Ashford Homelessness Partnership Summit brings services together to drive change

Tackling homelessness requires more than a single service or organisation. It requires partnership, understanding, and a shared commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

That was the focus of the Ashford Homelessness Partnership Summit, held on 9 October, which brought together professionals, organisations, community groups and people with lived experience to explore how we can work collectively to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

Bringing Different Voices Together

The summit created a valuable opportunity for agencies and partners from across the sector to come together to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing people experiencing homelessness, including mental health support, addiction services, accommodation pathways and the barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing the help they need.

A key strength of the event was the diversity of voices in the room. Alongside professionals working across housing, health and support services, people with lived experience of homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges shared their personal stories and insights.

These conversations reinforced the importance of designing services around the people who use them and ensuring that lived experience helps shape future approaches and decision-making.

The Power of Collaboration

Throughout the day, there was a clear sense of shared purpose and determination to strengthen partnership working across Ashford.

Attendees valued the opportunity to connect with organisations they may not regularly work alongside, share knowledge and identify ways to improve collaboration. Many reflected on the positive and inclusive atmosphere created by bringing together so many people who are passionate about reducing homelessness and improving lives.

One attendee said:

"Thank you and your team so much for the invitation to the Homeless Summit. It felt so good to be included and to be around so many people who are passionate about this issue. I really appreciated being given the chance to contribute and it made our service feel valued for what it can bring to tackling homelessness in Ashford."

Another commented:

"Thank you for the invite to the summit and congratulations on putting on such an event. It was a great opportunity to speak with so many different people who are contributing to helping people experiencing homelessness. It was a real privilege to be included."

Centring Lived Experience

One of the summit's speakers, Bill James from the Lived Experience Network (LENs), spoke about his own experiences and the important role lived experience can play in shaping services and driving meaningful change.

Reflecting on the event, Bill said:

"I found the summit to be a powerful and moving experience. It was inspiring to see professionals and people with lived experience coming together with a shared commitment to improving support for people experiencing homelessness. Sharing my own journey and discussing the role of lived experience in service design reinforced the importance of working collaboratively to create meaningful change."

His contribution highlighted the value of listening to those who have experienced homelessness first-hand and ensuring their voices are embedded within future service development.

Looking Ahead

The summit demonstrated the strength of partnership working across Ashford and the shared commitment of organisations, community groups and residents to create better outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

While the event provided an important opportunity to reflect, learn and connect, it also marked the beginning of ongoing conversations and collaboration. The ideas, relationships and actions developed throughout the day will continue through future partnership working groups and joint initiatives.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and shared their experiences. By continuing to work together, we can build stronger support networks, remove barriers to accessing services and help create lasting positive change for those affected by homelessness across Ashford.