Bed for the night eases the despair

ALMOST 3,000 young people are left homeless every year in Oldham following the break-up of their families.

But now a Nightstop scheme has come to their rescue by providing emergency accommodation for them in times of despair.

Reporter USMA RAJA speaks to two volunteers about their rewarding roles and a project co-ordinator appeals for more volunteers.



TACKLING youth homelessness in Oldham is top priority for national charity, Depaul Trust, together with Oldham Council.



The Werneth project teaches young people troubled by complex mental health, drug and alcohol problems vital life skills.

It was officially opened by veteran newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald in 2005.

Nightstop, is another scheme set up by the trust, providing a safe, emergency overnight accommodation for homeless young people but it requires more approved hosts.

These are volunteers who are willing to help young people in need by providing bed and breakfast for a night or two.

The scheme is targeted specifically to help vulnerable young people experiencing the grim reality of having nowhere to live.

It provides a family setting and placements are for one or two nights to help a young person in an emergency.

The scheme has approved referral agencies, such as adult and community Services, the police, Connexions, First Choice Homes Oldham and the Oldham College.

Only young people referred via these groups will get Nightstop’s emergency accommodation.

Julie Thomas, Oldham Nightstop co-ordinator and volunteer driver, explained: “The scheme targets the hidden homeless who have ended up with no roof over their heads because of family breakdowns.

“The service has been introduced as part of the council’s homeless strategy.

“The scheme is a good alternative than being placed in a bed and breakfast out of the area.

“It is a free service for homeless young people. Volunteers don’t get paid but their expenses will be reimbursed.

“The scheme gives the young people and their families time to reflect on their actions and how they can make things better if they wanted to.”

Nightstop is strict with the type of young people it caters for as anyone with sexual, violent or behavioural offences won’t be accepted.

Julie added: “The referral process can take up to an hour and involves filling in lots of forms.

“If we and the young person are happy with everything then I’ll call one of the volunteers to see if they can provide accommodation that same night.

“We currently have two volunteers but we urgently need more including volunteer drivers.

“Volunteers have to be over 21 and we ask for references and check the accommodation.”

One volunteer, Margaret Rawlins, who has two grown-up children spoke of the benefits of looking after a homeless person.

She said: “Julie calls me up on a Monday every week to ask what days I can offer a room and I will let her know.

“When a room is needed, she will call me and tell me a bit about the young person before he or she arrives.

Rewarding

“I have found the experience very rewarding. The young people in my experience have been very pleasant, ordinary people, who have found themselves in a difficult situation.

“I found it very satisfying to help them for a night or two. There is an urgent need for more volunteers so the scheme can help more people.”

Another volunteer, Christine McDonald, who has two grown-up girls, described the two young people she took in as “inspirational”.

She added: “I have learnt a lot from them. It’s not just about them but it works both ways.

“I like the idea of volunteering because I am not committed to five or seven days and I don’t see it as work. The young people make their own tea and to me it doesn’t feel like a chore.

“There’s lots of stigma attached to young people. They are not that bad — it’s just that they have come to a crisis point. I have been inspired by their maturity and resilience — despite their troubles they are so strong and focused in life. It’s amazing.

“I have also received positive feedback from the nightstoppers who said they felt they could talk to me and have a laugh.”

Danyel Williamson is one of the nightstoppers that has benefited from the unique scheme.

The 19-year-old was originally living with a friend but that was no longer plausible.

He became homeless after continuous problems with his mother. Not being able to find anywhere to stay, he heard about the Nightstop scheme.

He said: “It was quite scary and daunting to know that I would be staying with a stranger for a night or two, but Margaret made me feel at home straightaway.

“I was really nervous to start off with because everyone has their own rules.

“It’s really good that people like Margaret can welcome us because these days there’s a lot of stigma attached to young people where we get blamed for everything, but it’s not always our fault.

“This scheme has really made me feel safe and secure.”

Danyel, who is currently unemployed, is hoping to join the police force. He added: “The volunteers put you in the right direction and with Margaret’s help I am trying to sort things out with my mother.

“I think Nightstop is a fantastic service.”

If anyone wishes to join the team of volunteers call Julie Thomas on 0845 602 2509 or visit oldham.nightstop@depaultrust.org