It helped me a lot because it gave me a bed and warmth for the night
Leamington and Warwick Nightstop young person
Nightstop is the provision of emergency accommodation for single homeless 16-25 year olds exclusively in the homes of approved volunteers. The host offers a bed for the night, meals, an opportunity for the young person to bath and wash their clothes and a friendly listening ear.
The approach is intended to keep the young person in a safe and friendly environment whilst allowing agencies time to look at the alternatives available to the young person or maybe even to use mediation services to help them to return to family where this is appropriate.
In order to use the Nightstop model, schemes have to affiliate to Nightstop UK, and abide by the Minimum Standards of Practice and Care, once the decision has been made to develop and operate a Nightstop service.
Nightstop provides safe emergency accommodation when it is needed most
Referral agency
A young person in housing need presents themselves to a recognised referral agency who make an assessment of their circumstances. An emergency response to fill the gap while other options can be pursued may be Nightstop.
If Nightstop is an option, the referring agency then undertakes a risk assessment and refers to the local Nightstop scheme.
If Nightstop is appropriate to the needs of the young person, and they fit the criteria for placement, the Nightstop staff will arrange a placement with a volunteer host for one night.
The following morning the young person returns either to the Nightstop office or original referral agency dependent on how the scheme has been set up.
It is imperative that all parties acknowledge their responsibilities to young people and that the lead role is taken by an appropriate agency that can support the young person in seeking longer-term solutions to their homelessness.
Nightstop UK brings together a national network of local Nightstop schemes in the pursuit of best practice and enables us to learn from each other.
Nightstop UK member
Nightstop UK is the umbrella organisation supporting a network of operational and developing Nightstop Schemes across the country.
There are currently 50 schemes affiliated to Nightstop UK and several others are in various stages of development.
Nightstop UK offers guidance and consultancy services, to local authorities and/or interested members of a community, concerning the processes and the wide spectrum of issues involved in setting up and operating a local scheme.
Provide free, safe, secure, emergency accommodation for single young people aged 16-25 in the homes of approved volunteer hosts.
Accepts referrals only from agencies/organisations who accept and understand the Nightstop referral criteria.
Interview, carry out Criminal Records Bureau checks, obtain references, train and support all volunteers.
Provide ongoing training and support for volunteers.
Have a 24 hour emergency ‘on-call’ system in place to support volunteers.
Refer young people back to a recognised agency to look at longer-term housing options appropriate to their need.
I just needed somewhere safe to stay
Nightstop young person
Provide long-term accommodation, although Nightstop may be an integral part of a project that does address this need.
Accept self-referrals from young people.
Accept referrals for young people who at the time of referral are, or appear to be, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or solvent; are displaying, or known to have displayed, violent behaviour or committed serious violent or sexual crime, have a physical or mental health problem which requires specific attention or care.
Provide a counselling service or enter into confidential relationships with the young people again this may be provided by another service.
Provide a postal address for a young person.
The Nightstop name and the practice it represents is protected under Trade Mark.
See the link below for a general outline of the processes involved in setting up a scheme.
Contact Nightstop UK to arrange a meeting to plan further progress.
Email Susan.Trenerry@depaultrust.org
Telephone 01274 533004
Related Links:
Support and advice is available from Nightstop UK both in the initial stages of setting up a scheme and throughout its development and operation.
Email Ian.Forster@depaultrust.org
Established local Nightstop schemes are often willing to offer visits and to share the benefit of their experience.
Related Links:
