Our Early Doors project works in multiple ways to drive the threat of homelessness out of people’s lives. One aspect of this vital work takes place in the community, and most importantly, with the community. Our co-production groups are gatherings where people in the neighbourhood can work together to identify issues that impact on housing security and homelessness. They then collaborate on solutions to bring about change.

Valuing Experience

We know that people are experts about the place that they live in. Their diverse experiences, when brought together, give a powerful perspective on what works, what doesn’t work, and what is needed. The Early Doors team is there to support the group in their discussions, plans, and actions. Group members have been able to feed into city-wide consultations around housing and homelessness, and to press for better resources that are vital to people in their community to sustain secure and happy living.

Building Understanding

The group members also help information about housing and homelessness prevention reach into the community. During their daily lives they often meet people in their neighbourhood who are experiencing challenges that could lead to their housing being at greater risk. Their enhanced knowledge from participating in the group (for example, from some of the workshops or invited specialist speakers) means that they can signpost people to sources of support, information, and advice that can move them away from the risks of homelessness, and into a more secure situation. This makes for a stronger community, where there is a greater knowledge and confidence when it comes to housing rights.

*Source: Homeless Link’s “Early Doors Project Evaluation” (Dr. Sarah Alden, Homeless Link Associate, and Sophie Price, Consultancy Manager, 2024)

We know that these groups work, and we’re continuing to develop new ones, including youth co-production groups, to explore the specific issues that young people face when it comes to housing and homelessness. We're committed to enabling communities to find the tools that can create lasting change and stop homelessness in its tracks.