Prince William visits Bournemouth for update on homelessness project
The Prince of Wales launched Homewards earlier this year
Last updated 7th Sep 2023
A Royal visitor's been in Bournemouth today (Thursday 7th September) to get an update on a programme to support homeless people into employment and a fresh start.
The Prince of Wales has been back to Bournemouth finding out how local businesses are helping to work towards that goal.
He started the visit at Pret-A-Manger in the Square, along with former star of BBC’s Dragon’s Den, podcaster and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett.
They've learned about the company’s long-term commitment to tackling homelessness, offering more support, training and employment through The Pret Foundation’s Rising Stars scheme.
There was also a surprise guest at the event, with England football legend Paul Gascoigne turning up to meet the Prince.
He even gave William a peck on the cheek after they chatted for a couple of minutes.
His Royal Highness and Steven Bartlett then joined a roundtable discussion with local and national businesses who have pledged their commitment to work with Homewards at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
Organisations represented at the discussion included BCP Council, Bournemouth and Poole College, Sunseeker International, Lush, Dorset Chamber and the Bournemouth Town Centre BID.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, BCP Council said:
“We welcome the commitments by local businesses to support the Homewards campaign today. BCP Council is committed to ending homelessness across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. Working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, the community and with local businesses is absolutely key to this.
“Together we can prevent homelessness and make lasting change by focusing on providing accommodation as well as seeking training pathways and employment for those in need.
“Another way we can work with businesses is to prevent homelessness is by supporting with information and advice around supporting their employees who could be at risk of losing their home.”
Alistair Doxat-Purser, Chair of the Homelessness Partnership Forum, said:
"Today's Homewards event is exciting as it sees the Homelessness Partnership BCP working closer with the business community towards ending homelessness and helping people into employment.
“We will be exploring ways to provide wrap around support with businesses enabling people on their employment journey and creating new ways to be successful in their chosen field. We look forward to this partnership working through the next five years and beyond."
Amanda Berry, CEO, The Royal Foundation said:
“Pret’s commitment to expanding their Rising Stas programme is an exciting moment for Homewards – they are opening up new opportunities in the areas where Pret has a presence, for those who have experience of homelessness, or are at risk of homelessness.
“This, alongside the other commitments made today, demonstrates the powerful role businesses can and must play if we are to make an impact in this space. We are excited to see how today’s announcements inspire action across our Homewards locations and beyond over the next five years.”