Aberystwyth Young People partner up with Arad Goch to launch powerful short film to raise awareness of Youth Homelessness

In February 2020, young people from Penparcau Youth Club, who form the Aberystwyth Community Ambassadors Group, completed a new project in partnership with Arad Goch. Arad Goch and Ceredigion Youth Service worked together to create a short film in a bid to educate and raise awareness of youth homelessness. The project was funded by Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations’ (CAVO) Youth Led Grant Scheme and the Arts Council of Wales.

The group researched the topic, discussed with local organisations, created a script, filmed scenes in and around Aberystwyth and edited and evaluated every stage of the project. The film was produced by young people, for young people under the support and supervision of local Theatre Company, Arad Goch. The project was also supported by drama pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig who participated and supported the production. The short film follows the poignant journey of a young person who faces family breakdown and subsequently homelessness, before finding support with a local organisation.  

Aberystwyth Community Ambassadors said: “We feel that this is an important issue for not only people in Aberystwyth but across wales. We wanted to help tackle the issue of homelessness, but not only homelessness, the stigma that surrounds being homeless. We feel that there is a need to raise awareness of homelessness, where to get support and that it could happen to anyone. We feel that this film may help with starting the discussion to what can be considered a sensitive topic.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the original launch was postponed and rescheduled to take place virtually. Over 90 people joined the virtual launch which took place on Tuesday 03 November over Zoom. Guests received a presentation from young people, a viewing of the film and had the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session.

Carwyn Blayney the director of the film said: “It was a pleasure to work on this project with such a great team of youth workers, very talented young people and based on a true story of a very brave individual; thanks to him for sharing his story and for letting us use it as the basis for this short film. Every one of the young people – the producers and the cast – worked hard on this project, and you can be very pleased with the way you’ve discussed such a sensitive and important issue through this film.”

Following the launch, Catrin Miles, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Schools, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Support and Intervention said: “Powerful messages that everyone can understand. Excellent production.” Another viewer described the launch as: “Fantastic! I learnt a lot from this evening and the young people and all involved have done a really brilliant job!”

The short film is available on; https://www.amam.cymru/aradgoch/3987.

Ceredigion Youth Service would like to thank Aberystwyth Community Ambassadors, Arad Goch Theatre Company, pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig, CAVO and Ty Curig, Aberystwyth. Ceredigion Youth Service also wish to extend a thanks to Arad Goch and its team for their work in organising a successful launch to display the film.

For more information about the work of Ceredigion Youth Service, visit their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page @GICeredigionYS or visit their website at www.giceredigionys.co.uk.

For more information about the work of Arad Goch Theatre Company, visit their website https://aradgoch.cymru/?lang=en. For enquiries about use of the film in other settings, please contact Arad Goch on 01970 617998 or post@aradgoch.org to discuss.