📍 Manchester | 26 June 2025
We were proud and truly chuffed to have our very own Project Leader, Thom Lynch, invited to speak at the Housing 2025 Conference in Manchester this week.
Thom joined an impactful panel of passionate leaders in the Homes and Governance Theatre, speaking on “The Human Cost of the Housing Crisis.” He stood alongside changemakers from across the UK – from frontline healthcare leaders to national housing advocates – each bringing powerful insights into what needs to shift to create safe, dignified homes and stronger communities.
Thom brought something unique: the heart of Matthew’s House – a grassroots project built on radical hospitality, hope, and a belief that everyone needs purpose, community and a place to belong. He shared stories of people we’ve met, supported, and stood alongside. Real people. Real lives. Real hope. Moments and stories of recovery, hope, resilience, and local impact – and reminded everyone that it takes more than bricks and mortar to build a life. It takes love. Culture. Purpose. Belonging.
We were especially honoured to share the stage with an incredible panel of passionate changemakers, including:
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Dr Laura Neilson (Shared Health Foundation)
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Henrietta Blackmore (Habitat for Humanity GB)
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Lucy Parish (Hopestead)
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And chaired by Peter Apps (Inside Housing)
In Thom’s words:
“You can have the nicest place… but without a purpose and a positive community, people still fall through the cracks. With those things, people don’t just survive – they thrive. That’s what we’re building in Swansea.”
The response was amazing. New connections were made with charities, businesses, and organisations keen to support, partner, or help our work grow – especially around housing ideas and the Hope in Swansea app, which several attendees were eager to sign up to and promote in their own communities.
We’re grateful to the organisers and the other brilliant panellists for the encouragement, the challenge, and the sense of shared purpose. And we’re especially proud of Thom – who held his own with warmth, honesty, and conviction. 💛
Here’s to continued hope, hospitality, and the power of showing what’s possible – together.
#Hope #Hospitality #Changemakers #Housing2025 #Swansea #CommunityMatters #PurposeAndPeople