It’s here – our 2025 impact report and it’s so full of incredible achievements.
As we look back on 2025, we’re filled with pride, gratitude, and momentum. This past year has been one of transformation not just in the numbers we’ve reached, but in the people we’ve met, visitors we’ve chatted with, guides we’ve trained and recruited the stories we’ve shared, and the cities we’ve brought to life through the voices of those incredible guides.
To everyone who has supported us – thank you.
Whether you booked a tour, told a friend about us, donated, or partnered with us, you are part of the reason this impact was possible.
But we’re just getting started.
Here’s how you can help us grow even further in 2026:
- đź”—Book a tour in one of our 8 cities
- đź”—Donate to our 2026 Crowdfunder and help us deliver our 10th birthday Roadshow
- đź”—Partner with us to support training, employment, and community care
Our 2025 Highlights
🌍 3 New Cities Launched
We expanded to Aberdeen, the Scottish Borders, and Liverpool – bringing Invisible Cities to 8 UK locations.
🗣️ 28 People Trained | 22 Guides Delivering Tours
Together, we delivered 7,472 tour experiences, including 601 free community tours to schools, support groups, and local communities.
❤️ 1,060 Care Packages Created
Our work goes far beyond tours – we provided ongoing tailored support, mental health signposting, financial advice, and personal check-ins.
đź’¬ 97.7% of guests would recommend our tours
And not just because they loved the facts. Because they left with a new perspective on homelessness, told by the people who’ve lived it.
📢 Incredible Collaborations
We partnered with the BBC, The Royal Foundation, Timpson Foundation, STV, TrainSplit, Mercure Hotels, and more.
🗺️ 10 New Tours Designed
From the North Bridge Tour in Edinburgh to the Hospitality Tour in Glasgow and the Oasis Tour in Manchester, our guides brought fresh stories to life across the UK.
As a Living Wage Employer, we’re proud to uplift people in practical ways that include a reliable income, wider financial support and help understanding common processes, administrative needs and day to day help.
What Our Guides Say
Our guides are the heart of everything we do. And they have plenty to say – not just about the history and culture of their city, but about their hopes and the impact of sharing their stories.
“It means a lot for me. I love meeting people from all over the world. I can be a bit loud sometimes and I like it—being a guide is brilliant.”
– Sonny, Glasgow
Sonny’s tours surprise guests with hidden history: punishment walls, marked ears, and tales of “Bible John.” But what really moves people is his story – his journey, his warmth, and the pride he takes in his city. One guest even ended the tour in tears, moved by Sonny’s story of transformation.
“It empowers me and helps me believe in myself. I’ve learned about media, podcasting—and now I’m at college studying IT!”
– Brian, Glasgow
Brian’s love for Glasgow is infectious. He tells the story of Maggie McIver and the Barrowlands with passion, and he’s built strong ties with a local care home – bringing walks, chats, and joy to residents.
“Being a guide is rewarding, exciting, and helped me overcome my shyness. I want guests to remember that Glasgow is a fantastic city with an incredible maritime history—and that Glaswegians are the funniest people in the world!”
– Silvana, Glasgow
Silvana’s Riverside Tour is filled with unexpected revelations – from the Clyde once being just a shallow stream, to the miners who carved out tunnels with impossible labour. Her guests often say: “Wow, I didn’t know that!”
What Our Guests Say
“A fascinating experience, delivered with great enthusiasm… a unique and authentic perspective.”
– Sebastian, Edinburgh
“The tour gave us an amazing insight into the city and homelessness. This is a tour provider with a golden heart.”
– John C, MBA student group leader
“You learn, you support, you enjoy—all in one.”
– Annabel D, Business Client
Looking Ahead to 2026: 10 Cities in 10 Years
Next year is a big one: we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary with a UK Roadshow and Gala in Edinburgh to mark the launch of our 10th city!
And you can be part of it.
📦 Request a 10th Birthday Partner Pack
Be a headline sponsor, support our events, or simply lend a hand. Let’s make 2026 our boldest, most impactful year yet.
👉 Contact us now to find out more!
To our community of supporters, guides, partners, and guests:
Thank you for believing in us.
Thank you for showing up.
And thank you for helping us make our cities more visible – one story at a time.
Zakia and the Invisible Cities team xx
đź’ś Read the full impact report here.
Belfast, The City Beneath and the People that Shaped it.
Liverpool: A City in Recovery
