Frequently asked questions by Nightstop users

If you are aged 16 – 25yrs then you can either come to us directly or be referred through a college, local authority, charity or other organisation. We’ll then take some details from you and ask for one or two professional references.

If you have a previous criminal record, significant mental or physical health issues or issues with drugs or alcohol then we may not be able to place you on Nightstop but we will help you find organisations that can support you.

We would still encourage you to get in touch so we can talk to you about your individual circumstances and if we can’t place you on Nightstop, we will help you find other organisations that can support you.

Nightstop will send you the details of the hosts and help plan how you can get there. We will cover the cost of public transport or a volunteer driver/staff member will be able to take you to the host’s home.

The host will offer you a hot drink when you arrive and show you where you’ll be sleeping. You can then wash your clothes, take a shower and have dinner.

It’s up to you if you want to spend time with hosts or relax in your room. The hosts will be there to talk to but won’t ask any personal questions and it’s up to you how much you want to share with them.

We have a thorough recruitment process for all hosts including DBS checks, references, two home visits and a full training to make sure you are safe and supported. You’ll also get a 24-hour number to contact us on in an emergency.

We let the hosts know about any dietary requirements you have. If there’s anything that you really like or really don’t like to eat then let us know and we’ll pass this on too.

If your host is out in the daytime, you will also need to go out. They may invite you to go with them or we can help you plan how to spend your time.

Again, this varies on a case by case basis, but usually guests use our service from between 1 day to 3 weeks. This may be with the same host or with different hosts.

The idea of Nightstop is that we provide emergency accommodation whilst supporting you to find longer-term options. This may mean moving on to supported lodgings, moving back with your family or privately renting.

Yes, we work with a number of partners to offer support. We can help you to complete the actions on your Personal Housing Plan, access appointments and gain advice. We can also support you with repairing relationships with family members, mental health and employment, education or training.

They would not be able to stay at the same home as you but we can try to place your friend or partner in another host’s home.

We ask you not to share the host's address or invite visitors but you could meet up with them elsewhere.