Prince William recently visited Northern Ireland for a special engagement focusing on homelessness and the region’s creative industries. Originally scheduled for May, the visit was postponed due to the UK general election. The Prince’s first stop was at The Foyer in Belfast, a project aimed at preventing homelessness for young people leaving care. He was warmly welcomed by various dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant for Belfast and representatives from the Simon Community.
The Simon Community is part of the Homewards Northern Ireland Coalition, an initiative led by Prince William to address homelessness. One of the coalition’s key priorities is preventing homelessness among young people transitioning out of care. During his visit, Prince William engaged with young people at The Foyer and met with professionals in the field to discuss the support services available in Northern Ireland.
Following his visit to The Foyer, Prince William made his way to the Ulster University campus in Belfast for his next engagement. There, he interacted with students and learned about the university’s efforts to enhance Northern Ireland’s creative industries. The Prince took a particular interest in the work of the Ulster Screen Academy, which trains future generations of film, animation, and gaming professionals.
Homewards Northern Ireland is also working to expand initiatives like the Simon Community’s Housing First For Youth service, which provides stable accommodation and support to vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness. With backing from The Royal Foundation, Homewards aims to launch a housing project specifically tailored to assist young people transitioning out of the care system in Northern Ireland.
Throughout his visit, Prince William’s interactions with young people and professionals underscored the importance of addressing homelessness and providing support to vulnerable populations. His commitment to initiatives like Homewards Northern Ireland highlights the royal family’s dedication to social causes and community welfare.
As Prince William continues his engagements in Northern Ireland, the public can follow live updates on his activities and interactions. Stay tuned for more insights and developments from the Prince’s visit to the region, including exclusive photos and videos capturing his impactful engagements.