Progression out of homelessness

Involving people who have experienced homelessness in delivering services and advocating for change benefits everyone. Homelessness services and those they help gain from the experience and input of people who have been there. For those who have begun their journey out of homelessness, the opportunity to support others in a similar situation can give them a chance to use their experience to influence solutions, to be part of a community and help others, and to develop their skills and move into employment.

However, they may still face barriers in their lives and need support as they move away from homelessness. At Groundswell in Lambeth, all the volunteers and 70% of staff have experienced homelessness, and their Progression programme offers targeted support to enable people to move forward with their own lives while helping deliver Groundswell’s services to others. They receive one-to-one coaching to help them address ongoing problems they may be facing, and can access a wide range of support and opportunities. At the same time, by offering valuable support to others, they are able to improve their confidence and abilities, progressing their own lives and those of others.