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Do you have a spare room you could use to provide an emergency accommodation service to young people aged 16-25 years who are homeless?
If you think you could offer a young vulnerable person, a stable, warm, safe and friendly environment where they can enjoy a hot meal, the chance to wash and a bed for the night, then you can help us and some of the many young people referred to our scheme which runs every night of the year!
Hosts can put down on the rota for as many nights a week as they want, you certainly won't be rung up out of the blue and be asked to host. You can offer to host as little or as often as your circumstances permit. All Hosts receive extensive training on all areas of the Bradford Nightstop scheme - from the service we offer to young people, to Host responsibilities, back up helplines, information and advice. You will never be required to Host if you feel uncomfortable doing so, for whatever reason, and you will never be on your own without back up support.
We invite applications from all types of households from single people, to couples, and families to be hosts. We are actively trying to recruit hosts to reflect the cultural and faith diversity of Bradford since the young people referred to our scheme reflect this diversity.
Bradford Nightstop will provide you with everything you need for your Nightstopper's stay, including toiletries, clothes and underwear. Hosts are also provided with a prayer mat and also cooking equipment for young people's halal diets.
We provide each Host with a wide range of information to offer to the young people. In the morning, after breakfast, Hosts will direct the Nightstopper back to an agency that can help them look for longer term accommodation, and if necessary re - refer them to Bradford Nightstop if emergency accommodation is required for another night. Hosts are to provide the Nightstopper with bus fares, day rovers or a car journey to this agency, which will be reimbursed as part of your volunteer expenses, so that you are not out of pocket in anyway.
First time Nightstopper's arrive at the Hosts usually by taxi or with one of our Volunteer Drivers who see them arrive safely and reassure them about the Nightstop service which can be daunting for young people.
Hosts vary in age from their 20's to 70's although hosts in their 20's may be given a restriction on the ages of young people whom they can accept. Other hosts choose to allow males or/and females to stay and stipulate the oldest age they are willing to take. (ALL NIGHTSTOPPERS MUST BE 16 - 26)
FAQs
Q.If I work full time am I still able to be a Host?
A. Yes. Many of our Hosts work and each Host can arrange a time that suits them for the Nightstopper to arrive in the evening of their stay. This is usually between 7-9.30pm. Don't worry about asking the Nightstopper to be up and ready to leave for when you need to leave for work.
Q.If I have young children, can I be a Host?
A. Yes. We have had Hosts who have accommodated Nightstoppers whilst having children of varying ages in their household. If the children are old enough and want to be involved they are encouraged to engage in the appropriate training.
Q. Will I feel safe having a stranger in my house?
A.Yes. Nightstop can provide you with locks and a sharps bin for your house. It is extremely rare there are any problems with theft involving a Nightstopper and many precautions are put in place to make sure that Nightstoppers are not placed with a Host if there is a risk of this. When you first become a Host only Nightstoppers known to the scheme will be placed with you at very low risk. It is perfectly acceptable for Hosts to only accept female Nightstoppers.
Q.Will I be trained?
A. Bradford Nightstop conducts an extensive training procedure for all Hosts, including a risk assessment visit to your household and several meetings over a 2-3 month period of training and paperwork! You will also be able to talk to highly experienced Hosts about the scheme and their experiences with Nightstoppers.
Q. What support is there if something goes wrong?
A. There is always another experienced member of staff/volunteer on duty for a Host to call in an emergency and an extensive handbook of policy and procedures to cover any eventuality!
Q. What if my Nightstopper won't leave, or comes back to my address at another time, not arranged by Nightstop?
A. We have never had a young person who would not leave. Young people know not to go back to a Host's address.
Q. What are the reasons the Nightstopper hasn't anywhere to go?
A. Young People are referred to our scheme by agencies such as Bradford Housing Advice Team, the Information Shop, and the Shipley and Toller Youth Cafes. They are often homeless due to relationship/family breakdowns or have been evicted from their current accommodation. Often they are waiting for a permanent place at one of the hostels or for supported housing or will return after mediation to their families.