PRINCE WILLIAM TO VISIT NEWPORT TO RECOGNISE WORK ADDRESSING AND PREVENTING FEMALE HOMELESSNESS
Wednesday 20th November 2024
Prince William will visit Newport on Wednesday 20th November to hear about the Homewards Newport local Coalition’s approach to preventing women’s homelessness in the city, and unveil commitments from local organisations who have pledged their support.
During his time in Newport, the Prince will be joined by Homewards Advocate, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, who herself experienced homelessness as a teenager in the city. They will visit The Nelson Trust which is a member of the Homewards Newport Coalition and plays a pivotal role in delivering trauma-informed support for women in Newport.
Women’s homelessness, and specifically women who face multiple disadvantages such as trauma, poverty and domestic abuse, have been identified as a key priority in Newport with reports of women’s homelessness rising in the city. Women are often more susceptible to experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’ compared to men, as they are less likely to rough sleep due to safety fears, resulting in sofa surfing, or sleeping on public transport. By focusing support specifically on women’s homelessness in Newport, Homewards will be able to not only support these women but also share learnings with the programme’s other five flagship locations and beyond.
Whilst at the Nelson Trust, the Prince will meet with local women who have experienced homelessness and are part of a ‘Women of Newport’ photography series. The project has been created to raise awareness and change perceptions around women’s homelessness and demonstrate that recovery from homelessness is possible.
His Royal Highness will then meet with businesses, charities and other organisations including Homewards Newport Coalition members Newport City Homes, Newport City Council, Newport Live, POBL, Dick Lovett and Public Health Wales, to hear about commitments they are making to support Homewards Newport’s efforts to prevent and end women’s homelessness.
Whilst in Newport, His Royal Highness and Sabrina will also privately visit a women’s support service to hear from women who have experienced homelessness due to domestic abuse and sexual exploitation. The meeting will highlight what services are needed to help women who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and what needs to be done to support them further in the city.
