Our work in the community

In the year 2021, the Great Yarmouth Homeless Alliance initiated a project aimed at enhancing housing services through the active engagement of individuals with lived experiences of homelessness. The Lived Experience Team was invited to participate in undertaking interviews with individuals who had experienced homelessness. The primary objective of these interviews was to gather first-hand accounts, perspectives, and insights to inform the development of improved housing services.

The Lived Experience Group joined a series of meetings and training sessions to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct peer-led interviews effectively. These sessions focused on fostering empathy, active listening, and interview techniques tailored to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Following the training, the Lived Experience Group conducted eleven recorded interviews with individuals who had experienced homelessness.

The interviews followed a clear structure, with a set of questions aimed at gathering detailed responses about the challenges, experiences, and hopes of the participants related to homelessness and housing services. They were conducted with care and respect, creating a safe space for the interviewees to share their personal stories.

These interviews, along with many others, were included in a report that highlighted the experiences and viewpoints of people with lived experience, contributing to the efforts of the Great Yarmouth Homeless Alliance.

The involvement of the Lived Experience Team in the project led by the Great Yarmouth Homeless Alliance provided them with a comprehensive set of skills and understanding of the need for evaluation. The Team felt empowered to have been included at a strategic level and valued the opportunity to contribute to work to bring about positive change.