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A Caerphilly-based film company has teamed-up with the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), to produce a film highlighting the experience of children in care who are forced to move on short notice.

‘Torn‘ tells the story of Evie, played by Graig y Rhacca’s Sky Howells, who is forced to move from one foster home to another, and loses her precious items on the way.

According to the Welsh Government, more than 26,000 care-experienced children move home every year, often with less than 24 hours notice.

Around 80% of children and young people said their belongings were moved in bin bags at least once during their time in care, with three in five saying that their belongings have been lost or damaged at least once while moving.

Producer Andrew Creak spoke to Caerphilly Observer about Torn, which is set to be released online from Thursday. He said: “The film was written by James Evans, who is a care-experienced person himself, and directed by Hollie O’Leary who is from Llanbradach.

“The film has been made to highlight NYAS’ ‘My Things Matter’ campaign, which will see councils receive tote bags instead of bin bags to give to children who need to move in care.

“You often find children have a negative view on themselves when using these black bin bags, hopefully this can go someway to relieving that.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council is one of the local authorities which has pledged to improve the moving experience for children in care.

Andrew, who owns Caerphilly-based film company Third Time Lucky Productions, said the short film will be first screened at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay tomorrow (Wednesday March 12).

He continued: “The film was script edited by Joseph Lidster who is a professional screenwriter, best known for ‘The Dumping Ground’, ‘Torchwood’ and ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’. We’re hoping it makes an impact.”

The short film will be available to watch online from Thursday.