Bath scheme calls for households to host homeless youth

A scheme which helps homeless young people in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) is appealing for new host households to get involved.

Nightstop, run by the YMCA and supported by the BANES Council, offers emergency temporary accommodation to 16-25 year olds by providing a safe, supportive bed for the night in the home of a host volunteer.

The scheme ensures young people in need can have a safe room of their own, an evening meal, breakfast, access to wash facilities and a friendly host.

The scheme allows young people who are homeless to stay for one to seven nights, giving themselves and agencies the opportunity to look for appropriate housing and avoid the young person ending up on the street or rough sleeping.

Cllr Alison Born, cabinet member for adults and council house building, said: ‘This is a well-established scheme which provides vital help for vulnerable young people and gives the safety they need while agencies including the council help find a solution to their needs. If you think you could become a host volunteer then please get in touch or go along to the drop-in event.’

Anyone who wants to help can find out more about Nightstop at a drop-in event on Tuesday 14 September at the YMCA on Broad Street, Bath or by contacting the YMCA directly.

In related news, Milton Keynes Council is seeking to transform the city’s former bus station into a new housing provision that will provide overnight accommodation for the homeless.

Photo by Ev