New project launches in Aberdeen to tackle youth homelessness
'Nightstop' has already been successful in Glasgow and Edinburgh
A new service is being launched in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to tackle youth homelessness across the region.
Nightstop aims to partner homeless young people up with community hosts who will provide a bed and food for them.
Last year, 720 people aged 16 to 25 were registered homeless in the area.
The project, laucnhed by Aberdeen Foyer, is already being run successfully across the UK, including in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Chief Executive of Aberdeen Foyer, Leona McDermid, said: "Nightstop can offer young people who are in crisis a safe space free of danger, and the opportunity to connect with any support they might need whilst continuing their daily lives such as going to school, college or work.
"Nightstop relies on host volunteers from our local communities with the Foyer providing support and training and is rewarding in so many ways.
"Your spare room might be the difference between a young person staying safe or ending up on the streets, and I would encourage anyone who might be interested in hosting to contact us for an informal chat and more information."
Both Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council are supporting the project.
Cllr Anne Stirling, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee, said: "We welcome this partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Foyer to develop an innovative service for young people aged 16-25 who may be at risk of homelessness.
"We hope the service will provide the opportunity for young people to engage with services to avoid homelessness where possible and help with a planned move to suitable long-term accommodation or to reconcile with family members if appropriate."
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Cllr Ian Yuill, said: "Working together with organisations like Aberdeen Foyer strengthens the Council’s commitment to combating homelessness in Aberdeen.
"We urge those able and willing to volunteer to do so and help support this initiative aimed at keeping vulnerable young people safe."
More information can be found here.