The Prince of Wales praised “inspirational” young people who have transformed their lives after overcoming homelessness during a speech where he vowed to end youth homelessness in the UK.
The Prince of Wales promised to “ultimately end youth homelessness for good” and praised those who “inspire” him for overcoming rough sleeping and changing their lives during last night’s Centrepoint Awards in London.
The heir to the thrones, patron of Centrepoint since 2005, called for change in a speech delivered at the award ceremony inside the British Museum, which was hosted by Strictly Come Dancing and Traitors Claudia Winkleman.
The evening aimed to highlight young individuals who displayed courage, commitment and dedication in their contributions to society, through personal or career development.
William said that while homelessness is a “complex societal issue”, it “can be ended” by teamwork.
He added: “We will only be successful in bringing about that change if we work together.
“I am inspired by the ambition and commitment of all the award winners and nominees this evening. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.
“What inspires me the most about the young people here this evening, is that they have not only overcome homelessness to achieve their personal ambitions, but they are also all contributing to the communities in which they live, be that through teaching, fundraising or volunteering.”
The winners were awarded in six key success areas
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He continued: “I am delighted that Centrepoint is already making significant headway on this vision.
“Their work testing innovative solutions such as Upstream Prevention and the Independent Living Programme are examples of how we can create the necessary change to end youth homelessness.
“I know that many of you here in this room are making that change possible. You are helping to improve the lives of future generations.
“We must remain optimistic by the progress that we see and the stories of success we hear.
William said that while homelessness is a “complex societal issue”, it “can be ended” by teamwork.
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“But to achieve the level of systemic change needed to end youth homelessness in the UK, there is still so much more to do.
“If you have been inspired by the young people you will meet this evening, then please think about what it is that you can do to bring change in your communities to ultimately end youth homelessness for good.
The winners were awarded in six key success areas including the Rising Star Award, the Centrepoint Partners Award, the Educational Excellence Award, the Inspirational Award, the Personal Development Award and the Independent Living Award.
The event was The Prince of Wales second public event since he visited Southport with Princess Kate, her first official royal engagement since her cancer diagnosis.
Prince William announced his two-part documentary, titled Prince William: We can End Homelessness, will be released at 9pm on October 30 and 31.