REDDITCH Nightstop, in partnership with youth homelessness charity Depaul UK, is celebrating National Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7) by shining the spotlight on the vital work of Nightstop hosts do.
These are people who open their homes to young homeless people facing a night on the streets or sleeping in an unsafe place and who help change the lives of countless young people.
The appeal comes as Redditch Nightstop marks its 25th anniversary helping youngsters ar risk of becoming homeless.
Communities and charities run Nightstop services in more than 30 locations around the UK, led and supported by Depaul UK.
In 2021, volunteers provided more than 6,000 safe nights of accommodation to people across the Nightstop network.
Sarah, who has recently retired from hosting described her experience.
“Some years ago, we were at a meeting about a completely different matter, when someone present mentioned Nightstop, and said they were seeking emergency hosts.
“As our children had left home, and we have spare rooms, we became Nightstop hosts.
“We provided a warm welcome, bed, breakfast, an evening meal in some cases, and support and encouragement if needed.
“For us, it was a chance to learn about some of the problems young people can face when made homeless, for whatever reason.
“It isn’t much, but we felt that, however small a contribution we were making, it was helping a young person make a start to sorting out their life.”
One young person accommodated by a host said: “I feel like there is a future for me now. Like I have potential and there’s something for me that I can do and there’s something that I can add to the world.”
for more on becoming a Nightstop volunteer in Redditch visit the Depaul UK website or www.redditchnightstop.co.uk for more information or call 01527 66036.
