Participation – Groundswell

Participation as the foundation

Participation starts with people. Our people have shaped Groundswell ever since the start, from the services we deliver to our organisational strategy.

Participation is at the core of everything we do.

When I was diagnosed recently with a life-threatening health issue, I was unable to confide even with my own family. Saying ‘I was supported’ doesn’t come close. I was helped with transport and accompanied to every appointment. When you have the strongest ally working with you, you know you are almost there.

— HHPA volunteer

Even though I know that I am not a paid member of staff – I am only a volunteer – I feel like I am part of the team, and I genuinely do feel like I am part of the team. I don't feel like it's like separated, the volunteers and work staff. I think everyone works as a team.

— Volunteer

I started to build my confidence and get clean. I saw former volunteers who now had paid jobs and it was so inspiring.

— Former client and HHPA volunteer

Groundswell have played a big part in me realising my potential so just want to take this chance to say thank you again.

— Former volunteer

This coaching [from Groundswell’s progression team] is very centred around the person which makes you think ‘this is about me and what can I change.’ You build a really good relationship of trust and you share because you realise it’s very tailor made to the situation.

— Former HHPA volunteer

I’ve noticed a difference in myself since being involved on this project, I hope we are going to make a difference. We’ve all got the same aim, that’s good.

— City of London Advisory panel volunteer

Working with other people who struggle to manage their lives actually helped me to manage my own and it was a constant reminder to myself of why I cannot go back to that life.

— City of London Advisory panel volunteer

Groundswell provided me with the opportunity to build my skills, confidence, and motivation needed to improve myself. The Progression team have constantly supported me with housing, welfare benefits, increasing my skills, and applying for a job. I cannot thank Groundswell enough.

— Groundswell volunteer

Volunteering at Groundswell has given me the confidence to get my life back on track and start working again. I get such a buzz from getting to know my clients and helping them to sort their health out.

— HHPA Caseworker (former volunteer)

I have a lot of understanding and empathy because I’m a former rough sleeper and recovering alcoholic, so I’ve been there, and I understand clients well. I find it very rewarding helping others, plus it helps me in recovery. I have a purpose now.

— Former HHPA volunteer

I want to use my experience to improve the system for others.

— Groundswell volunteer

The clients we work with don’t have many people they can really talk to. When we meet them, we are on the same level; it’s not them and us, it’s just us. We offer a glimmer of light - showing an interest in those we work with as people. We’re not there to judge - we’re there to listen and we can say ‘I know, I’ve been there’.

— Former HHPA volunteer

After the HHPA training you have a Progression Manager and that’s the corner stone of everything they guide you through what to do with the skills you have learnt and how to build on them. Groundswell have that manner of being there when the change happens so you don’t have to go through everything by yourself.

— Former HHPA volunteer

Groundswell’s participation team exists to amplify the voices of people with lived experience, ensuring solutions are led by those who know the issues best. We deliver engagement and involvement activities, often in partnership with other organisations, and look for opportunities to move towards equal partnership through coproduction approaches.*

Underpinning everything we do are our participation values: support, reciprocity, accessibility, transparency, understanding power, reducing stigma, and a willingness to listen and change.

*For more information on how coproduction sits alongside other forms of participation, see diagrams from NHS England and Think Local Act Personal and the National Co-production Advisory Group

The impact of participation

Read about some of our participation projects on our Community Voices page.

Community voices

WORK WITH US

We work with the voluntary sector, public bodies and funders who want to learn from the people they support and build a stronger, more inclusive community to create positive change.

Get in TOuch

Here’s what our team can do for you:

Amplify voices

Bring together groups of people with lived and learned expertise and embed effective participatory or coproduction approaches at your organisation.
Gather insight, make recommendations and co-design solutions alongside people who understand the issues best.
Use creative approaches to raise awareness and influence change.

Facilitation and support

Deliver one-off or series of workshops to gather insight or co-design solutions.
Facilitate trauma-informed and inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their best self and contribute.
Ensure your participants are properly reciprocated and supported to progress.

Consultancy and training

Understand what meaningful participation and coproduction looks like for your organisation.
Design ethical and effective approaches that put people with lived experience at the core.
Develop practical skills as well as the policies and processes to put this into practice.

Our research team can support with more in-depth insight gathering through a range of participatory action research methodologies.