Council three years ago after being deemed unsafe. The Council had promised a replacement, yet rising costs and funding delays have left the organisation without a home.

Councillor Kate Chinn (Labour Court) spoke passionately at the meeting, sharing her personal connection to the project. “My son was a member of Nam Yang and thoroughly enjoyed it,” she stated. “It’s more than just a martial arts centre. It reduced antisocial behaviour in the park and made the area feel safer for the whole community.”

Chinn added, “That building has been down for a long time, leaving a gap in what the park offers. The absence is felt by the community.”

A Moral Obligation?

The debate underscored tensions between financial prudence and moral responsibility. Councillor Phil Neale (RA Cuddington), who had seconded the motion to support Nam Yang at the LPPC meeting, expressed his continued belief in the project’s value. “I felt a moral obligation for us to help,” he said. “The existing building was condemned and taken down with the promise that it would be rebuilt. I believed it was the right thing to do to bring it forward for consideration at S&R.”

However, Neale ultimately voted against the funding, explaining, “It’s a difficult position. While I supported its inclusion for debate, the project didn’t score high enough under the CIL spending protocol. I hope it will return for consideration in the next round.”

Criticism of the Process

Councillor Julie Morris, (LibDem College) who had originally proposed Nam Yang’s inclusion at the LPPC, has criticised the Council’s approach. “The procedures for bidding for and spending CIL monies are unclear,” she said. “The scoring process needs reviewing, as does the information required from applicants.”

Morris has highlighted systemic issues, such as the fact that no CIL funding was allocated last year due to a protocol rewrite. “One scoring question asked if applicants had received CIL funding last year. Given none was awarded, the question was pointless.”

A Divided Vote

Despite passionate arguments from some councillors, the vote to fund Nam Yang failed by a margin of 4 to 3. Chair Neil Dallen (RA Town) emphasised the importance of respecting the CIL Member Working Group’s recommendations, stating, “The group spent a long time assessing bids. We should honour their decision.”

Community Impact

The rejection leaves Nam Yang’s future uncertain, and many in the community feel let down. “This isn’t just about martial arts—it’s about providing a safe and inclusive space for children, people with special educational needs, and older residents,” said a local supporter.

Other strategic and community projects were approved as recommended previously. See Epsom and Ewell Times report below.

Related reports:

Epsom & Ewell Council Greenlights Local Projects

Visit Bourne Hall from 30 November – 21 December for a whole host of festivities this Christmas.

The celebrations kick off at 2pm on 30 November at the Christmas Lights Switch On, when Ewell Grove players will be hosting a special community panto ‘A-Lad-In Ewell’, raising money for Epsom & Ewell Foodbank. There will also be bookable wreath-making workshops from 2pm – 4pm and you can enjoy an array of market stalls with mulled wine, live music, carol singing from Heart & Soul Choir, and more from 4pm – 7pm.

The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Steve Bridger, will Switch the Bourne Hall Christmas Lights on at 4.30pm. Visitors can also meet Cinderella and Buttons from the upcoming Epsom Playhouse pantomime, and Father Christmas will even be flying in especially for the day to open the Christmas grotto, and will return every Saturday up until Christmas.

The Christmas Grotto is open Monday to Saturday every day until Christmas to post a letter to Father Christmas. Then why not pause for a moment to enjoy a hot drink and a delicious home-made cake chosen from the festive menu in the Flying Saucer Café?

A wreath-making workshop will be taking place on Saturday 7 December from 4pm – 6pm and you can enjoy live music from Andrew and Allan’s Electric 80s on Saturday 14 December, as well as a Christmas magic show on Saturday 21 December.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, said:

“Bourne Hall is a fantastic meeting place and it’s great to see so many people in the local community working together to bring us these celebrations this year.

The community panto promises a smashing start to the festive season and Bourne Hall is so pleased to welcome back Andrew and Allen’s Electric 80s night which is great fun and the perfect opportunity to dance!

With a free Christmas Grotto and Christmas Lights Switch On, as well as the opportunity to buy tickets to the Electric 80s night and the Christmas Magic Show, there is something for everyone at Bourne Hall this Christmas.

Bourne Hall Christmas Lights Switch On.

Saturday 30 November, 4pm – 7pm. Free event.

• A day of festive fun including the community panto, ‘A-Lad-In Ewell’ at 2pm and 5pm.
• 4.30pm: The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell and Father Christmas switch on the Christmas lights at Bourne Hall.

To book ‘A-Lad-in-Ewell’ visit the links below:

2pm show: https://sessami.co/events/07573091-237e-4072-8e0f-404d979f3968
5pm show: https://sessami.co/events/6616b0e2-eaa2-4861-bc56-28356fb677d3

Wreath-making

Revel and Ribbon will be hosting a wreath-making workshop on Saturday 30 November from 2pm-4pm and Saturday 7 December 4pm–6pm. Tickets are priced at £45.

Book here: https://www.revelandribbon.com

Santa’s Grotto.

Saturday 7, 14 and 21 December, 10am – 4pm. Free event, no pre-booking required.

• Father Christmas will be in the Christmas Grotto on Saturday 7, 14 and 21 December. On other days, visit the beautiful grotto at Bourne Hall and post him a letter in the Bourne Hall post box.

Live music from ‘Best of the 80s’.

Saturday 14 December, 7pm – 11pm. £10 a ticket.

If the 1980s was the fun decade, then there can only be one way to remember those great days and that’s with the fun and entertaining ’Electric 80s‘.

Andrew & Allan charge this show with AA power and will have everyone up and on their feet from the very first song!!! So, dust off those shoulder pads, get out your eyeliner and back-comb your hair to within an inch of its life and party with Andrew & Allan’s “Electric 80s”. Music includes greatest hits from 1980’s legends including Spandau Ballet, Dead Or Alive, Erasure, Human League, Wham, Tears For Fears, The Jam and many more.

Book here: https://sessami.co/events/1a8f93c2-c3df-4ca7-a967-9ba9762bd2ad?utm_mediu.

Christmas Magic Show starring Ritchie Rosson

Saturday 21 December, shows at 11am, 1pm and 3pm – each show is 45 minutes long.

Join us for a magical extravaganza with the one and only Ritchie Rosson. Ritchie will be doing 3 shows at Bourne Hall delivering 45 minutes of festive fun and amazement. Don’t miss the best magic show in town, promised to bring pure entertainment!

Tickets are £6 each and bookable via: https://sessami.co/events/ritchierossonschristmasmagicshow

Residents of Cuddington ward held a community bulb plant on the 9th of November, thanks to fantastic local volunteers. Help from RA Surrey Councillor Eber Kington via an allocation from Your Fund Surrey, plus a generous crocus donation from Wandgas Sports and Social Club, enabled Councillor Kim Spickett (RA Cuddington) to obtain enough spring bulbs for three streets. “We have been planting bulbs in various locations in the ward for the last three years. The aim is to have spring colour and happy bees in every street, so we tackle a new area each Autumn. It is great exercise and a wonderful way to meet your neighbours”.

The streetscape around Wandgas has been planted with Crocus tommasinianus Whitewell Purple, a good match for the club kit colours.

Kim said “All our pollinating insects are fans of Wandgas cricket and football – now they will have somewhere to enjoy half-time refreshments”.

In the surrounding streets, Kim, volunteer residents of all ages, RA Surrey and EEBC Councillor Steven McCormick plus the Wandgas team planted “Tenby” daffodils and early snowdrops.

The bulbs will ensure a boost for wildlife and some neighbourhood cheer after a long winter.

MAIN PHOTO, LEFT TO RIGHT: Wandgas Club Secretary Gary, President Chris, Managers Alison and David, Paul. INSET PHOTOS: volunteer Nicky’s snap of the volunteers in action and examples of the flowers to expect during Spring 2025

Kim is also chair of Surrey’s Wildflowering Project. They have groups all over Surrey, bringing native planting and people together.

Dear Editor,

Our new MP Helen Maguire has supported the construction of a new hospital, complete with an accident and emergency (A&E) department, near the Royal Marsden Hospital in the southern area of Sutton. [See Epsom and Ewell Times 12th October 2024 “Public meeting about Epsom Hospital future“].

While well-intentioned, her recommendation seems to miss a significant concern shared by residents in Epsom, Ewell, and much of Sutton: accessibility.

The current sites—Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital—are better served by public transport than the proposed location near the Royal Marsden, which lacks convenient train and bus links. Moving our local A&E services to this “public transport desert” would place a greater burden on people relying on public transport, particularly those without access to a car.

Epsom Hospital, for example, is within walking distance of Epsom Station (though it’s still a 20-minute walk). It is served by several bus routes, including:

• E5 (Langley Vale – Epsom – Watersedge): every 30 minutes from Epsom Clock Tower, though it only passes the hospital every two hours.
• 166 (Epsom Hospital – Epsom – Banstead – West Croydon): an hourly service from Monday to Saturday, no service on Sunday.
• 293 (Epsom Hospital – Epsom – North Cheam – Morden): every 20 minutes during peak times.
• 408 (Epsom – Ashtead – Leatherhead – Cobham): runs approximately every hour on weekdays.
• 479 (Epsom – Ashtead – Leatherhead – Guildford): every 30 minutes at peak times.

St Helier Hospital, also in Sutton, has additional connections:

• 151 (Wallington – Sutton – Worcester Park): every 10 minutes peak.
• 157 (Morden – Croydon – Crystal Palace): every 12 minutes peak.
• S1 (Mitcham – Sutton – Banstead via Wrythe Lane): every 20 minutes peak.
• S4 (Roundshaw – Wallington – Sutton – St Helier): every 30 minutes peak.
• Other services such as the 154, 164, and 280 serve nearby areas, with buses stopping outside or near the hospital.

In contrast, public transportation from Epsom Clock Tower to the Royal Marsden site involves multiple transfers. A trip requires at least two or three buses, such as the S2, S4, 293, SL7, and S4, taking anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on timings. For many, this could be inconvenient, time-consuming, and impractical—especially in emergencies.

For residents reliant on public transportation, moving A&E services to a poorly connected area would be disruptive. We should seek solutions that keep healthcare accessible and ensure that those who need urgent care can get there quickly. I urge our MP and local authorities to consider this reality as they deliberate on the future of our local healthcare services.

Yours faithfully,

Stuart Gosling

Epsom Resident

The University of Surrey is part of an international team of researchers that has been awarded £8.3 million to better understand human language by researching one of the world’s most complex linguistic systems.  

Thanks to a prestigious Synergy Grant from the European Research Council, the project will explore the West Nilotic languages of East Africa. These languages are able to pack more information into a single syllable than any other known language family. Exactly how such systems could have evolved remains a mystery.  

The project brings together experts from the Surrey Morphology Group, the University of Edinburgh, and France’s CNRS, in partnership with institutions in the USA, and will engage stakeholders in South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya to ensure wide-reaching impacts, including literacy initiatives. 

Professor Matthew Baerman, who leads the project at the Surrey Morphology Group at the University of Surrey, said: 

“Our aim is to discover how West Nilotic languages evolved structures of such complexity, and just as importantly, why other languages did not. It’s a puzzle that could reshape how we think about the cognitive limits of human language.” 

The team’s approach combines traditional fieldwork with cutting-edge experimental techniques to reconstruct the historical evolution of these languages. The findings promise to have far-reaching implications, offering new insights into the possible and impossible in human language evolution. 

Professor Erich Round, Research Centre Leader of the Surrey Morphology Group. said: 

“The Surrey Morphology Group has carried out world-leading research into the wonders of human language for over thirty years. We are delighted to have secured our second major grant from the European Research Council in two years, and our third since the Council’s establishment in 2007. Most of all, we’re thrilled to bring to the world’s attention some of humanity’s most astounding and illuminating linguistic systems.” 

Professor Baerman continued: 

“The languages we find in the world today represent just a small fraction of what must have existed over the course of history, meaning much remains to be discovered about the full potential of human language. West Nilotic gives us the means to uncover this potential.” 

Faces and People (Sudan) a west-Nilotic language  License details

Nescot college in Reigate Road, Ewell, won “Employer of the Year’ at the Surrey Business Awards last night, against some stiff competition. (NESCOT stands for North-East Surrey College of Technology.)

The Surrey Business Awards, which took place at G Live in Guildford, is the largest event of its kind and the most prestigious in the county. Winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, consisting of industry experts and influential business leaders.

Nescot has an annual turnover of £25m and is one of the largest employers in East Surrey, supporting over 7,000 learners and 500 businesses each year. The award highlights that Nescot’s greatest asset is its staff, who work 365 days a year (the farm never closes!) to ensure that the 60-acre site is fully functioning and providing high quality training and facilities.

Nescot is rightly proud of its work culture and its leadership, with 650 staff who support thousands of learners each year, but also have the opportunity to learn, develop and progress in their careers.

Julie Kapsalis, CEO and Principal at Nescot said “We’re over the moon to win the ‘Employer of the Year’ award.  Nescot is a unique and special place to work and our investment in staff wellbeing and professional development is a key priority. We have an incredible community of dedicated staff who share our vision and work tirelessly, for both our students and our staff. This award is for them.”

Julie was also recognised personally last night with a nomination for ‘Businessperson of the Year’ as a result of her work both within the college and externally.

As well as her role at Nescot, she has been Chair of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the last four years and on the Board for over a decade. The role helped to oversee £275 million of investment in the region which supports infrastructure, skills, heritage and businesses. For the past three years she also served as Chair of Catalyst South – a group of six LEPs covering the South East as a direct voice to Government. Julie is also a director, trustee, advisor and mentor and already has awards under her belt for inspirational leadership, corporate social responsibility and being a community hero.

In addition to the award win and nomination, Nescot was also a proud sponsor of the ‘Future Talent of the Year’ award at the event, attended by business leaders and guests from across Surrey. 

Anyone interested in joining the team at ‘Employer of the Year’ – Nescot, can visit www.nescotcareers.co.ukor email jobs@nescot.ac.uk

Photo: Nescot team: Donna Patterson – Chief People Officer, Andy Cowan – Deputy Principal Curriculum and Quality, Julie Kapsalis – Principal and CEO and Sarah Watson – Chief Operating Officer.

Today, Sir Ed Davey MP, leader of the resurgent Liberal Democrat Party, accompanied by Epsom and Ewell MP Helen Maguire, visited the “Ukraine Hub”. Offices generously provided by the owners of the Ashley Centre and where Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has waived all business rates.

The premises are home to the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network and Surrey Stands With Ukraine.

Sir Ed was introduced to the leaders of the refugee network, Nina Kaye and Jo Sherring, who told him of the hardships faced by refugees fleeing persecution and conflict. He saw English classes in session and shook hands with many refugee students.

The Party leader and new MP were given a tour of the Hub and took part in packing winter survival packs for Ukraine. Costing £50 the smart packs contain a gas cooker, a power bank and a flexible re-chargeable torch. Essential items fo civilians effected by the inevitable power outages that will occur this winter throughout Ukraine.

If you wish to donate please visit Surrey Stands With Ukraine and businesses that sponsor full packs will benefit from the charity’s extensive social media coverage.

Sir Ed then helped pack some survival kits and proceeded to help clean walking aids the charity is sending to Ukraine.

The Hub was full of volunteers for both charities who work closely together and a press posse was all around.

Sir Ed undertook a series of interviews with media representatives and fielded questions ranging from the election of Donald Trump to the future for Ukraine.

Image: Sir Ed Davey MP and Helen Maguire MP and Roy Deadman of SSWU in Epsom’s Ukraine HUB

Fostering can mean everything to those involved; that is the message of a powerful new fostering film from over 100 councils. 

‘Everything’, a new fostering recruitment film, will have its Surrey premier at a private screening and fostering information session at Nova Cinema, Woking, on Thursday 14 November. 

As well as celebrating our existing community of Surrey foster carers, the event will offer residents who may be considering fostering the opportunity to learn all about the fostering journey. A panel discussion with foster carers, care experienced young people and fostering staff will provide the opportunity for questions, as well as to hear directly from those with first-hand experience of the power becoming a foster carer has to transform lives. Not just those of children being fostered, but of the foster carers and their families too. 

Highlighting the need for more foster carers in Surrey, Councillor Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, said; 

“At Surrey County Council we have over 1,000 children in our care and we currently have just under 400 foster families. We want children to live and thrive in homes within the county, where this is in the right thing for them. While 42% of fostered children in Surrey live with our foster carers within the geographical borders of the county, our aim is that by 2030 that number will be up to 65%. 

“The ‘Everything’ project has given our fostering service an amazing film that shows the long-term impact that fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood. Every council wants to recruit more foster carers, and by collaborating to produce this emotionally powerful film, we can show people how rewarding and life-changing being a foster carer can be. 

“The message is the same for all of us – we need more people to step forward and become foster carers. ‘Everything’ will help us to reach more people in our communities and encourage them to find out more about this really rewarding role. 

“We are committed to giving the vulnerable children and young people we care for the best chance to thrive, and for the vast majority of them that would be to live with a local fostering family. Our ambition is for at least 30 new foster families across Surrey to join us by the end of March 2025.” 

Children who enter the care system have often experienced trauma and instability in their lives, and a caring, stable foster family can make a significant difference in their wellbeing and development.  

Nationally, there are currently over 70,000 children living with around 56,000 foster families in the UK. However, there is still a significant shortage of foster carers, with around 9,265 new foster families needed in the next year alone.  

To learn more about fostering for Surrey, register online for your free place at our fostering information session on 14 November, or visit Fostering – Surrey County Council. 

The ‘Everything’ film 

‘Everything’ is the seventh film produced by a growing partnership of councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering. The ‘Everything’ project is the largest collaboration yet, with participants from Cumbria to Devon and Lancashire to Essex. 

‘Everything’ follows foster carer Mike and his family on a journey through time with two of the children they have looked after, who are now adults. A surprise 60^th birthday party for Mike gives Will and Zara a chance to reflect on how being fostered made a difference to their lives, thanking him for everything. 

Thanks to footage shot on a genuine old camcorder, we are taken to the 1990s, to see how Will settles into the family. We also jump back to the 2010s, when a young Zara is being taught to play the guitar by Mike, something that comes full circle when she performs a song at the party. Mike’s son Chris is involved throughout, showing the important role the children of foster carers play.  

The concluding message of the film is that what you do with your life could forever change someone else’s – encouraging people to foster in order to make that change. 

The film was developed with the input and insight of foster carers and people with care experience, was produced by Reel TwentyFive and project managed by public sector media partner CAN/Rachel Brown. Project Director, Rachel Brown describes the main message of the film: “Many people don’t realise how common it is for relationships made through fostering to last well beyond the ‘official’ caring role. This has a huge impact on the lives of those who have been fostered, giving them stability and security well into adulthood. 

“We also wanted to reflect how the children of foster carers make a difference to children when they come into care, helping them to feel part of the family. 

“Having over 100 councils taking part in the project, the film will reach a very wide audience, encouraging people to find out more and take the steps towards becoming a foster carer.  

“Fostering with your local council or children’s trust means you can better support local children and young people who need a safe and nurturing home where they can grow and thrive.” 

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of the Fostering Network says: “The Fostering Network has been proud to support the collaborative film projects since ‘Giants’ in 2017. It’s great to see local authority fostering services pooling resources to produce another amazing film. ‘Everything’ will help to amplify their message about the chronic shortage of fostering households, encouraging more people to come forward and foster.”