Sheffield has been chosen as one of 6 flagship sites across the UK for the new Homewards initiative supported by Prince William and the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
HRH Prince William visited Sheffield recently as part of his 2 day national launch of his new initiative called ‘Homewards’ a transformative five-year, locally led programme that will aim to demonstrate that together it’s possible to end homelessness – making it rare, brief and unrepeated.
As a flagship location, Sheffield has committed to working in partnership to harness collective skills, experience and services which include the council, health, housing and other support agencies, and will receive support directly from the Prince's Foundation through experienced advisors and the sharing of learning across other flagship sites. A great opportunity for Sheffield to really talk about homeless prevention together.
As part of the national launch Prince William visited Reach Up Youth at the Verdon Recreation Centre in Sheffield talking to children, families, project partners and key individuals currently involved in homelessness across Sheffield.
Jo Ward, Senior Commissioning and Contracting Manager, within the Planned Care team in Sheffield at NHS South Yorkshire was part of the original partnership group presenting the register of interest and took part in the launch of the Sheffield programme. The NHS South Yorkshire team in Sheffield will work closely with the council and other partners to take the programme forward, linking closely with the priorities highlighted within the Integrated Care Partnership strategy.
Jo, who was pictured on the day alongside Prince William said: “It has been an exciting few months working with partner organisations on the confidential bid from the Prince's Foundation. Prince William was very passionate about the programme and was particularly impressed by Sheffield’s wonderful on the day; there was such a great vibe in the room and energy from the kids, and everyone was excited that he was there.
When speaking to him, it was wonderful to find that he shared our ambitions to work towards prevention and reduce health inequalities in the area. It will be an experience I won’t forget. We’re really looking forward to getting the project underway alongside our local partners and the Royal Foundation.”
For more on this news story visit the Sheffield City Council news and events website.