Bournemouth, Charity | Posted on March 20th, 2026 | return to news

Prince William visits Bournemouth

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visited the area to learn about the work being done to prevent youth homelessness.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visited Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on Thursday 19 March to learn about the work being done to prevent youth homelessness in the area.

Prince William met young people, partners and practitioners involved in local prevention initiatives, including those leading the launch of the new Post14 college programme designed to support students at risk of disengaging from education.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said:

“Today’s visit highlights the commitment across BCP to preventing homelessness before it happens. By listening to young people and working closely with our partners, we’re able to build stronger pathways, provide earlier support and create better opportunities.

“As a council, we’ve seen what’s possible when services come together. Long-term rough sleeping is falling, we’re getting families out of B&B accommodation, more people are getting the right support, and earlier intervention is preventing hundreds of households from reaching crisis.

“The work showcased today, to an international delegation of experts we have hosted, reflects the impact of true collaboration and the difference it makes when everyone pulls in the same direction.”

One of the organisations funding a local programme that supports young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training, which is a predictor of youth homelessness) is the Homewards Fund. Homewards is part of The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales and aims to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated.

Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link and Chair of the Homewards Fund Grants Panel, said:

“We are thrilled that the Homewards Fund has been able to support this project in BCP, and is exactly the sort of work the Fund aims to champion. We look forward to hearing more about the positive impact on young people locally and are delighted to be able to support local partners coming together to prevent youth homelessness in BCP.”