Pioneers of the Nightstop concept

The Early Days

The first Nightstop scheme originated in Leeds as an initiative by local Christian Churches responding to the challenges highlighted in the Archbishop of Canterbury's report 'Faith In The City' published in 1985. The scheme was two years in development and became operational in October 1985.

From 1987 to 1991 the vision for Nightstop spread to communities in Durham, Birmingham and Leamington Spa where further schemes were developed.

Filming 'Entertaining Angels'

January 1992 saw the BBC broadcast a television documentary, 'Entertaining Angels' - the story of Leeds Nightstop; and in two years the number of schemes had grown to ten.

National development and support was undertaken jointly by the charity Barnardos and the Nightstop National Network (made up of local schemes). Barnardos funded the post of the Nightstop Co-ordinator and provided office space in the attic of a former school building in Leeds.

The mid to late 1990's saw a rapid growth in the number of communities exploring the possibility of a Nightstop scheme, development of new schemes, and their on-going support. One Co-ordinator and a very part time administrative assistant could not cope with the demands; and Barnardos were unable to commit further resources. In 1999 the decision was taken to set up a new independent registered charity and company limited by guarantee, Nightstop UK, in succession to Barnardos National Nightstop and the Nightstop National Network.

Nightstop UK moved to its present national office in Shipley, West Yorkshire on 3rd October 2000. Where with a staff team of 5 and a very committed Board of Directors the work continues.

The Nightstop model of work has not been kept secret from the rest of the world. In 1999, a representative from Nightstop UK spoke at an International Conference on Homelessness in Hungary and in April 2004 was keynote speaker in Queensland, Australia, on the work of Nightstop; and there have been expressions of interest in the work from Germany and the USA.

Nightstop's important role in providing emergency accommodation for homeless 16-25 year olds has been recognised by the Government of the United Kingdom; and notable celebrities from the world of sport including Gary Lineker and Brian Robson former England footballers.

The demand for new schemes continues. With an acquired knowledge and expertise we can now enable schemes to be set up more quickly than 10 years ago but there still has to be a commitment from people 'on the ground' in the local communities to help make it happen.