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2025 Recap
As we draw to the end of 2025, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the year and share a few highlights with you.
It’s been a year of meaningful and varied work. We’ve continued our research into food insecurity across York and North Yorkshire, supported the City of York Council in developing its Drugs and Alcohol Strategy, and facilitated workshops on local welfare benefits in partnership with the Welfare Benefits Unit, the University of York and Healthwatch York.
We were also delighted to be invited to join the national Right to Try Work DWP Collaboration Committee, contributing to discussions on disability reform. We were proud to be the only lived-experience organisation from York invited to take part.
One particular highlight was Miles taking part in a research trip to Greenland with Good Organisation CIC, who run walking tours in York, led by people with direct experience of homelessness. This visit explored how similar models might work in Greenland, sparking valuable learning and inspiration for those affected by homelessness. It also gave Miles the opportunity to expand his ongoing research on homelessness, building on previous findings from Hungary, Italy and Switzerland – to understand challenges and similarities people face outside of the UK too.
Alongside this work, we’ve forged some brilliant new partnerships and strengthened existing ones. We’re grateful to continue working alongside so many people doing great things and we feel genuinely lucky to be part of such a passionate and committed community.
At the heart of it all, we’ve welcomed many new faces into our Community Café alongside those who join us week after week. Together, we’ve built a warm and welcoming space where people come together each Monday afternoon for connection – and keep coming back.
A huge thank you to everyone who has worked alongside us this year. We’re looking ahead to 2026 with optimism and purpose, as we continue our mission to address homelessness, addiction and mental ill health by involving people with lived experience to improve services.
We’re always keen to connect with anyone who would like to learn more about what we do or explore working together.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2026.
Astrid and Miles
Other News
Bringing Lived Experience to the DWP Collaboration Committee
Lived Insights Joins ‘Digital Friendly York’ Partnership
Greenland and York connect around homelessness
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – Committee Work Begins July 2025
