Can you provide a Nightstop?

By Angela Gooch on May 26th, 2007

“I HAD begun to think, why should I care about anyone? No-one cares about me. Then I found that some people - total strangers - did care. It was a turning point for me.” Nightstop service user.

Nationally there are a large number of young homeless people with no-where to go. There is currently very little emergency accommodation available to help these young people.

East Lindsey District Council is working in conjunction with other agencies and the national charity, Nightstop UK, to set up a Nightstop scheme within the district.

Two sessions have been arranged by the District Council for people to find out more about the scheme and about becoming a volunteer. A volunteer who has first hand experience will be available to answer questions and provide advice.

The scheme provides up to three night’s accommodation for a young person aged between 16 and 25 in a volunteer’s home, including washing facilities, food and a friendly listening ear.

The Council’s Housing Research Officer, Helen Wright, said the scheme keeps a young person safe and in a friendly environment whilst allowing agencies time to find more permanent accommodation: “As a host, you and the young person will have access to support from the Nightstop organisation and East Lindsey Support Workers throughout the young person’s stay,” she explained.

The sessions take place as follows:
· June 19, 2007, at Skegness Town Hall on North Parade at 6.30pm
· June 21, 2007 at St Michael’s School, Monks Dyke Road, Louth at 6.30pm.
If you would like to find out more about the scheme or to become a volunteer, contact the Council Housing Enabling Team on 08446 601111.