Prince William stepping up support for homelessness workers amid cost of living crisis
Prince William stepping up support for homelessness workers amid cost of living crisis
PA
The Prince of Wales's Homewards programme has stepped up support for homelessness workers in the UK struggling with the cost of living crisis.
It is estimated that 52 per cent of the 60,000 people thought to be working within the sector are struggling to pay their bills, with 44 per cent challenged by spiralling housing costs themselves.
Housing officers, night shelter managers and outreach workers all provide support to people experiencing homelessness, but many claim to also feel at risk of burnout.
Blue Light Card, the country's top discount provider for the armed forces, emergency services, the NHS and social care sector, has now announced a partnership with the future King's Homewards programme - a five-year project which aims to demonstrate it is possible to end homelessness, making it rare, brief and unrepeated.
Prince William stepping up support for homelessness workers amid cost of living crisisPAThe initiative has so far brought its existing members over £330million in savings, improving mental well-being and offering financial support.
Alidad Moghaddam, Chief Executive Officer at Blue Light Card, said: "This workforce may not be easily identifiable as uniformed blue light workers like nurses, doctors, police, or firefighters, but we see them."
Workers who support the homeless can experience a "challenging environment" and the new partnership aims to "acknowledge the essential service they provide".
It is understood Prince William has been kept up to date on the partnership since its infancy when Homewards reached out to Blue Light Card as part of its ongoing work to recognise and champion workers playing a "key role in supporting communities".
Prince William is eager for the public to see the people behind the homeless crisis
PAOn Thursday, the prince will celebrate the new partnership in Aberdeen, where he will spend time with people working across the homelessness sector.
Aberdeen is one of Homewards' six flagship locations in the UK, forming a blueprint of how homelessness can be ended in the local area, provided with the space, tools and expertise to deliver and demonstrate solutions that prevent and end homelessness, creating tried and tested models that can be scaled.
Prince William's Homewards initiative aims to also change the public's perception of homelessness, breaking down stigmas, and raising awareness about so-called 'hidden homelessness' in the UK where individuals do not have a permanent dwelling.
Blue Light Card has now become an Activator of Prince William's Homewards programme, joining private companies like Pret A Manger and Homebase, suggesting the Prince of Wales's convening power is affecting powerful organisations playing their part in ending and preventing homelessness.
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ReutersPim Gregory, Executive Director of Homelessness at the Royal Foundation said: "Homelessness is a complex, multifaceted issue and as such the homelessness workforce includes a huge variety of roles.
"They work tirelessly to support some of society’s most vulnerable - from those rough sleeping, people ‘sofa surfing’ or sleeping in their cars, to families and children stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
"It is essential we recognise and support the vital role the homelessness workforce plays in our society and we're so grateful to the Blue Light Card for their support on this and commitment to Homewards going forward as an Activator.”
Full-time and part-time employees of organisations that work directly on homelessness across the UK are eligible to receive a Blue Light Card. Workers can register online at www.bluelightcard.co.uk. A card costs £4.99 and is valid for two years.