As we approach the broadcast of ITV’s documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, we want to share our gratitude for Homewards and for this opportunity to raise awareness of the life-changing work we’re doing together.  

The documentary offers a glimpse into the inspiring journey of individuals affected by homelessness, and we’re deeply proud that our Rising Stars programme, through The Pret Foundation, is featured.  

Prince William’s commitment through Homewards has been vital in addressing the complexities of homelessness across the UK. His visit to our Pret shop in Bournemouth last year – joined by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett – marked a powerful moment of connection with the individuals who are part of the Rising Stars programme. This programme, at its heart, provides people facing homelessness a genuine chance to rebuild their lives through employment at Pret. For many, accessing stable work can be the most challenging step in breaking the cycle of homelessness, especially for those who may not have a permanent address or who have a criminal record. 

The Rising Stars programme is more than just a job. We provide extensive training, travel support, and weekly support groups, all aimed at helping individuals thrive in their new roles and, ultimately, to sustain a fresh start. This support, paired with the everyday responsibility and routine of a job, gives our Rising Stars not only stability but also the confidence to grow personally and professionally. 

Over the next four years, in partnership with Homewards, we are committed to welcoming 500 additional Rising Stars into Pret shops across the UK. It's an ambitious goal, but one we see as essential to our mission. By the end of this year alone we’ll have welcomed 100 Rising Stars onto the programme, marking an inspiring step forward. 

The Pret Foundation’s commitment to supporting people facing homelessness doesn’t stop with employment. Every day, we donate as much unsold food as we can to charities, shelters, and community organisations to help alleviate hunger, knowing that for many people, a meal is the first step to stability. Our partnership with Too Good to Go also helps us reduce waste by providing discounted Surprise Bags to customers, while donating a portion of proceeds to support our mission. This December, we’ll also be awarding grants to help fund some of the great work being delivered by organisations across the UK to tackle homelessness.  

As we work to expand the Rising Stars programme and build on our commitments, the collective support from the community – through donations, partnerships, and advocacy – becomes more critical than ever. Your support directly enables us to provide training, guidance, and resources that can make all the difference in someone’s journey out of homelessness. 

We are honoured to be part of Homewards’ mission, alongside other committed businesses and organisations, and we look forward to the positive change that lies ahead. Thank you to His Royal Highness, Prince William, for his leadership and vision, and thank you to everyone who has supported The Pret Foundation’s journey thus far. 

Find out how you can support our mission here. Together, we can end homelessness. 

Nina 

Global Head of The Pret Foundation 

Pret A Manger 

Prince William: We Can End Homelessness airs 30th and 31st October at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, STV and STV Player