Nightstop UK History
The Nightstop project is a scheme providing safe and secure emergency accommodation for young people between the ages of 16 - 25 who are homeless, in the homes of a network of trained volunteer hosts.
Nightstop began in Leeds as a result of the 'Faith in the City' report published in 1985 and the local version, 'Faith in Leeds' report published in 1986. A practical working group researching youth homelessness discovered an urgent need for emergency accommodation for young people. Some members of the working group were already providing accommodation for young homeless people and a suggestion was made that this could be done on a more organised basis with a wider network of people and could be called Nightstop.
After a years feasibility study, research and preparation, the idea was publiciced through the Faith in Leeds Network and the scheme was launched at a public meeting in September 1987.
Since January 1992, when the BBC 'Everman' series featured Leeds Nightstop, there has been a dramatic growth in the number of Nightstop projects. In November 2002, there were forty operational Nightstops and a furthur twenty five in the development stage,
Nightstop Advice and Consultancy Sevice was introduced and took over the information, advice, support and development role which Leeds Nightstop had found themselves performing.
Nightstop UK is the governing body to which all of the Nightstop schemes are affilliated. It ensures all Nightstop schemes meet certain standards - such as Minimum Standards of Care for Young People - and that they adhere to the Policies.
Nightstop UK also offers volunteers, workers and committee members the opportunity to meet to exchange ideas, share good practice and participate in training events and the Nightstop conference.
