The Housing Justice Lived Experience Group is  a group of people who have been supported by Housing Justice who meet on a regular basis to share feedback and use their experiences to provide advice to Housing Justice staff on how to develop projects and improve the way Housing Justice helps people who are homeless in London, particularly those who are not from the UK.

The group was launched in Autumn 2024 and meets on a regular basis at the Housing Justice office in Vauxhall.

Work influenced by our members

Destitution Fundraising Page

The Lived Experience Group designed a campaign in JustGiving and have used their networks to raise money for people experiencing destitution

Housing Justice Zine

Created by our Lived Experience Group

Read more

Host & Guest Reflections

Blog post co-written by host and guest

Read more

What's the benefit of having a lived experience group?

  • Give advice and challenge: They can review the charity’s plans, services, campaigns and policies and say what would or wouldn’t work from a service user’s perspective.
  • Improve services: Members can identify gaps, barriers or problems in existing services and suggest practical improvements.
  • Shape priorities: They can help the charity understand what matters most to the people it supports and influence where resources should be directed.
  • Test ideas: Before launching a new service, leaflet, website, campaign or project, the group can provide feedback and help make it accessible and relevant.
  • Represent wider experiences: Members can bring themes and experiences from their communities—not necessarily speak on behalf of every person with that experience.
  • Support advocacy: They can help the charity communicate the realities of an issue to decision-makers, funders, commissioners or the public.
  • Increase accountability: The group can act as a critical friend, asking whether the charity is actually doing what it says it will do for the people it serves.
  • Bring credibility and authenticity: Involving people with lived experience demonstrates that the charity values people’s knowledge and isn’t simply speaking about them.
  • Develop members’ skills: A good group can also provide opportunities for members to develop confidence, leadership, public-speaking, research or campaigning skills

 

OUR LIVED EXPERIENCE MEMBERS IN ACTION:

Members of the group supporting Housing Justice to create resources for Homelessness Sunday 2025
Guided tour in Kew Gardens for Refugee Week 2026. Social activities and connecting as a group are an important part of our community.
LXG meet and chat with HJ Chair of Trustees Bishop Rob
The group meets in person every 6 weeks, sharing experiences and working through an agenda of questions & activities. We share notes after each meeting.
Members of the group ran a stall at Lambeth Council’s Community Event for Refugee Week 2026, promoting the groups Zine and helping to recruit volunteers for our Hosting and Lodgings Project.

Further Questions

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with our Hosting team: