Renowned actor Dominic West has been appointed an ambassador for a charity that supports homeless people in Basingstoke.

Julian House, which helps people who are homeless, vulnerable, or experiencing social exclusion in the town, Dorset and across South West, announced the appointment of Mr West as their new ambassador.

The announcement coincides with World Homelessness Day on Thursday, October 10, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the needs of people who currently experience, or are at risk of, homelessness.

Mr West, best known for his roles in The Wire and The Crown, has previously supported Julian House by donating food from his farm to its emergency shelter for rough sleepers in Bath.

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Dominic with Helen Bedser, chief executive of Julian House (Image: Julian House) He recently visited the shelter in Manvers Street, Bath, and one of Julian House’s refuges for survivors of domestic violence.

During these visits, he 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, Mr 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."

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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 100 per cent increase seen in Basingstoke.

So far, in 2024, Julian House has supported 112 people in Basingstoke through its outreach service, which supports people forced to sleep rough.

Helen Bedser, chief executive of Julian House, said: "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."