Prince visits Sheffield school for homeless work

The Prince of Wales has attended an event at a school in Sheffield to celebrate the second anniversary of his charity aimed at ending homelessness.

The Homewards charity, launched by Prince William and the Royal Foundation, works in six locations across the UK, including Sheffield. It supports those who are, or at risk of becoming, homeless.

Prince William met staff and pupils at Meadowhead School, which recently joined a new programme by the charity called Upstream, hoping to identify young people who are at greater risk and intervene early.

Assistant headteacher Geoff Dearman said: "It's been really exciting, there's been a really good buzz around school."

Marissa, 14, was one of the students who met the heir to the throne and presented him with a gift - a sculpture of a phoenix crafted by the school's art department.

"It's very thrilling, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people - it's something I'll tell my grandchildren.

"When I first met him, he felt like a normal father, someone you could see in the street who could rule a country, but also be a present dad."

Upstream was modelled on the Australian Geelong Project, which the charity said had led to a 40% decrease in youth homelessness and a 20% reduction in the number of young people leaving school early.

The initiative, which is being led by South Yorkshire homelessness charity Roundabout, is being piloted in Meadowhead School with the aim of implementing it in others.

All Year 9 students at the school completed a survey designed to highlight areas of their education or personal life they're struggling with, and some students are now being given individually-tailored support by the Upstream team.

Mr Dearman said the school community was "really diverse" and it was important to "remove the stereotypes and stigma attached with homelessness".

"We've already seen some great breakthroughs with young people that weren't previously on our radar at all.

"Already, after only three or four meetings, they've felt comfortable enough to discuss how they're feeling, and we've been able to swoop in with other professional agencies to help support that young person."

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