The documentary aims to change perceptions around homelessness and prove that the problem can be solved.
As he marks one year since the launch of his Homewards programme this week, a new art exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London has also been announced. Opening next month, the exhibition aims to help people understand homelessness and “inspire optimism” that it can be ended.
The two-part series, “Prince William: We Can End Homelessness,” will air on ITV1 and ITVX this autumn. It follows the future king as he launches his ambitious Homewards project across the UK, providing a behind-the-scenes look at its first year’s work.
The series will also chart the journeys of those who have experienced or are currently facing homelessness and feature supporters of the five-year programme, which aims to demonstrate that ending homelessness is possible.
Bafta award-winning director Leo Burley, who has followed the Prince and his project over the past year, said: “We’ve heard some incredibly moving stories from people across the country facing homelessness.
“From street homelessness in Newport, to families living in temporary accommodation in Sheffield, and youth homelessness in Aberdeen, the documentary paints a picture of homelessness across the UK today, working with many people who never expected to experience life without a place to call home. Everyone we’ve filmed with has welcomed the spotlight that Prince William and Homewards are placing on the UK’s homelessness crisis.”
This summer’s “Homelessness: Reframed” exhibition will showcase works from artists such as Rankin, Opake, and Marc Davenant. Dave Martin, who has sold the Big Issue alongside Prince William, will also have his art displayed, along with pieces created by children and young people from the six flagship areas where Homewards is focusing its efforts.
The programme is bringing together organizations, charities, and businesses to collaborate and work towards scalable solutions in Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Lambeth in London, Newport, Northern Ireland, and Sheffield.
The exhibition has been developed through a partnership between Homewards, Eleven Eleven Foundation, and Saatchi Gallery, guided by experts with lived experience of homelessness: writer and director Lorna Tucker and award-winning social justice artist and educator David Tovey.
The Royal Foundation’s CEO Amanda Berry said the documentary and exhibition would “raise vital awareness”. She said: “We know that television has the power to change hearts and minds. Homelessness can seem like it is hard to prevent but by sharing the realities of people’s experiences and those who are coming together to support them, we can inspire action.”
She added: “By giving a platform to those with lived experience, we hope to start to shift the narrative and demonstrate that homelessness is not an inevitable part of society.”
