Joe Swash is stepping into the world of documentary making with a new film that focuses on the UK care system. Swash, known for his roles on EastEnders and his victories on I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Dancing On Ice, says he's been inspired by his own family's experiences to look into the subject.
The project is close to Swash's heart, as his mother has been involved in fostering for 15 years. In it, he will try to shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by teenagers in the care system.
Talking about his desire to report the issue, Swash said: "I've watched it and been involved with the process for years. My mum's last child, Daniel, he came to us when he was eight, and now he is 18 and in university. So I've always been mindful that although Dan has us, not everyone is so lucky. And what happens to them?"
The documentary aims to shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by teenagers in the care system. Swash explained: "The idea is to show what growing up as a teenager in care is like and highlight the challenges these teenagers face, where the system is going wrong and where it could be made better."
Swash is keen to draw attention to the often-overlooked demographic of teenagers in care. He said: "When their minds go to the care system, they immediately think of young kids, toddlers, and babies. But there are kids of all ages in care that need to be looked at; they've all got their own special needs."
"At 18 to 21, I wasn't a fully grown adult. I couldn't handle responsibilities. I needed my mum and my extended family there to help me. So, you can only imagine what these kids are going through when they're forced into the world at 18 [after time in care]."
In addition to spending time with teenagers in care, Swash met experts and policymakers for the documentary to discuss how the system can be reformed. He expressed frustration with the current level of government investment in the care system, saying,:"The independent review suggests that if we put in £2.6 billion worth of investment now it will completely transform the care system and that will save us billions down the line. But the Government has looked at it and said they're putting in £200 million. It is frustrating."
Despite the challenges, Swash remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for change in the care system. He hopes that his documentary will encourage people to consider fostering or finding other ways to help. Swash said, "There are a lot of charities out there that are dying for people to come and help them."
He also revealed that he and his wife, Stacey Solomon, have discussed the possibility of becoming foster carers in the future.
He added: “We just said, when our kids get a bit older, and they’re not reliant so much on us, it’s a subject that we’ll talk about and maybe dip our toes into,” he relays.
“Me and Stacey have been together for a long time now, so she’s watched my mum’s journey, she’s watched Daniel’s journey. She’s been a massive support.”
Joe Swash: Teens in Care will air on BBC One on Tuesday, July 11 at 9pm.
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