How Nightstop Works:

Nightstop prevents homelessness through community hosting. It helps people who are in immediate housing crisis by providing safe accommodation in the homes of trained and vetted volunteers called ‘hosts’.

Guests are hosted on a temporary basis. Whilst the guest is staying with the host longer term appropriate accommodation is sought.

Aim of the Volunteer Role:

Volunteer drivers enable Nightstop guests to find their way to a new host’s home and are especially helpful if the guest is not familiar with the neighbourhood or the host’s home is hard to get to on public transport. They also help to make guests feel more at ease in what can be a scary situation, by chatting to them before they arrive and introducing them to the host.

Role Description:

· Meet the guest, by arrangement with the Nightstop staff member

· Chat with the guest and put them at ease during transit

· Drive the guest to the volunteer host’s home

· Introduce the guest to the host (without entering the host’s home)

· Call Nightstop to confirm the guest has arrived at the host’s home safely

Necessary skills, attitudes and knowledge:

· A basic understanding of the issues homeless people face

· An ability to relate to people on a one to one, non-judgmental basis

· A desire to work with people facing disadvantages

· A full current driving license, insurance and road worthy vehicle

· A willingness to participate in training and supervision

Training, support and supervision:

· All volunteer drivers will receive an induction training session and have ongoing training. The volunteer will also have access to all INSERT ORGANISATION training courses if appropriate.

· All volunteer drivers will have contact with the Nightstop service before and after driving the Nightstop guest and access to a 24 hour on call emergency phone number.

· All volunteer drivers will be provided with regular support meetings and supervision.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

· Contribute to a service that really does make a difference to people’s lives.

· Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation.

· Appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make.

· All out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.