Below is a list of questions we get asked regularly, we hope the answers will make it clear what Nightstop is.
Things you need to know
What is a 'host' volunteer?
A host volunteer is the person you will be staying with. All Nightstop volunteers are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau to make sure they are suitable for you to stay in their home.
How will I get there?
There are a number of ways you can get to a volunteer's home, by using local buses or trains, a taxi, a volunteer driver or a Nightstop worker. The Nightstop scheme or the referral agency will sort this out for you.
What will I do when I get there?
When you arrive at the hosts home you will be shown your room, offered a cup of tea or coffee and then you can chat to the hosts or spend some time in your room. In the evening you can go out or you could stay in and watch TV.
What will the hosts be like?
All Nightstop volunteer hosts have been trained before they take young people on Nightstop. They will not ask you questions about your situation, they will tell you about any house rules, for example where you can and cannot go in the house, where you can and cannot smoke.
Most important of all they are all very friendly and are willing to help you.
Can I go out?
You can go out after you have arrived at the hosts home. The hosts will discuss with you what time you will need to be back in.
Where will I sleep?
You will have a bedroom of your own, you can go there if you need to be on your own and you need your own space.
What will I eat?
The hosts will ask you what food you like and do not like. They will provide you with an evening meal and breakfast the next morning.
What about my cultural or religious needs?
Nightstop hosts receive training to help them understand the needs of young people. If you discuss your needs at the referral or when you get to the hosts home they will do their best to help with your request.
How long can I stay?
That depends on the Nightstop scheme. You may be able to stay with the same hosts or you may be able to stay with different hosts.
What happens the next day?
You will need to leave the hosts home the next morning and return to an agency (possibly Nightstop)who can help you find more permanent accommodation.
