The Homewards programme aims to end all forms of homelessness. Created by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, it is working in partnership with communities in six locations across the UK to develop unique, locally led action plans – all designed to prevent and end homelessness.
On the 19th March, Sheffield welcomed the programme’s founder, Prince William, to meet local people and organisations. There were opportunities for individuals to share more about their experiences of homelessness, talk about initiatives that already work well, and discuss how we can build more networks and partnerships.
Charlotte Murray, our Director of Corporate Services, Poppy Barnes, a Peer Support Worker in the Changing Futures team, and Paige, a Changing Futures associate, joined an event at Parson Cross Library to share their ideas and support.
South Yorkshire Housing Association is a Homes for Cathy organisation, and our purpose is to support people to settle and flourish in their home. In a discussion with Prince William and other Homewards partners, Charlotte explained more about how we work with people to sustain their tenancy and prevent homelessness. This includes working with our customers to stay in their home, ensure their rent is affordable, and access the support they need to thrive. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, secure home to live in, and aim to avoid evictions and support people to stay in their home.
In the afternoon, some of our employees also joined the Homewards Sheffield Homeless Coalition. Hosted at the Millennium Galleries, local organisations started to shape our local Homewards programme and shared more about our city’s aspirations, challenges and priorities.
Thank you to Prince William and the Homewards programme and for hosting these events, and to our fellow attendees for generously sharing more about your experiences and work.
