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Collaboration and Insights from the Latest Frontline Network Partners Meeting

Collaboration and Insights from the Latest Frontline Network Partners Meeting

Collaboration and Insights from the Latest Frontline Network Partners Meeting

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

 

On Tuesday 19th March, frontline network leads from across the UK gathered at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) in London for the latest Frontline Network Partners meeting. It was a packed day of updates, discussions and collaboration, bringing together passionate individuals dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness. 

Latest from the Frontline Network 

The day kicked off with an update from our CEO, Duncan Shrubsole, on the Government task and finish group, where he’s been raising issues identified by frontline workers in our 2024 Frontline Worker Survey, feeding into the government’s work to develop a new homelessness strategy. Click here to take part in our 2025 survey. 

Naomi and Tom from the Frontline Network team then shared exciting plans for upcoming training programmes and the 2025 Annual Conference on 24th June. They are currently in the process of planning sessions and deciding on the conference theme, so watch this space for more details! 

Partner Updates: What’s Happening on the Ground? 

The heart of the day was the Frontline Network Partner updates, where leads from across the UK shared their local wins, challenges and future plans. Here’s a snapshot of what was covered: 

Brighton & Hove: They’ve been running workshops, hosting ‘Learning Lunches’ such as their local housing department session and promoting trauma-informed practices. With Youth Homelessness Matters Day approaching, it’s a vital opportunity for them to highlight support for younger people at risk. 

Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde: Frontline Network Coordinator Kim Hughes highlighted new collaborations with their local Shelter team for in-person and online training, plus networking at local jobs fairs and open weekends. Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, has been amplifying their work, too. 

Coventry: They held two events recently: a forum for homelessness colleagues in Coventry and the midlands, and a consultation focused on local council’s budget cuts to welfare provision. They also attended the Coventry City Council modern slavery workgroup and Early Help homelessness outcome group. Coming up: a forum on 2nd April focusing on supported exempt accommodation. 

Leeds Women’s Homelessness: They’ve been developing an influencing plan to improve gender- and trauma-informed pathways, strengthen partnerships and co-produce evidence-based solutions with women who have experienced homelessness. 

Northern Ireland: The network have been hosting workshops on substance use and networking events for floating support in Belfast. And in April, there will be a temporary accommodation meet-up in Derry/Londonderry, facilitated by Homeless Connect. 

Pan-London Migrant Frontline Network (PLFLN): Praxis, who facilitate the PLFLN, have been advocating for change over the past few months. They met with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to discuss the causes of migrant homelessness, responded to the GLA Rough Sleeping Plan of Action, and even met with Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali MP.  

Scotland: Training on economic abuse and the economic impacts of gender-based violence is in the works, plus a youth homelessness event in May with Rock Trust and Cyrenians youth advisors. They’re also conducting peer research across five areas of Scotland, through All in for Change, and having discussions with the Scottish Government on their budget for homelessness prevention pilots. 

Spotlight on Migrant Homelessness 

After hearing updates from Frontline Network Partners across the UK, Project Lead from Praxis, Bethan Lant, led a powerful session on migrant experiences of homelessness, asking: what are you seeing in your area? Aiming to identify the key issues around migrant homelessness and how these experiences differ from experiences in London, the room split into breakout groups to discuss the topic, before sharing back with their colleagues. 

A Valuable Day of Collaboration 

“The partners meetings are incredibly valuable in supporting connection and collaboration amongst all regional coordinators. The opportunity to share learnings and successes together is vital in the development of our individual networks and supporting frontline workers. I personally always leave inspired, feeling part of a great team and with a long "to do" list from the great ideas shared in the room.  

This coupled with national updates and the mechanic to feed into policy as a collective, via the St Martin-in-the-Fields voice is integral to changing the face of homelessness. We know that homelessness is a complex matter that is best approached from a holistic view so any opportunity to share experience and expertise is crucial - we are stronger together!” - Kim Hughes, Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Frontline Network

“I always find our partner meetings valuable - it's helpful to learn about what's happening in other parts of the country - where there may be similar issues and, more importantly, ideas and suggestions for addressing them - learning from those beyond our local network. And it's the being able to meet in person that really makes the difference - making connections in a way that you can't always do via a video screen.” - Kate Standing, Brighton and Hove Frontline Network 

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, and for bringing their ideas and passion to the session! 

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