“For people who are considering signing up as a Nightstop host, I’d say: ‘Do it! I don’t think you’ll ever regret it’”
Lesley, Nightstop Host
What is Nightstop?
Nightstop provides emergency overnight accommodation for young people aged 16 – 25 in Nottingham in the home of a volunteer host. By providing a safe and welcoming place to stay Nightstop helps interrupt the cycle of homelessness and offers a real chance to move on from challenging circumstances. Each night a host is contacted for the young person to stay with. Open Homes also offer transport to accommodation by volunteer drivers.
Who Can Host?
Like our guests, our hosts come from all walks of life, and we greatly value that diversity. We look for volunteers who are kind, non-judgmental, reliable and able to maintain boundaries. Some of our hosts live alone, some in partnerships, some in families. The most important thing is being able to offer a haven for a young person in need.
Who uses Nightstop?
Around 75% of guests who used Nightstop become homeless because of family or relationship breakdown. Referrals are made by other professionals and agencies (including local councils school, college or social workers and support workers). 49% of Nightstop guests were in education, employment or training at the time of referral. So many of the guests with Nightstop are committed to moving forward positively with their lives.
How would Nightstop support me to make sure my household is safe?
Before young people are given a Nightstop placement, Nightstop conducts a thorough needs assessment, understanding their background, the support they require and to ensure Nightstop is the right service for them from professionals who know the young person. While you are hosting, the Nightstop team will check in with you and there is someone available 24/7 to provide on-call support.
Could you offer your spare room to a young person in need?
Nightstop is a local community response to a local need. If you’re interested in becoming a Nightstop host, or would just like further information about our work, then please get in touch today.