Guest blog by Mike Graham, CEO, Lantern Trust  

At Lantern Trust, every service we deliver begins with one principle: the voice of lived experience must lead the way. This isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation of our entire approach. People who have walked the path know best what support truly looks like, and their insights shape everything we do. 

Our Integrated Model of Support reflects this. Each hub space is designed around the unique character and needs of the community it serves. As Cormac Russell reminds us, “Nothing about us without us.” These hubs aren’t imposed—they grow from the ground up, led by the community, for the community. And through strong partnerships, we ensure that this model is not only sustainable but deeply rooted in local voices. 

Two initiatives exemplify this commitment: REN and I Am More Than. These projects matter because they amplify voices that are too often unheard. As a charity, we don’t just support this work—we believe it’s the only way to ensure our communities are truly represented. REN and I Am More Than have had a profound impact on me personally. They’ve reshaped how I see leadership and service design. Today, this approach is integral to every aspect of Lantern’s work. 

When we piloted this model with people experiencing homelessness, the results were transformative. The researchers didn’t just guide us—they empowered themselves and others through their involvement. It wasn’t just research; it was liberation. At first, I was consumed by questions: Why will this work? What’s the destination? What outcomes will we see? But I learned to trust the process and let the researchers lead. That trust changed everything. 

This is the future of Lantern Trust: services shaped by lived experience, partnerships built on trust, and communities empowered to lead their own change. Thank you for being part of this journey.