In a step forward in the UK’s efforts to end homelessness, Prince William joined Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur and investor, alongside Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, to mark the second anniversary of the Homewards programme. The event, held in Sheffield, showcased the impact of the programme’s local and national partnerships, with a focus on scaling solutions that make homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated.
Titled “Homewards: Delivering Change Together“, the anniversary brought together stakeholders from all six Homewards locations, including representatives from the private, public, and third sectors. The event highlighted the tangible progress made by the initiative and focused on actionable strategies to scale impact in the coming years.
Launched in 2023 by Prince William, Homewards is a long-term commitment to prove that homelessness in the UK can be ended, not simply reduced or managed. The initiative brings together six flagship locations across the country, where tailored strategies are co-designed by councils, charities, and individuals with lived experience.
Homewards focuses on three pillars: early intervention, collaborative support systems, and secure housing. The programme’s structure reflects Steven Bartlett’s own approach to entrepreneurship: identify the problem, co-create a scalable solution, and invest in long-term impact.
Joining the panel discussion were members of the Homewards National Lived Experience Group — individuals who have personally experienced homelessness and now help shape the programme’s strategy. Local examples, like Sheffield’s Innovative Housing Projects, were also highlighted, demonstrating how community-led action and infrastructure investment are already changing lives.
Further success stories from across the programme’s locations demonstrated how community-led initiatives are providing permanent housing and critical support — turning short-term interventions into long-term solutions
The event featured contributions from organisations such as PwC, Lloyds Banking Group, FEANTSA, and HBD, bringing a wide spectrum of expertise to the conversation. Breakout sessions explored practical ways to scale up success in employment, early intervention, housing, data-driven decision making, and narrative change
Following the panel, attendees participated in breakout sessions focused on key pillars of the programme, including:
- Employment access
- Data and evidence use
- Early intervention
- Innovative housing delivery
- Changing public perception around homelessness
With economic pressures, housing shortages, and increased vulnerability post-pandemic, the UK faces a critical moment in its response to homelessness. Homewards is responding with a new model — one that values lived experience, cross-sector innovation, and community empowerment.
The Sheffield event served as a reminder that real solutions are already being implemented. From unlocking surplus goods through initiatives like The Multibank to building long-term housing strategies backed by data and design, the path forward is clear.
Steven Bartlett’s Role in Homewards
Steven Bartlett’s involvement is part of his ongoing philanthropic work and mission to use innovative as a tool to solve societies biggest challenges. He’s historically committed support and/or donations to various charities including UNICEF, The British Red Cross and a children’s cancer charity.
As a public Advocate of Homewards, Steven Bartlett has played an active role in supporting the initiative’s mission since its early stages. Known for his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven leadership, Bartlett brings the voice of a new generation of changemakers into the conversation about homelessness.
His participation in the panel reflects his ongoing investment — not just financially or in name, but through direct involvement in initiatives that align with his belief in business as a force for good.
As Homewards enters its third year, the initiative continues to prove that ending homelessness in the UK is not only necessary — it is entirely achievable. By integrating lived experience, forging strong cross-sector partnerships, and prioritising prevention and innovation, the programme is laying the groundwork for a future where homelessness is no longer inevitable.