Nightstop Devon provides emergency accommodation to young people who would otherwise be facing a night on the streets. They are looking to expand their service to cover Torbay and South-Hams, as there appears to be a real need for a Nightstop service.

“We have a fantastic group of volunteers who offer their spare rooms to vulnerable 16-25 year olds who have nowhere else to go. In order to expand our service, we are seeking volunteers in Torbay and South Hams. Young people rarely become homeless through any fault of their own. Over half of Nightstop users are homeless due to family breakdown, leaving them in a distressed position and lacking support.”

Young people are particularly vulnerable when homeless. Immediately they are at increased risk in all scenarios. Nightstop aims to ensure that young people do not reach that point.

There are various volunteering opportunities for Nightstop Devon, if you do not have a spare room you can still help.

Volunteer hosts provide safe accommodation, an evening meal and breakfast for one night at a time to a young person who is homeless. In return these volunteers receive training and 24 hour support, as well as expenses.

Drivers provide transport to the accommodation for the young people.

All Nightstop volunteers receive thorough training and support.

Nightstop is getting busier every year, in 2008-9, our volunteers provided 319

Bed nights, compared to 87 in 2005-6. Nightstop is a community response to a community problem and provides the opportunity for local residents to support local young people who are in urgent need.

To find out more, please contact Nightstop Devon Project Development officer,

Kevin Hunter or Nightstop Devon Volunteer Support Manager, Linda Hutchings on 01392 274853