Redditch Nightstop
Description of the role
Nightstop prevents homelessness through community hosting. It helps young people aged 16 – 25 who have an immediate accommodation need by providing safe accommodation in the homes of trained and vetted volunteers called ‘hosts’.
Guests are hosted on a night by night basis, ’emergency Accommodation’ placement or in a longer term supported lodgings placement.
Host will be expected to provide their guest with:
- A clean, safe and private room.
- An evening meal and breakfast.
- Bathing facilities and the opportunity to wash their clothes.
During an ‘Emergency Accommodation’ stay, Nightstop staff maintain daily contact with the host and guest, and operate a 24hr on call service. During the daytime the guest can access the Nightstop facilities and will be supported to secure long term accommodation. Hosts liaise with Nightstop staff regarding their availability and after each placement. A nightly fee is paid to the host.
Supported Lodgings placements can be from 3 months up to 18 months, a set weekly fee is paid to the host. House rules are agreed between the guest and the host and the guest receives a minimum of 3 hours direct support each week from their allocated support worker. Support for the host is agreed with the host.
Volunteer hosts will receive an induction training session and have ongoing training. This will include DBS check, references and a home Health and Safety check.
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.
Activities the volunteer will do:
- Provide weekly availability to Nightstop staff.
- Prepare the Guest bedroom.
- Maintain the property as per Nightstop Health and Safety standard.
- Provide an evening meal and breakfast.
- Maintain the boundaries and Safeguarding of Redditch Nightstop and the Standards and Criteria set by Depaul.
Necessary skills, attitudes and knowledge:
- A desire to work with disadvantaged people.
- A good listener.
- A basic understanding of the issues young people face that are in need of
- accommodation.
- An ability to relate to people on a one to one, non-judgmental basis.
- A spare room available for a Nightstop guest to use at short notice.
- A willingness to participate in training and supervision
Practical Considerations
- Safe access and other skills relevant to the role
- Must be over 21 years old as a host.
Any specific requirements
- Will require criminal record check
- Must live or work locally
Where is the opportunity based?
Redditch and surrounding area. Hosting will be in your own home.
When is the opportunity available?
Flexible depending on need.
About the organisation
Redditch Nightstop is a voluntary organisation working on behalf of the homeless young people in the Redditch & Bromsgrove area. Redditch Nightstop provides emergency accommodation for 16-25 years on a one night at a time basis in the houses of trained volunteers who are supported by project staff. we are committed to campaigning and raising awareness on housing & homelessness issues, as we believe housing is a basic human right.
Services include:
- Emergency accommodation
- Tenancy advice & information
- Training around personal safety
- Help in gaining access to other services
- Budgeting to pay bills & debts
- Filling in forms
- Sorting out benefits
- Finding leisure & social activities
- Dealing with loneliness
- Training/ career advice
- Advice on the appropriate use of equipment
- Health & Safety
- Life skills training
- Confidence/self-esteem building
- Fundraising
- Social events
Bromsgrove and Redditch Network 