Torbay homeless charity seeks more volunteer hosts

Tony Heasman has been a Nightstop host for more than a year

A charity is asking for more homeowners to consider offering a room in their house to young homeless people.

Nightstop was set up three years ago in Torquay, offering people an alternative to sleeping rough.

People aged 18 to 25 at risk of being made homeless can apply to the charity to find them a room in a family home, with a hot meal and a chance to talk.

The service aims to offer a better short-term solution to sofa-surfing or staying in B&Bs.

There are now Nightstop projects operating in 30 other towns and cities across the UK.

Project lead worker Gemma Ohanyelu said there were nine volunteer host families offering emergency accommodation across south Devon, but she appealed for more.

"The need is becoming higher," she said.

"If we have more hosts, then we can offer more young people a safe space to stay for the night, then we wouldn't have to turn anyone away."

Nightstop Project Lead Worker Gemma Ohanyelu is appealing for more volunteers

'Safety network'

Jess, 22, found herself homeless after a relationship breakdown.

She said as well as a safe place to sleep, her Nightstop hosts provided emotional support.

"The hosts are absolutely lovely," said Jess.

"When you walk in you're very nervous, but you are instantly put at ease because they know your situation and they just want to help.

"It's like a safety network as well, someone you can go and talk to, and it's a safe place for the night so you don't have to worry."

Torbay Council is increasing its annual spending on homelessness provision to nearly £3m a year, but there is still growing demand for the volunteer Nightstop hosts.

'There for them'

Tony Heasman, who has volunteered as a Nightstop host with his wife for the past 18 months, said people were "always grateful" for support.

"You just look after them," the 77-year-old said.

"You don't know what experiences they've had to get them into that situation in the first place, but you are just there for them.

"If they want to talk to you they can, if they don't, no problem they can stay in their room."

Volunteer host families are all vetted and training is given.

Anyone interested in becoming a host was asked to contact South Devon YMCA.