The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a surprise trip to Northern Ireland to see how Prince William's Homewards project is helping young people into work.
William and Kate arrived in a rainy Belfast for an afternoon of engagements, where they will speak with those helping create employment opportunities for people at risk of homelessness.
Pilot project rolled out further
The visit highlights a pilot project launched in Northern Ireland by Homewards – the initiative aimed at ending homelessness – that has supported young people into work and helped them build confidence. The pilot is now being rolled out in other locations supported by Homewards and is backed by several major national UK companies.
Kensington Palace said: "Through a series of engagements, Their Royal Highnesses will hear how sustainable employment, combined with strong relationships and ongoing support, can help young people build confidence, stability, independence and a sense of purpose."
Five-year programme goals
The palace added that the couple will learn about the role employers, public services and community organisations play in creating conditions for people to thrive, describing these as "powerful tools in preventing homelessness." The visit forms part of Homewards' five-year programme, which aims to demonstrate that homelessness can be made "rare, brief and unrepeated."
Earlier this year, William said homelessness "affects us all" as he called for communities to do more to solve the issue.
Funding and trial locations
The Prince of Wales marked the third anniversary of the Homewards project in June, saying the issue affecting thousands of people across the country needs more discussion to deliver focus in key areas and help more people find a permanent home.
At the time, he announced the project had raised £7.7 million in funding, adding to £50 million in support from Lloyds bank, to spur the five-year project toward goals set out in 2023. He noted more work was needed in the six trial locations: Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Lambeth, Newport, Northern Ireland and Sheffield.
William has previously said he has "no other agenda" than "desperately trying to help" people in need through his drive to tackle homelessness, describing his royal role as attempting to influence and help where he can.
