Our Impact
Find out more about our impact, how we help and ways of working:
Our lived experience matters…
- 67% of our people have lived experience of homelessness
- Over 3 years we’ve produced 26 new, accessible health guides
And In 2024 – 2025…
- 30 people volunteered as Homeless Health Peer Advocates across London
- 60 volunteers were involved in participation, research and campaigning projects
- The HHPA supported 540 clients experiencing homelessness through 3688 1-1 appointments
- We ran 391 health promotion sessions across London
- 26 staff and volunteers worked with our Progression Coaches
Our Testimonials
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
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
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
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
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 work as a Care Navigator. When I meet someone, I get them talking by talking about my own experiences. They say “oh, you’ve been homeless.” They gel with you then. Once people have found out you’ve been there, everyone’s sort of on the same level.
— Adrian, HHPA Caseworker
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
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
Thank you for producing such a powerful, moving film that encapsulates the real-life stories of those individuals experiencing homelessness. It certainly gave me much food for thought and acts as further evidence of the health inequalities of this population which is something I am very passionate about and am striving to change in my Trust.
— Health practitioner, NHS
The vaccination work provided by Groundswell has been invaluable and incredibly helpful. They have provided advice, support, in-reach, literature and comms materials, all of which have been vital in assisting to progress increasing vaccine uptake. Groundswell has been a key component to our collaborative working and I would like to say a big thank you. It is much appreciated.
— Westminster City Council reflecting on Groundswell’s work during the pandemic
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)