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AMPLIFYING VOICES THROUGH THE LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY FORUM (LEAF)
Since its launch in 2019, the Lived Experience Advisory Forum (LEAF) has been crucial in affecting positive change within Oxfordshire’s homelessness sector, with tangible results already evident today. The forum - which forms a part of the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement and for which Aspire is a founding member and champion - gives people with experience of homelessness the chance
to voice their opinion and be included as part of Oxfordshire’s solution. LEAF is now changing the narrative on homelessness, one conversation at a time.
“Everyone
made me feel really welcome, and it allowed us the space to have conversations that I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to have. I enjoyed it!”
RYAN, LEAF MEMBER
“People are part
of the solution - not the problem. Each person is a unique individual with their own story, goals and interests. We need to truly listen and work together to do better as a collective.”
NIKKI, HEAD OF EMPLOYMENT PROJECTS AT ASPIRE
To date, LEAF has completed a peer-led research study alongside Crisis and Imogen Blood & Associates into a housing-led approach to the homelessness sector for Oxfordshire, with LEAF members interviewing over thirty local residents experiencing homelessness. This data provided real insight, depth and learning for the county’s sector, and has contributed towards the recommissioning of Oxfordshire’s homeless pathway, so that people experiencing homelessness will be at its core.
Rachel, Women’s Project’ participant and House Mentor
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