Prince William Visited Homewards Project in Bournemouth
Photo: The Royal Household
The Prince of Wales visited Bournemouth to see how the Homewards initiative is working to prevent youth homelessness. He met international delegations and visited The Bourne Academy.
The Prince of Wales was in Bournemouth on Wednesday to see how the Homewards initiative is working to prevent youth homelessness in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region. Homewards was launched by Prince William in 2023 and works on early intervention to stop youth homelessness before it begins.
Prince William speaking with delegates during the visit to Bournemouth. Photo: The Royal Household
During the visit, the Prince met international delegations who had come to Bournemouth to explore how Homewards' early intervention model can be used in their own countries. The model is based on identifying young people at risk of homelessness early and connecting them with the right support before the situation becomes critical.
Prince William on the pier in Bournemouth during the visit. Photo: The Royal Household
Prince William studying the overview of Homewards' Upstream Programmes across the United Kingdom. Photo: The Royal Household
The Prince then continued to The Bourne Academy, where he heard how schools and frontline organisations are working together to support young people and reduce the risk of future homelessness. Prince William sat down with students and staff in the school's outdoor area for an informal conversation about the challenges young people may face, and how early support can make a difference.
Prince William meeting members of the public outside The Bourne Academy. Photo: The Royal Household
Prince William talking with students at The Bourne Academy. Photo: The Royal Household
Since its launch, the Homewards programme has established projects in several cities across the United Kingdom, with the goal of demonstrating that it is possible to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.