Student who was once homeless gets palace invite
Charlie, 19, was invited to Buckingham Palace to represent the charity which supported him when he became homeless
- Published
A student who became homeless when he was younger has attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace on behalf of a children's charity.
Charlie, 19, who is originally from Guernsey, was invited to the palace to attend the special event, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
At just 16, Charlie found himself homeless after struggling with living at home while identifying as a trans man.
He ended up sofa surfing with friends before he was contacted by Action for Children鈥檚 Guernsey Nightstop service, which provides emergency accommodation for young people who find themselves homeless.
Charlie was invited to a garden party hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla
He was invited to the garden party at the palace on Wednesday 8 May on behalf of Action for Children, of which the Princess of Wales is patron.
Action for Children supported Charlie by offering him a space with a volunteer host family and when he was placed with a foster family.
Charlie has since left foster care and is currently attending the University of Essex.
He said: 鈥淲hen I became homeless, Action for Children were there for me, and was a crucial stepping stone to becoming a foster child. They were a lifeline for me.
鈥淚t was truly an honour to get an invite to such a prestigious event. It was such a beautiful day and a once in a lifetime experience."
'Vulnerable teenagers'
Charlie attended with Aaron Davies, children鈥檚 services manager at Action for Children in Guernsey, who he said had "supported me from the start of my journey".
Mr Davies said: 鈥淲e have worked alongside Charlie for a number of years and have seen him flourish into the young man he is today.
鈥淥ur Nightstop service can provide life-changing help for vulnerable teenagers and young adults who have nowhere else to go."
He added the charity was grateful to volunteers, without whom they would not be able to support young people.
A spokesperson for Action for Children, which began its service in Guernsey in 2001, said it delivered programmes tackling youth homelessness involving young people aged between 13 and 25.
For information on becoming a Nightstop volunteer, contact the service via email on guernsey@actionforchildren.org.uk.
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