Groundswell’s expertise is rooted in our collective experiences. 100% of our volunteers, 50% of our trustees, and 67% of our staff have experience of homelessness.
Participation starts with people. Our people have shaped Groundswell ever since we began in the early 90’s – from the services we deliver and the insight we gather to our latest organisational strategy. Participation is at the core of everything we do.
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
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)
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
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
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
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 want to use my experience to improve the system for others.
— Groundswell 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
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
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
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
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
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
Our participation projects and partnerships seek to amplify the voices of people with lived experience to inform solutions – because they understand the issues best. We deliver engagement and co-design activities to achieve this and always seek opportunities to move towards equal partnership through coproduction approaches.1
Underpinning everything we do is our values: support, reciprocity, accessibility, transparency, understanding power, reducing stigma, and a willingness to listen and change.
The impact of participation
Participation plays a central role in how we work, and our Impact page brings together quotes, reflections, and key figures that highlight this.
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.
Here’s what our team can do for you:
Amplify voices
Set up and manage an Advisory or Steering Group (including recruitment?)
Gather insight and feedback, identify gaps in provision, co-design services, make policy or practice recommendations
Standing in solidarity, build trust and reduce stigma, Hear from your community, understand what solutions work best for them
Design and develop/test and embed new projects that are led by lived experience insight
Embed participatory or coproduction approaches
Creative approaches to raise awareness and influence
Facilitation and support
Design and deliver workshops to design solutions or gather insight and recommendations
Facilitate trauma-informed and inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their best self and contribute
Ensure your participants are properly reciprocated for their insight and supported to progress in their own lives
Consultancy and training
Understand what meaningful participation and coproduction looks like for your organisation
Design ethical and effective approaches that put the insight of people with lived experience at their core
Develop best practice skills as well as 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.
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