What is Nightstop?
Nightstop provides safe and secure accommodation for young people aged 18 – 25 who are or at risk of being homeless. Young people stay with a volunteer host who will provide them with their own room, evening meal and breakfast, washing facilities, the chance to wash and dry clothes, and someone to talk to or a quiet place to have some headspace.
Read young people’s stories about their experience on Nightstop by clicking on the link here: https://uk.depaulcharity.org/stories/
Young Person
We support young people who are homeless. This could be sleeping on someone’s sofa or floor, rough sleeping, staying somewhere they feel unsafe, and/or have been asked to leave their home.
We also provide respite for young people struggling in the family home, placement, or supported accommodation, and we will support them whilst in mediation or looking for a new place to live.
All young people need to complete a referral form with a support agency or a Nightstop staff member so they can be placed with a volunteer.
When a young person is accepted on to the project, we will show them who they are staying with and how to get there.
Once at the host’s home, they will be provided with their own room, evening meal and breakfast, washing facilities, the chance to wash and dry clothes, and someone to talk to or a quiet place to get some headspace. In the morning, if a young person needs a place to stay, they will return to the referral agency.
If you need somewhere to stay, please contact the Nightstop Team on +44 (0)1803 551578 or email nightstop@ymcasouthdevon.org.uk and we will talk you through the process.
Volunteer
Here at YMCA South Devon, we rely on ordinary people who host young people experiencing homelessness in their spare room. We also need people who can be Nightstop drivers to support young people to make their way safely to the volunteer’s home.
Our volunteers come from all backgrounds, but they have one thing in common – they want to make sure no young person sleeps in an unsafe place ever again.
Nightstop would not exist without our army of incredible volunteer hosts. When volunteers apply, we visit, support, and train them to become a Nightstop host. Training covers a variety of topics, including information about clients, practical tips, advice on maintaining boundaries, and how to access support.
All our volunteers sign up for a rota and choose which evenings they would like to host, on a completely flexible basis. You can do one day a month or sign up for every night – it is up to you.
All young people staying with you are assessed and checked before we arrange any placements. Staff support young people with their long-term needs, including finding them permanent accommodation.
Hosts provide an evening meal, a private room, and somewhere for guests to wash. Our hosts are trained to be a listening ear to young people, so guests have someone to talk to if they need it. You are not expected to be a counsellor!
Hosts are reimbursed for the expenses they incur and are provided with toiletries to offer to any Nightstop guests staying. If you think you can offer young people a safe place to sleep and would like to find out more, please email nightstop@ymcasouthdevon.org.uk.