Actor Dominic West, who stars in The Crown, supports Exeter charity

In recognition of World Homelessness Day, Exeter-based charity Julian House has announced Dominic West as its new official ambassador.

The charity, which supports those who are homeless, vulnerable, or experiencing social exclusion in Exeter and throughout the South West, has appointed renowned actor Dominic West, who recently portrayed Prince Charles in the Netflix series The Crown, as an ambassador.

Today (October 10) marks World Homelessness Day, a date that aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience or are at risk of homelessness.

This announcement marks a significant moment in the charity’s ongoing efforts to support these individuals.

Dominic has previously supported the charity by donating food from his local farm to its emergency shelter for rough sleepers on Manvers Street in Bath.

West visited one of Julian House’s refuges for survivors of domestic violence to learn more about the clients' experiences and the support they receive from the charity.

Above. Image: 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 five years ago, and it's 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 4 per cent increase seen in Exeter.

So far, in 2024, the charity has supported 229 people in Exeter who were homeless or rough sleeping to recover and begin to rebuild their lives.

They have also supported 212 hospital leavers from Royal Devon and Exeter (RD&E) Hospital who were at risk of losing their accommodation.

Helen Bedser, CEO of Julian House, added: "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.”