Runnymede Christian Fellowship, a church in Egham

Nightstop – New iniative for homeless young people launches

On Monday 4^th February east to west and Thames Homeless Project officially launched Nightstop, a new service, providing short-term emergency accommodation for young people in the homes of trained volunteers while a more permanent solution can be found by statutory agencies.

Nightstop provides the young person with a safe home to stay the night; giving them an evening meal and breakfast, their own bedroom for the night and the facilities to doing washing. The uniqueness of Nightstop comes from the warm welcome from the host welcoming the young person into their home as a guest.

Andy Burns, director of east to west said, “I’m please that we can offer, through Nightstop, a breathing space for the young person and the referring agencies to find right solution.”

Angela Horsey, chair of Thames Homeless Project said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with east to west to deliver a much needed service for young people in Runnymede and Spelthorne. It’s such a simple concept yet Nightstop can prevent young people becoming homeless and help then turn their lives around.”

Homelessness in Spelthorne and Runnymede may not be as visible as it is in some parts of the UK, but this project was initiated through discussion with local agencies who were struggling to find suitable placements for the homeless young people coming to them for help.

The first Nightstop Scheme began in Leeds in 1987 in response to youth homelessness in the city. Since then it has grown and there are around 50 Nightstop schemes across the country providing safe free accommodation to homeless young people in the homes of trained volunteers.

Lewis Brown, the Housing Options Team Leader from Spelthorne Borough Council said, “Nightstop will give the chance for young people in crisis to have a safe and welcoming place for the night while other help is sorted out – we are glad to see the arrival of such a service locally”

James Butler, Coordinator of Runnymede and Spelthorne Nightstop said “I am excited to be part of this project which I believe will be make a real difference in the lives young people who find themselves in a vulnerable position within Runnymede and Spelthorne”

Nightstop is accessed by referral from statutory agencies such as connexions and the local authorities. With this approach Nightstop is able to keep the emphasis on finding permanent solutions for the young people.

To find out more email Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spam geschützt. Zur Anzeige muss Javascript aktiviert sein. , or call the east to west office on 01932 571301.

Website www.easttowest.org.uk

east to west is a UK registered charity (no. 1059177) seeking to empower the Church to impact lives.

Thames Homeless project aims to prevent homelessness and alleviate the effect of homelessness; helping single people from Elmbridge, Runnymede and Spelthorne who do not qualify for help from the authorities.