James Bowman, a volunteer for youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, was invited to a Royal Garden Party held to celebrate the King’s Coronation earlier this week.
Last December, Centrepoint was one of the 20 national charities chosen to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award for its volunteers’ outstanding work in empowering and supporting young people, aged 16-25, from across the UK. As a result, two of the charity’s volunteers attended the once in a lifetime event – James being one of them.
The second Buckingham Palace Garden Party was hosted on behalf of The King by The Prince of Wales, who is also Centrepoint’s Patron. His Royal Highness was joined by The Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and The Duke of Gloucester.
The garden party was an opportunity for the Royal Family to recognise and acknowledge contributions to national life throughout the UK. Around 8,000 guests were invited to attend each party in recognition of the positive impact they have made in their community.
James has volunteered on the Helpline since before the Covid-19 pandemic and dedicates at least two afternoons a week to support young people experiencing homelessness who call Centrepoint’s Helpline. James has supported hundreds of young people in the time he has volunteered, making a huge difference to the lives of homeless young people across the UK.
James felt very proud to be attending the Royal Garden Party – he says:
“It was a tremendous afternoon and we felt very lucky and grateful to be selected, and to represent all Centrepoint volunteers who give so much time and effort in our various endeavours.
“Youth homelessness is a problem that is getting bigger, but it’s good to know that Centrepoint has advocates in the Royal Family.”
Paul Brocklehurst, Helpline Manager at Centrepoint, added:
“James is a key member of the Helpline team who answers calls and queries from so many young people who are on the brink of homelessness, or already have nowhere safe to call home.
“Towards the end of last year the Helpline supported a record number of vulnerable young people. During our busiest ever period the work of volunteers like James has become even more important, so it’s fantastic to see their work recognised in this way and for James in particular to enjoy a lovely sounding afternoon at the Palace.”
