Volunteer Opportunities

Groundswell as a lived experience organisation

At Groundswell’s core is the lived experience of homelessness. 67% of our people (staff, volunteers and trustees) have experience of homelessness. This experience is our power – we have a unique understanding of, and connection with, our community.

If you want to find solutions to problems in society, you need to hear from people who have been there. This creates impact and change.

When we ask our people to describe why it’s, so important Groundswell are a lived experience organisation, they use words like ‘authentic’, ‘freeing’ and ‘community’. We offer people opportunities and a space to be, without having to hide the experiences that have shaped them.

Enquire about Volunteering

Benefits of volunteering at Groundswell

Groundswell’s volunteers are an integral part of our community and team. Whatever volunteering role you take on at Groundswell, your experience of homelessness is a tool to help you thrive.

Volunteering can:

Be a stepping stone into new opportunities or employment.
Be part of your recovery process.
Give you a sense of purpose.
Provide community and connection.
Be fun and rewarding.
Be challenging and thought-provoking.
Give you roots or some stability.
Give you a platform for your voice to be heard.
Improve mental health and wellbeing.

In return for your commitment, we offer opportunities for people to develop skills, get practical experience, inform policy, have your voice heard, gain confidence and make real connections. We know that volunteering is often a step on people’s journeys, and we want to make that first step full of purpose and promise for the future.

Volunteers benefit from our fantastic Progression and Wellbeing Programme, a team of people there to ensure you can focus on you – where do you want to be? How can we help you get there? What barriers are in the way? Whether it’s an informal chat, coaching or practical advice or advocacy around issues such as benefits, housing or debt, the team will stand by you as you 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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

Get involved / volunteer with us

Examples of different volunteering roles:

What our Homeless Health Peer Advocates do

Homeless Health Peer Advocates support people experiencing homelessness to address physical and mental health issues. Peer Advocates accompany people to their health appointments, helping them navigate the journey, advocating/speaking for them at the appointments and helping them understand information and make informed decisions about treatment.

To be a Peer Advocate, you need:

Lived experience of any of the following – homelessness, drug & alcohol, addictions, recovery, mental health, prison/offending.
Confident travelling around London using tubes, trains & buses.
To commit to the initial 4 weeks of training.
To commit to at least 2 days of volunteering per week.
To attend monthly team meeting and supervisions.
To complete a DBS check.

What our participation volunteers do

The volunteering role profile and responsibilities depend on the project but usually involve attending a regular group meeting. Groups draw on their lived and learnt expertise to collectively influence change, whether that is by sharing insight with partners, co-designing solutions, or creating campaigns.

Here’s some of the reasons our volunteers take part:

Contribute to positive change
Platform for your voice to be heard
Belonging
Self-confidence
Improved mental health and wellbeing
Knowledge and skills training
New opportunities and connections

Note/disclaimer for all volunteering roles:

Your boundaries will be respected and you can step back at any point.
Any benefits will not be affected.

To find out more about volunteering, please get in touch.

Enquire about Volunteering

Groundswell as a lived experience organisation

Benefits of volunteering at Groundswell

Get involved / volunteer with us

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