Prince is Homewards bound for good cause
PRINCE William has spoken of his hope of ending homelessness in locations across the UK and easing the pressure on local councils.
He visited Sheffield, one of six areas in Homewards, a five-year project he launched.
William wanted to learn how residents, landlords and the local authority work together to tackle the issue.
His only mention of Kate came when someone mentioned the importance of the early years of childhood. William joked: “That my wife’s area. She needs to sit here.”
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He said to Ajman Ali, Sheffield city council’s executive director: “I’m hoping that Homewards comes along [and can] lift that pressure off you, bring more people into the mix and allow you to then be able to plan and see something further down the line.”
The other five areas targeted by Homewards are Newport, South Wales; three neighbouring Dorset towns, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch; the South London borough of Lambeth; Belfast and Aberdeen.
The initiative received a boost worth £1million from DIY retailer Homebase whose chief executive officer Damian Mcgloughlin said he personally wanted to be involved.
He formally pledged up to 1,500 Home Starter Packs, which could include paint, furniture and flooring to help tenants turn their property into a home.
At the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield, William stopped for a picture with royal fan Leigh Stinchcombe, 33, and chatted to nurse Maisy Lee.
Chris Lynam, 41, told Wills he left the Royal Navy with post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to drug and alcohol addiction and, eventually, prison. Wills told him: “Chris, can I just say how brave you are to be here and talk about your story?”
Afterwards Mr Lynam, who works with the Cathedral Archer Project for homelessness, said: “Wow. Not what I expected. He was a really nice man and he really listens.”
I’m hoping Homewards can lift that pressure off you and allow you to plan
PRINCE WILLIAM TALKING ABOUT HOMELESS PROJECT