Prince William opens new addiction outreach centre in Birmingham
The Prince of Wales visited Anchor Point, run by Betel UK, in Aston.
Last updated 25th Apr 2024
The Prince of Wales has officially opened a new employment skills training and community outreach centre in Birmingham.
Anchor Point in Aston is run by Betel UK, a charity for people affected by homelessness and addiction.
The new facility is home to six social enterprises aimed at providing work and training to those overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.
It also includes an already popular café, a theatre, and a beauty salon.
During his visit, Prince William heard from some of those who have been supported by Betel with their journey to recovery and employment.
His Royal Highness also toured the new facility, including the Rising Café, which is open to the public.
Timon Robins is a former heroin addict, who was helped by Betel UK and now works for the charity in Birmingham. He told us: "It's just such an amazing honour, it just really blew us away.
"To know that Prince William is interested in this kind of work, I know he has a real heart for this.
"We've got over 300 people in our residencies across the UK, in various stages of recovery. To have Prince William's seal of approval, and to officially open the building, is just a real blessing, a real boost."
Betel UK opened its first residence in Birmingham 28 years ago and now has thirteen recovery residences in eleven urban areas in England and Scotland.
More than 50% of the 14,000 people Betel has helped come to them facing some form of homelessness, including living directly on the streets and arriving straight from release from prison.