The Prince of Wales carries out UK tour to unveil the flagship locations of Homewards

Delivered by The Royal Foundation, Homewards is a five-year, locally led programme which will demonstrate that by working together it is possible to end homelessness: making it rare, brief and unrepeated. The programme will take a transformative approach to the issue of homelessness and put collaboration at its heart, giving its six flagship locations new space, tools, and relationships to showcase what can be achieved through a collective effort focused on preventing and ending homelessness in their areas.

During The Prince’s visits to each of the flagship locations, he met with initial members of the local coalitions being built through Homewards. His Royal Highness also heard more about some of the inspiring and innovative work, which is currently being carried out in each of the areas to tackle different aspects of homelessness.

Monday 26th June

Lambeth

On day one of the tour, The Prince firstly visited Mosaic Clubhouse, which supports people living with mental health conditions in Lambeth. His Royal Highness was joined by Homewards Advocate, Gail Porter for a discussion on the vital impact that the delivery of joined-up, personal support can have in breaking the link between poor mental health and homelessness.

Over the next five years, I believe that we have a unique opportunity to develop innovative new solutions and scale tangible impact. This will inspire belief throughout the UK – and beyond – that homelessness can be ended for good.

The Prince of Wales speaking at the launch of Homewards in Lambeth

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

His Royal Highness’ second visit was to the Faithworks Carpentry Workshop in Bournemouth where he heard from trainees about the effect that the support they have received in the workshop has had on their lives.

The visit showcased a practical example of how empowering people with skills to help them into employment, alongside the provision of 1:1 guidance to tackle life issues, can help to prevent the cycle of repeat homelessness.

Newport

In Newport, His Royal Highness firstly visited Maindee Primary School in Newport.

Joined at the school by Homewards Advocate, Geri Halliwell Horner, The Prince heard from teachers and staff about the important role that local schools can play in supporting children and families by intervening at the earliest point to prevent homelessness.

The Prince then visited Hill Street, a community-driven project based in the city centre, which exemplifies an innovative way to deliver longer-term settled housing to those who have experienced homelessness.

Tuesday 27th June

Northern Ireland

On the second day of the tour, The Prince visited the East Belfast Mission which provides a range of support across all communities in Belfast, including by responding to and preventing homelessness. He heard more from the charity’s representatives about the work they carry out to tackle the issue, and about their new housing development ‘240’.

Aberdeen

Next, The Prince travelled to Tillydrone Community Campus to spotlight how co-located and joined up support services situated in the heart of local communities can improve early intervention and thus work to stop people falling into homelessness. He was joined at the visit by Homewards Advocate, David Duke MBE – the founder and CEO of Street Soccer Scotland and Street Soccer London.

Sheffield

Finally, His Royal Highness visited Reach Up Youth in Sheffield, to hear how grassroots sports can help to prevent homelessness by connecting young people with their communities and encouraging local engagement.

The Prince was accompanied by Homewards Advocate, Tyrone Mings, where together they took part in sporting activities and heard from young people who have lived experience of homelessness.

For more information about Homewards, please visit www.homewards.org.uk.