OUR STORY
Hackney social entrepreneur Peter Merrifield conceived the HOMESWIM concept through his pioneering leadership of Support When It Matters (SWIM), which was established in 2019 to support London’s marginalised communities. Recognising the need for dedicated supportive housing, HOMESWIM complements SWIM's psychosocial interventions.
Our mission is to create inclusive, stable homes for people facing significant life challenges, particularly from African, Caribbean, and Dual Heritage backgrounds.
Through innovative partnerships and financing arrangements, HOMESWIM strives to combat homelessness, promote recovery, and inspire systemic change in the provision of supported housing.
Meet the Team
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
LOUISE MERRIFIELD
Louise Merrifield brings her expertise in supporting vulnerable adults within the criminal justice and substance misuse as well as a deep knowledge of housing benefit systems and regulations. Her commitment to culturally informed care has been pivotal in shaping our approach to supporting marginalised people from the global ethnic majority. Louise’s hands-on experience in managing complex cases helps her to design and implement interventions that are both effective and empathetic.
PROJECT CONSULTANT
PETER MERRIFIELD
Peter Merrifield is a Project Consultant to HOMESWIM, bringing over 15 years of experience in the social care sector, focused on supporting vulnerable adults within the criminal justice and substance misuse sectors. Peter has deep expertise in housing benefit systems, housing regulations, and project management. His role involves providing strategic guidance and oversight to ensure that our developments meet high standards of quality and effectiveness.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
RICHARD MORELAND
Richard brings a wealth of experience in competitive tendering and business growth. With a background in advising social enterprises and start-ups, Richard excels in identifying and securing contracts and grant funding opportunities. Richard is playing a key role in the development and service expansion of our business.