Who we are:

Nightstop Greater Manchester and Cheshire East provides emergency, overnight accommodation for young people between the ages of 16-25 years old, who are at risk of homelessness and have nowhere else to stay.

Nightstop guests are placed in the homes of trained and vetted volunteer hosts, who provide a safe and secure place for the guest to stay that evening. Hosts will provide a private bedroom, an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch next day (if required). They will also provide facilities to bathe and wash clothes if needed and a friendly face and a listening ear.

We receive referrals from all 10 local authorities in the GM region, as well as Cheshire East and self referrals.

What are we looking for?

Necessary skills, attitudes and knowledge: 

• A basic understanding of the issues young homeless people face. 

• An ability to relate to people on a one to one, non judgmental basis. 

• A desire to work with disadvantaged people. 

• A willingness to participate in training and be involved in consultation regarding the role. 

What would you be doing as a volunteer?

Referrals are assessed on an individual basis and are considered on current levels of risk. However as a rule we are unable to accommodate people who have ongoing substance misuse issues (drugs/alcohol etc), violent, aggressive or anti-social behaviour, severe mental health issues and people who are at risk of offending.

Throughout someone’s time on Nightstop we continue to support them by working with partner organisations to explore longer term accommodation options.

Hosts are reimbursed £15 per night for all expenses.

Accommodation is provided for one night initially, except on weekends, and is then reviewed on a night by night basis. Whilst the guest is staying with the host, longer term appropriate accommodation is sought. We usually accommodate all young people for a maximum of 21 nights. 

Main Tasks 

• To provide clean, safe, basic overnight accommodation to the guest in their own room and at short notice. 

• To provide an evening meal and breakfast for the guest using the accommodation. 

• To liaise with the Nightstop service team regarding availability and to provide regular feedback after every placement. 

• To attend initial training programme prior to undertaking role and attend further training as appropriate. 
• To adhere to the terms of Depaul Nightstop policies and its Code of Practice. 
• To contribute positively to the continuous development of the service/team. 

• To observe clear professional boundaries in our relations with the young people we work with. 

Support, training and benefits: 

There will be periodic volunteer support groups for Nightstop hosts that provide peer support and informal training opportunities. 

• All hosts will be provided with telephone support and debriefing after every placement. 

• There will be regular home visits from service staff. 

• A 24hr on call system is in operation to allow access to advice and guidance for hosts. 

Induction and training: 

The host will receive an induction training session and have ongoing training. The volunteer will also have access to all Depaul training courses where appropriate/relevant. All volunteers are fully DBS checked.

Benefits to the Volunteer: 

• The volunteer host will received £15 per night when a guest stays with them, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed. 
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make.  
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation.  

• Contributing to a service that really does make a difference to the lives of young people.