Prince William issues new statement as he launches major project across UK

The royal delivered a speech at the launch of Homewards outlining the projects goals.

Prince William said: "Good morning everybody. I am personally delighted to be with you all here today in this beautiful garden at the Mosaic Clubhouse, such a cornerstone of the Lambeth community.

"It has been inspiring to hear about the vital work you are doing to break the link between mental health challenges and homelessness.

"After so many years in the making, today is the day we launch Homewards – a transformative five-year programme that will demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness.

"My first visit to a homelessness shelter was when I was 11 with my mother. The visits we made, left a deep and lasting impression.

"I met so many extraordinary people and listened to so many heart-breaking personal stories. Too many people have found themselves without a stable and permanent place to call home.

"Through these visits, I have seen first-hand the breadth and complexities of homelessness. A personal thank you to people such as Dave Wilson, who is here today and who gave me an induction in selling The Big Issue last summer...

"And also to the fantastic teams at my patronages, Centrepoint and The Passage, who have really helped me to understand not just their own work, but the tremendous impact of the sector more widely."

He continued: "I know that great strides have been made, with success stories proving that progress is possible.

"Here in the UK, there is a strong tradition of collaboration between local authorities and the voluntary sector, and it is exciting to see social enterprises providing opportunities to people at risk of homelessness.

"I am also encouraged by international examples, like Finland, that have shown that deep collaboration across the public, private and third sector, backed by a long-term commitment, can put places on a path to ending homelessness.

"So, I am pleased to stand here today to officially at the start of our path to ending homelessness.

"Over the next five years, I believe that we have a unique opportunity to develop innovative new solutions and scale tangible impact. This will inspire belief throughout the UK – and beyond – that homelessness can be ended for good."

The Prince of Wales added: "I am delighted to be at the beginning of that journey launching Homewards here in Lambeth.

"Lambeth will become part of a network of six flagship Homewards locations across the UK, all committed to creating and delivering a plan to prevent homelessness in their areas. They will all put collaboration at the heart of the response, forming locally led coalitions of committed people, organisations and businesses.

"Their in-depth knowledge of the specific issues and requirements of their local areas will drive forward the work.

"And we will be here to support you. Bringing together an unprecedented network of individuals and organisations with expertise, resources, and the commitment to end homelessness.

"We will support you to deliver sustainable change and I am so grateful to you all for joining us on this journey.

"Through Homewards, we will demonstrate that together we can finally end homelessness."