About this Event
About Speak Out 2026
In 2026, Groundswell celebrates its 30th anniversary – and we’re bringing back one of the events that helped start it all.
Speak Out 2026 will bring together people with lived experience of homelessness, people working across homelessness and health, and those with the power to influence policy, services and systems.
It will be a day to listen, share experiences, challenge each other and explore some of the biggest issues facing people experiencing homelessness today.
Groundswell’s original Speak Out events in the 1990s were created because the voices of people experiencing homelessness were too often ignored in policy and practice. They brought together people described at the time as ‘service users’ and ‘service providers’ to have honest conversations and find solutions together.
Thirty years later, we want to reawaken that tradition.
A lot has changed in homelessness over the past three decades – for better and for worse. Speak Out 2026 is an opportunity to ask what needs to change next, and to make sure lived experience is at the heart of that conversation.
A different kind of event
People with lived experience of homelessness are at the heart of Speak Out 2026.
They have chosen the discussion topics and performances, designed the artwork you will see on the day, and will play a central role in introducing sessions, capturing conversations and sharing what we learn.
Together, we want to create an atmosphere of honesty, bravery and care – where lived experience voices take centre stage and professionals are encouraged to leave their job titles at the door.
This isn’t about speaking for people.
It’s about speaking with each other.
What to expect
The day will include opportunities for:
- Discussion and dialogue around issues chosen by people with lived experience
- Hearing directly from people affected by homelessness
- Creative performances and contributions
- Sharing experiences across different parts of the homelessness and health sectors
- Connecting with people who may approach the same challenges from very different perspectives
- Exploring what needs to change and how we can use our power and insights to making that happen
A detailed programme for the day will be shared with attendees closer to the event.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.