William to visit Aberdeen and thank city’s homeless sector

The Prince of Wales will thank Aberdeen’s homelessness sector for their efforts supporting rough sleepers when he visits the city to hear about their work.

William’s Homewards project, which aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms, is established in the city and he will also meet some of its team.

Blue Light Card – a leading discount scheme for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces – has now expanded its remit to include workers in the homelessness sector.

It is has also become an official supporter or “activator” of the Homewards programme, alongside Pret A Manger and Homebase.

Founded in 2008 by former police officer Steve Denny and business partner Tom Dalby, the Blue Light Card allows members to join for £4.99, giving them access for two years to discounts from more than 13,000 retailers from Halfords to Cineworld.

Homewards was launched last year in six locations – Newport, Lambeth, Belfast, Aberdeen, Sheffield and three neighbouring Dorset towns Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch –  with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to the homelessness issues in each area.

William will begin his day by visiting the Aberdeen offices of Shelter Scotland to hear more about the services they offer supporting people who are homeless or on the brink of losing the roof over their head, and meeting those they have helped.

Shelter Scotland is a member of the prince’s Homewards Aberdeen coalition and will play a pivotal role in delivering early intervention support for young people by providing training around financial literacy, tenancy skills and other educational resources for schools, colleges and universities.

Homewards advocates broadcaster Gail Porter and David Duke, who founded Street Soccer Scotland to help the disadvantaged, will join William for his final event – a thank you reception for Aberdeen’s homeless sector.