Dorset homeless charity needs volunteers
“We’ve just had our busiest quarter ever since starting in 2009”
Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop is making an urgent plea for volunteers to support its work with homeless young people across the region.
The service provides emergency temporary accommodation to homeless young people aged 16 to 25, hosting them with volunteer families, while local agencies find a long-term solution.
It provides a safe space, essential items, wrap-around support and practical help.
Maddy Lewis-Smith, Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop coordinator, said: “We’ve just had our busiest quarter ever since starting in 2009, providing over 100 safe nights for homeless young people.
“The cost-of-living crisis and lack of available accommodation means we’re supporting more children and young people at risk of homelessness than ever.
“Without a place to call home, many of these young people face a daily struggle to find somewhere to sleep, eat, wash and keep themselves safe. They often feel embarrassed and ashamed of their situation, which can make it all the more difficult for them to engage with professionals and take the necessary steps towards securing more stable accommodation.
“Our staff work closely with housing, social care and other third sector organisations, providing young people with the short-term security they need, whilst they search for a more settled living arrangement. We simply couldn’t do this without our amazing volunteers, who provide life-changing help for those vulnerable teenagers and young adults.
“We hope to begin the next volunteer training sessions on Thursday 22 May and the greatest need for volunteers is in Bournemouth and Poole, though we’re looking for hosts from across the county too.”
David, 19, from Dorchester, said Dorset Nightstop saved him from the streets. David found himself homeless at the age of 17, sleeping on friends’ sofas and ending up on the streets.
He said: “It was really hard. I’d usually find a bus shelter but it was so cold and I never really slept. I was also really struggling with my mental health. I tried to go to college but dropped out because I couldn’t concentrate with everything going on in my personal life.”
After almost a year of being homeless, David found safety and support through Dorset Nightstop, which helped him move into supported accommodation and also provided him with supermarket vouchers.
This led David to getting a part-time job and going back to college. David is now having counselling, which has helped him navigate his mental health, and is feeling more positive about his future.
David is grateful for Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop service for helping him when he was at his lowest point. He added: “Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop is a brilliant service. It helped me get off the streets and supported me generally. I don’t know where I’d be without their support. I’d probably still be homeless.”
Dorset Nightstop volunteer hosts Debbie and Malcolm Albery, from Blandford have been supporting homeless young people since 2008.
“It was something we could do, offering a bed to somebody who was homeless,” said Debbie, 62.
“We've got the space and the wherewithal to do it, so we thought, 'It's important, why not?’” added Malcolm.
“A lot are troubled teenagers going through a domestic crisis. Giving them three nights away is sometimes all they need.”
Debbie added: “Everyone is different, some are shy, some are gregarious, some are extremely bright. They all watch dreadful telly with us, that’s a common denominator, as is their extreme gratitude at the end of it.”