Groundswell: a brief history

Groundswell was born as a project within the National Homeless Alliance (now Homeless Link) in 1996. It’s aim was to create a network of groups of homeless people who were engaged in self-help solutions to homelessness.

The Groundswell Self-Help Forum, Sheffiled, 1999

Groundswell – Bringing People Together

A series of networking events such as the legendary Forums in Sheffield, were held to bring together homeless people who were using their experiences of homelessness to create positive solutions.

Groundswell – Influencing Policy

Groundswell were instrumental in developing the Speakout technique. These events bring homeless people in direct dialogue with policy makers to use their experiences to inform and influence policy at local, regional and national level. Groundswell has facilitated 100s of Speakouts, including National Super Speakouts - pictured below. The Speakout is now listed in the guidance of The Housing Act as one of the recommended techniques for consulting with homeless people.

Mo Mowlem and Louise Casey at the Super Speakout in 2000.

Groundswell - DIY

One of Groundswell’s first projects was the Grant Award Scheme – literally putting our money where its mouth is, by giving cash directly to homeless people. Grants are available to any homeless people who are involved in setting up their own projects – whether that be a charity, a service-user group, a business or a social enterprise. So far we have given over £160,000 to more than 330 groups. Click here to see a list of former winners.

A recent research study into the Grant Award Scheme discovered that:

• For 67% of Grant winners this was the first funding they had ever received.

• 73% have gone to achieve funding form other agencies.

• 75% of winners found the Groundswell Grant Award Scheme to good or excellent in comparison to other funders.

• 100% of winners would recommend the scheme to a friend.

Groundswell – The Future

Groundswell has now reached it's 10 year anniversary! We do not want just to look back on our achievements, but focus on how we can continue to support homeless people to find and enact solutions to homelessness.

If you are homeless and are working on a self-help initiative, then why not get involved with Groundswell? You can start by listing yourself on our Directory.

If you want to support the work of Groundswell then please click here.

You can meet the Groundswell Team here, so please get in touch with us if you want to discuss any aspect of our work.