Homelessness is a societal issue that requires a societal response. Groundswell are proud to be a sector partner of Homewards, we are one of 16 charities collaborating on this Royal Foundation programme.
Homewards is taking a place-based approach. They’ll be working with six locations and the plans will be locally led, a model we champion. The first location named was Lambeth, London. Groundswells’ Lambeth Care Navigator Jan and CEO Michael [pictured to the right] attended the launch event with Prince William. Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) and Newport, Wales are also flagship locations, with the remaining locations announced on 27th June.
A collaborative approach
Groundswell and partners have been working alongside the Royal Foundation as they have developed Homewards – it’s a true collaboration. Earlier this year Prince William showed his commitment to amplifying the issue of homelessness when he featured on our Listen Up! podcast with volunteer reporters Miles and Nawshin.
Michael Chandler, CEO, Groundswell says:
“People with experience of homelessness must be at the heart of finding solutions to homelessness. We are committed to shifting public perceptions around homelessness – critically inclusively, with the voices & experiences of people with experience at the heart of this change.
Working to end homelessness is a collaborative approach – we have seen what is possible before when everyone works together – and we’re enormously excited to work together in partnership with the Royal Foundation, people who have experienced homelessness and brilliant partners across the UK to share what works as we unite towards this end goal.”
A voice on the National Expert Panel
In addition to being a sector partner, Groundswell’s involvement goes further. Homewards has a National Expert Panel made up of individuals with renowned knowledge across homelessness and related themes, providing best-in-class advice across the programme. We are proud that Groundswell’s Participation and Progression Director Rachel Brennan is representing our people with her role as a National Expert, she says:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to champion involvement of people with experience of homelessness in the Royal Foundations Homewards programme. I have been impressed by the commitment to embed meaningful participation of people with lived experience of homelessness in all of the local areas and am privileged to collaborate with a diverse range of colleagues on the expert panel over the coming years.”
Research and evaluation
Groundswell knows that research is crucial to creating change, that’s why we’re thrilled to be an Evaluation and Learning Partner of Homewards alongside Ipsos UK and Renaisi. Together we’ll be exploring what works in each flagship location, providing opportunities to learn and create impact.