Nightstop – a bold new service that supports young people at risk of homelessness in Aberdeen City and Shire
WHAT
We’re excited to introduce a new service in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire that will provide a safe place for a young person aged 16 – 25 to stay for a night or two within vetted and trained host households. The nature of accommodating young people in private households means that the service can only offer accommodation to low risk young people. Nightstop is established and runs successfully throughout the UK. Delivering both crisis response (young people presenting as homeless) and early intervention (respite for young people who are experiencing conflict within the family home but may be able to move back home with support) Nightstop supported by Aberdeen Foyer, is looking for hosts to note their interest now, with the hope if being available from August this year.
HOW
Nightstop will recruit, train and support a wide range of volunteer Community Hosts across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire who will provide each young person with their own private bedroom, a hot meal, breakfast and a packed lunch if needed. Access to a hot shower or bath and the use of laundry facilities within the host’s home will also be a part of this service. Hosts don’t need to have experience as they will be supported every step of the way. Hosts who require their young person to be out of the house through the day will be assisted by the Nightstop Co-ordinator.
WHY
In Aberdeen City and Shire, the total number of young people who presented as homeless in 2020/21 was 720, which means young people make up a disproportionate level of homelessness presentations in the area. This shows a particular need for young person-centred options. Nightstop prevents young people from entering into a never-ending cycle of homelessness by providing them with a safe place to stay for a few nights while they decide their next steps. It also helps them to address their individual support needs, while enabling them to maintain any education, employment or training they are involved in. Aberdeen Foyer will also provide additional advice and support available through our wide range of services, should that be needed.
We’re launching Foyer Nightstop this summer, August 2022. If you want to find out more about becoming a host, please click here.
If you’d like to find out more about the impact Nightstop services in other areas please read more on the Depaul website by clicking here.
Due to the geography of Aberdeenshire, if a young person presents as homeless they can often be expected to travel up to fifty miles away from home for temporary accommodation. For this reason, we are specifically looking to recruit hosts in the south of Aberdeeshire, including Deeside and Mearns as well as throughout Aberdeen City. However, we welcome applications from hosts from any area of the North-East.
If you’d like to have an informal chat about Nightstop, to find out more information and ask any questions, please contact nightstop@aberdeenfoyer.com or call 07467 919813.