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Our Volunteer Roles

Our volunteer network relies on people like you to host, transport or support young people in crisis. You can play a pivotal role in providing safety, stability, and a new start for those facing homelessness.
Host for Us
Drive for Us

Why Volunteer?

Open Homes Nottingham volunteer teaching a young man to cook in a modern kitchen, supporting homeless youth

Utilise your skills to volunteer for Nightstop

Combat homelessness in your community by offering a spare room or driving support. Sharing your resources and time provides young guests with more than a home or a lift, it shows you care.

Open Homes Nottingham volunteers welcoming a young woman at the doorstep, providing support for homeless youth

Be Part of a Network Changing Nottingham for the Better

From our drivers to our hosts to our on-call support staff, becoming part of Nightstop means becoming part of a Christ-centred community.
Open Homes Nottingham volunteer leading a discussion with young people around a wooden table, providing support for homeless youth

Join a Holistic Support Team

Nightstop offers more than just a night's sleep. Throughout a placement, we coordinate between hosts, guests, and support workers to ensure comprehensive care.
Volunteer With Us

Hosting for Nightstop

How to Become a Nightstop Host

Whether you’re working, studying or retired, hosting fits around you. Pick a placement that works for you, for however long you’re available.

Host For Us

a typical night hosting

A young couple from Open Homes Nottingham happily engaged with a smartphone, symbolising the connection and support offered to young homeless individuals.

1. Take the call

On nights that you’re available to host, our team will call to confirm you’re free and will brief you on your potential guest.

Warm and welcoming Open Homes Nottingham volunteers in a friendly conversation, representing the community's commitment to supporting homeless youth

2. meet and greet

A Nightstop driver will transport the guest to you, to arrive at the time you’ve specified.

Young adult preparing his belongings in a serene and safe Open Homes Nottingham accommodation, highlighting the support for homeless youth in their journey towards stability.

3. Settle them in

Show your guest to their room for the night and let them settle in.

An Open Homes Nottingham volunteer engaging in a heartfelt discussion with a young person over a meal, showcasing the nurturing environment provided for the well-being of homeless youth.

4. enjoy a meal

Takeaway or home-cooked dinner: guests love sharing meals with their hosts. Nightstop will advise you in advance of dietary requirements.

A heartwarming scene of a diverse Open Homes Nottingham family together, depicting the inclusive support network for young individuals in need.

5. Give them options

After dinner, popcorn and a movie or chatting about your day are a great way to help your guest unwind, or leave them chill in their room.

Focused young resident of Open Homes Nottingham using a smartphone to access resources, symbolising the support for connectivity and empowerment.

6. Rise and Shine

In the morning, help make sure the young person is up and ready for college or work.

Open Homes Nottingham volunteer and young person sharing a healthy breakfast, illustrating the supportive daily life in the emergency accommodation.

7. start the day

Tea, coffee or cornflakes: offer breakfast and a snack/packed lunch to fuel them for the day.

Warm welcome at the door by Open Homes Nottingham volunteers, creating an inviting atmosphere for young people seeking emergency housing support.

8. On their way

Say your goodbyes: you’ve made an extraordinary difference to a young person’s future.

Cheerful Open Homes Nottingham volunteer coordinating support over the phone, illustrating the dedicated assistance provided to homeless youth.

9. Team Check in

Our team will call you after the placement to review any issues or challenges.

    Host for Us
    After a couple of nights hosting Deborah told us:
    “Making such a difference to a young person’s life gives me a deep sense of satisfaction.”
    Ruth said she was initially a bit nervous about hosting.
    “But it’s great: I’ve learned so much from the young people who’ve stayed with me.”
    Experienced host Nikki said,
    “it’s a great feeling when you see a young person start to relax and feel safe.”
    David still can’t get over being part of someone’s journey out of homelessness.
    “It's a real joy to see their apprehension melt away as they begin to feel comfortable with us."
    Hosting is an amazingly rewarding experience for Ian.

    “You’re helping a young person get back on track."

      Drive for Nightstop

      Be the driving force for change

      Help a young person reach their placement safely by volunteering as a Nightstop driver at hours that suit you

      Drive for Us

      a typical drive for nightstop

      Close-up of a volunteer on a call, highlighting Open Homes Nottingham’s commitment to providing accessible support and advice to youth in need.

      1. take the call

      Nightstop staff call to find out if you’re free for a drop-off.

      Pick up and drop off point sign against a dusk sky, indicating the accessible locations for Open Homes Nottingham's emergency accommodation services.

      2. location, location, location

      Meet young person at the agreed location: always somewhere open and easy to park

      Focused Open Homes Nottingham volunteer driving to provide transport for young homeless individuals in need of emergency accommodation services.

      3. break the ice

      Football, fashion, food: chatting on the way to the host home helps the young person relax

      Open Homes Nottingham volunteer assisting a young person with luggage, demonstrating the practical support provided to youth facing homelessness.

      4. door to door

      Help your guest find their home for the night by walking them to the door and waiting for the host to answer

      Warm and welcoming Open Homes Nottingham volunteers in a friendly conversation, representing the community's commitment to supporting homeless youth.

      5. on your way

      Leave the young person to settle in.
      Content young individual in Open Homes Nottingham lodging, finding joy in a moment of relaxation with a smartphone, highlighting a supportive and homely environment.

      6. team check in

      Confirm to our team that the young person has arrived safely.
        Drive for Us
        David understands how daunting a first placement is for a young person.
        “I assure them how lovely the hosts are, and that they volunteer because they care.”
        Ian takes seriously his responsibility as a guest’s first contact with their host.
        “It’s important to make them feel as relaxed as possible.”
        Sarah sees driving for Nightstop as a privilege.

        "It's such an honour to get to meet these young people and hear their stories."

          Other ways to help

          From social media expertise to sponsered challenges, there are many ways you can help us battle homelessness. Get in touch today to discuss contributing your time and your skills.

          Volunteer With Us

          Policy Creation

          Graphic Design

          Social Media

          Fundraising

          Frequently Asked Questions

          How can I get involved with Nightstop?

          We’re always looking for new volunteers to join our team as hosts, drivers and supporters. Find out more about how we work and what you can do to help by looking through our FAQ section.
          How do I become a volunteer with Nightstop?

          To become a volunteer, start by filling out our online application form on the Nightstop section of the Open Homes Nottingham website. After submission, a member of our team will contact you to discuss the next steps, which typically include a background check, an interview, and training sessions to prepare you for hosting, driving, or supporting roles.

          What are the requirements to volunteer as a host?

          Volunteer hosts need to have a spare bedroom available for the young person to use, along with a willingness to provide a welcoming and safe environment. No special qualifications are required, but hosts must complete our training program, which covers everything from safeguarding to effective communication with young guests.

          Can I choose when I volunteer or how often I host a guest?

          Absolutely. We understand that our volunteers have personal and professional commitments. During the sign-up process, you can specify your availability and preferences, including how often you'd like to host and when you're available to drive. We strive to make volunteering with Nightstop as flexible and rewarding as possible for everyone involved.

          What support is available for volunteers?

          Nightstop is committed to supporting our volunteers every step of the way. This includes comprehensive training before you start, ongoing advice, and 24/7 support from our team during placements. We ensure you feel fully equipped and confident in your role, whether you're hosting, driving, or providing support in other ways.

          More FAQs

          Are you ready to make a difference?

          Ready to make a difference? Join Nightstop as a volunteer and help young people in Nottingham find safety and support. Contact us to learn more about how you can contribute.

          Volunteer With Us
          Two Open Homes Nottingham volunteers sitting on a sofa in a cosy living room, supporting homeless youth