Renowned actor Dominic West has been appointed as ambassador for charity Julian House, which provides support for people who are homeless, vulnerable or experiencing social exclusion in Wiltshire and across the South West.
World Homelessness Day on 10th October aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience, or are at risk of homelessness.
Julian House is delighted to announce the appointment of renowned actor Dominic West as its new ambassador. The announcement comes in time for World Homelessness Day, marking a significant moment in the charity’s ongoing efforts to support individuals affected by homelessness and social exclusion.
West, best known for his roles in The Wire and The Crown, has previously supported Julian House by donating food from his local farm to its emergency shelter for rough sleepers in Bath – and has now agreed to become an official ambassador for the charity.
West recently visited the emergency shelter on Manvers Street and one of Julian House’s refuges for survivors of domestic violence. During these visits, West was able to get to know the clients to understand their experiences and stories and learn more about the support they receive at Julian House.
Commenting on his new role, Dominic West said: ‘I find homelessness a particularly emotive subject and I have worked for a homelessness charity in Dublin. I moved to Bath 5 years ago and its not the sort of place you would expect to see the problem of homelessness, so it is rather shocking seeing this extent of the issue in a prosperous place like Bath. I think the shock of that and seeing what great work Julian House does, made me want to do something to help if I can.’
This year, World Homelessness Day comes at a time when homelessness and rough sleeping nationally and across the South West is rising sharply, with a 25% increase seen in Wiltshire (Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2023 – www.gov.uk). So far, in 2024, Julian House has provided 39 individuals in Wiltshire with a variety of complex needs with supported housing.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dominic West as our new ambassador. It was a pleasure to meet with him and discuss Julian House’s mission. It is fantastic that he has decided to build on his existing support for our homelessness shelter by becoming an ambassador for our wider work across the South West. We are all looking forward to working with him in the future.” Helen Bedser, CEO of Julian House.