Volunteer FAQs

Nottingham Nightstop supports young people aged between 16-25 who have been made homeless in Nottingham. Nightstop is a unique approach to tackling youth homelessness. We train volunteers to host young people in their own homes for a short-term placement of at least one night, providing emergency accommodation in a crisis and bridging the gap between street homelessness and hostel or supported accommodation. Our drivers assist to offer safe transportation.

We facilitate longer placements where appropriate, supporting young people as they find stable and secure housing. Nightstop also provides essential relief for the young person so that they can work with our support utilising our pathways programme to accomplish positive progression to independence.

Most of the young people who use our service have been made homeless because of a family breakdown, and many leave home because they do not feel safe or are victims of domestic violence. Our guests come from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures

Our guests are typically in employment, college, training or unemployed and looking for work

The safety of our young guests and our volunteer hosts is always our primary concern. All our guests are referred to us by trusted partners, such as Women’s Aid or the City Council, and are thoroughly risk assessed by our team.

We do not place anyone without an in-depth understanding of their mental and physical needs, character and behavior. We screen for specialist needs, in particular around mental health, and any criminal history, and we do not accept referrals that we deem unsuitable for our unique service.

We operate a 24/7 helpline for guests and hosts, and our team monitors and supports every placement gaining feedback from all parties about their stay.

To find out more about our safeguarding policies contact:

• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• 0333 323 2265

Our volunteers range from young professionals to elders in their eighties, from families with children to single people: all you need is a spare room and a willingness to listen and support.

To host for us you must be aged over eighteen, have a spare bedroom for sole use and complete our application process which includes background checks and training.

You can host in a rented property, but we suggest asking the landlord for permission first.

Whether you want to host one night a month or every week, you tell us your availability. We understand that plans change, so we only confirm a placement with you on the day we need it.

We try to match hosts with suitable guests and to respect the preferences of both parties where we can.

To drive for Nightstop we ask that you have a full driver’s license, access to a taxed vehicle, comprehensive vehicle insurance and a valid MOT for the vehicle.

Drivers are often the first volunteer Nightstop guests meet face-to-face, so it helps if you’re a good listener and able to provide support and reassurance.

How often you drive is up to you: a few times a week, or once a month. We will liaise with you at the times you have indicated you are free to determine if we have a placement to match your schedule.

Yes. Our on-boarding process involves in-depth, one-to-one training and reflective exercises that will equip you in supporting a young person which will also enhance your skillset working with young people. As well as extensive background material, you will work through training scenarios with our team members to prepare you for your volunteer role.

We also provide you with a broader grounding in issues of homelessness and poverty in the UK and Nottingham City specifically, as well as continuous development and training opportunities to meet your needs as a host.

During a placement you will have access to a 24/7 helpline staffed by local members of our team to use in the case of any challenges, concerns or emergencies. After your shift - whether as a host or a driver - our team will check in with you to talk through your experience.

We also conduct regular supervision meetings and provide comprehensive training to enhance your skills working with young people. This enables our volunteers to  voice any concerns or areas where we can support you better.

We offer social and networking opportunities to help you connect with other volunteers and hosts across the Nottingham community.

Yes. Volunteers can claim for arranged expenses including food, toiletries, clothing and fuel used during a placement.

We are so grateful to all of our volunteers for the work that they do to help end homelessness in Nottingham. If you think you can support us in any way, or if you are interested in becoming part of our team of hosts or drivers, please complete this form and a member of our team will be in touch.