Standing Tall Summit 2025: Inspiring Journeys, Real Impact, and the Power of Partnership
The first annual Standing Tall Summit, sponsored by Barclays, celebrated courage, compassion, and resilience, highlighting the profound impact of the Standing Tall model in transforming lives and generating social impact.
On Thursday, 16th October 2025, purpose-driven businesses and individuals convened at the Library of Birmingham for a day of honest conversations with people who have experienced homelessness, the hosts who welcomed them, and the employers who hired them.
The inaugural Summit brought together a community of changemakers united by a shared commitment to ending homelessness. It celebrated the resilience and achievements of people who, through Standing Tall, have transformed their lives, and reminded everyone that we all have a role to play in creating lasting change.
Attendees included Employer Partners leading the way in inclusive recruitment, Amici Hosts, and supporters. A representative of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was also in attendance. Sectors represented ranged from Construction, Recruitment, Banking, and Rail Services to Engineering, Facilities, and Transportation.
Powerful stories of resilience and hope shared by Tyler, Aisha, and Josh in our first panel of the day.
Panel 1: From Surviving to Thriving
The first panel, hosted by Ben Rafiqi MBE, featured Tyler Green, Aisha Nakanawagi, and Josh Chulk, who shared their inspiring journeys from homelessness to stability.
Tyler had been sofa surfing and struggling to find work after losing his home. After being told there wasn’t much support available, he was referred to Standing Tall by St Basils Charity. Through Standing Tall, he secured a job with Taziker and was welcomed into a safe home with Amici Host Anne.
“Standing Tall gave me the option to get into full-time work again, get back on the graft, which is something I love to do… gave me a roof, and gave me support as well. Going from sleeping in cars, not having food to eat to sleeping in a bed of my own. Yeah, it’s amazing. I feel great.”
Josh experienced street homelessness and initially lived in a shipping-container microflat run by Help Bristol’s Homeless. Struggling to find work, he was introduced to Standing Tall and placed at Serco, where he has been “really well supported”, and is currently living with Amici Host Becks.
“I went from absolute hopelessness to a place now where I’ve got a future, basically, in my eyes. I’ve got goals I can reach because I’ve got a foundation. [I feel] just a million times better.”
Aisha, a refugee who had been living in a hotel, faced eviction after receiving her official Home Office status with only two days’ notice. Standing Tall introduced her to a role at Network Rail. She is now living independently and approaching her one-year work anniversary.
“I felt I got myself back again. Like, I feel I’m in control of my life, which I didn’t have before… I should say, I’m really, really happy.”
Standing Tall Employer Partners share how business can be a force for good in helping people rebuild their lives through work.
Panel 2: The Business of Changing Lives
The second panel, hosted by Lara Millmow, Head of Partnerships at Standing Tall, highlighted how Employer Partners use work to provide stability and opportunity.
Steve Jones of ISS UK & Ireland, reflected on the rapid impact of hiring through Standing Tall: “It sounded too good to be true at first, but now we're six [recruits] in and it is amazing. In just three weeks, we've seen someone go from homelessness to a stable job and home — and we've done it five more times since. We’ve learned we can be the catalyst to help end homelessness. It’s like magic.”
Elizabeth Graham of Network Rail, highlighted the mutual benefit: “The calibre of candidates coming through Standing Tall is phenomenal. Their life experience, engagement, and gratitude not only transform their own lives but also deliver real value for our business and our customers. Being part of that change is incredibly rewarding.”
Michael Lambe of M. Lambe Construction commented on cultural impact and team pride: “Standing Tall is a perfect fit for our business. We have entry-level roles and a skills shortage, so we can provide meaningful opportunities while making a real social impact. Seeing the difference it makes on our sites and in our teams is incredible.”
Stewart Gruffydd-Jones of Serco emphasised structured, measurable impact: “Our motivation is impact. Standing Tall lets us not just fund change, but be part of it by providing employability one person at a time. This isn’t just charity. It’s meaningful, measurable impact, and we’ve seen the benefits firsthand.”
The panel agreed that real change happens one person at a time. Stewart urged companies to “just do it,” while Michael reminded everyone that “in a world where compassion feels in short supply, business has a duty to act.”
Standing Tall Amici Hosts Ann, Trish, and Siobhan reflect on the rewards of opening their homes and supporting others to thrive.
Panel 3: Keys to a New Future
The final panel, hosted by Joel Webster, Birmingham Talent Scout, focused on Amici Hosts who open their homes and hearts. Joel reminded the audience that Standing Tall’s impact comes from “one-to-one support, a stable job, and a safe home” and described Amici Hosts as “hidden heroes”.
Trish Mulholland, Amici Host in London, reflected about her experience.
“I’ve learnt a lot about myself…Being able to empathise and listen before and recognising that, you know, it doesn’t magically all go away because they’ve got somewhere to live and a job. It’s a journey.”
Ann Tierney, Amici Host in Birmingham, shared the pride of seeing her guests thrive. She celebrated his determination to build a life for himself and the meaningful role hosting played in supporting his ambitions.
“Tyler, he’s helped himself, let’s say.”
Siobhan Clayton, Amici Host in Birmingham, emphasised the personal rewards of opening her home and noted that hosting is a shared experience for her family as well.
“It’s just a privilege to be a small part of something that’s really big.”
Through these stories, the panel highlighted that Standing Tall is about more than providing a room. It is about the compassion to understand, the patience to support, and the human connections that make lasting change possible.
Meaningful conversations spark new thinking on collective action to end homelessness in our interactive workshop.
A Day of Connection and Inspiration
After lunch, the Standing Tall team led a workshop titled Ending Homelessness Together: The Role We Can All Play. Tables were facilitated by team members and Trustees, with participants deliberately mixed to include responsible businesses, Hosts, people helped by Standing Tall, and other supporters.
The room buzzed with conversation as attendees shared valuable insights and practical ideas. The discussion encouraged reflection on how individuals and organisations can contribute to ending homelessness and inspired everyone to see the difference they can make.
Networking opportunities were available during lunch and at the end of the event, allowing attendees to connect and share insights.
Closing Reflections
The Summit proved that transformation is happening every day through partnership, mentorship, and opportunity. The stories shared, insights gained, and connections made left attendees inspired and energised.
The Choir With No Name Birmingham provided a moving send-off, filling the room with music and celebrating the spirit of community at the heart of Standing Tall.
One sentiment resonated with all: this Summit was not an endpoint but the beginning of a movement to change lives for the better where we all have a role to play.
Attendees left motivated and connected, already looking forward to next year’s summit on Thursday, 15th October 2026.
