Astrid Hanlon
Hi I’m Astrid, I live in York and come from a background in environmental research and conservation. The path that’s truly shaped me has been anything but straight, it’s meandered, often painfully, etched with learning along the way. There’s been some tough chapters, single motherhood, addiction, facing the criminal justice system and times of hidden homelessness.
These experiences have opened my eyes to how complicated, overwhelming, and often unfair the system can be for people just trying to get back on their feet. But they also showed me the power of community, the strength in shared stories, and the real possibility of change when people with direct experience come together.
Now, I’m using what I’ve learned to be part of that change. I want to work alongside people who’ve been there, to work collaboratively in defiance of the labels we may be given, beyond the confines of roles we may hold, and help build a future where no one is left behind.
You can contact me directly at astrid@livedinsights.org
Miles Goring
Hi I’m Miles,
My back story:
I live in York and worked in the financial sector for over 20 years, then a period leading a housing scheme for the councils across North Yorkshire. I’ve brought up my family here so I’m passionate about their futures. It’s true I went through a very dark period of my life in my forties, facing many battles around mental health and addiction struggles, ultimately becoming homeless in my late 40’s. It’s taken me into my mid 50’s to settle with a new way to live and once more feel secure. Support systems are fractured, no matter how much money gets thrown at them, I’ve managed to come through them, mostly, which ignited my passion for real changes, so that fewer people experience what I and many others do. That’s why we do the work we do and why I’m proud of my involvement.
Why I do what we do:
We know this – when those that face some of the most difficult times in life have to reach out – when that critical help is needed most – the support structures in place aren’t good enough – not through a lack of trying or willingness , more that they were constructed without gathering the knowledge first from the people they were put in place to help – that cycle of quick fix ,sticky plaster isn’t sustainable support – a new shiny toy built on old thinking doesn’t represent change, it shows a lack of understanding what peoples needs actually are.
*What have I learnt:
Resilience – if it doesn’t work, reimagine a different way and be dogged when people shut doors, eventually a glimmer of light shines which is all you need
Community has all the answers anyone, any service needs – simply bring them into your conversations and create spaces that allow them to input ideas, however wild they might seem, an odd one often unleashes a golden wand moment.
Listen first – action last
Money sometimes isn’t the only answer – don’t get me wrong, it helps as part of finding ways through life yet connection is undervalued – the human spirit is like gold dust if nurtured with compassion and an understanding.
*What makes me proud:
I’m(we’re) still here! – no seriously – this work isn’t easy, nothing of true value ever is, however seeing our Community Research Hub@ St Denys grow, watching our research team evolve into confident, informed, knowledgeable individuals who care for each other, support each other outside of our work, laugh when they arrive, cry during moments(given the sensitive nature of the topics we research on), bicker in moments of frustration( if I’m allowed to say that without being bashed!).
Did I ever see us getting this far? – in moments, no is the truthful answer, its not easy establishing a brand new independent start-up organisation with the emphasis on lived experience led research truly informed through participatory research methodology versus established national groups, academic research giants who are nearly always the ‘go to space for research’ and the finance resources that follow.
Like many emerging enterprises, funding is tight, initially grant based mostly, hence why we are gearing towards a more self sustaining model of getting commissioned work for community based research, evaluation and delivering training. That’s the only way we can see ourselves growing so were always looking and asking if we can be that(your) partner to your organisations or services we could work alongside with our community team
*Where do I see us going?
I envision our Community Research Hub becoming a critical partner to the city in terms of making sure that Community leads on developing those vital statutory services, developing what residents actually wish for, leading on creating new pathways and polices that bring value across the board wherever they touch it
*Final wish(for now):
I would love to be able to say in a few years that Lived Insights helped establish firmly embedded Community research teams in every ward and area of York that now drive everything good that happens in the city – then our original vision has been fulfilled and our organsiational role is completed and redundant!
HELD BY – LED BY – DRIVEN FOR – BENEFIT FOR – A BETTER INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY IN YORK
You can contact me directly at miles@livedinsights.org