Jacob used the service as a young person — he’s now a Gloucestershire Nightstop board trustee
There are many reasons that a young person might find themselves homeless, such as family breakdown or losing a job. Without a stable address, they can quickly fall through the cracks of the system, losing access to everyday services like GP care and benefits.
Gloucestershire Nightstop (GNS) helps young people aged 16 to 25 find shelter, safety, and a moment of peace when they have no safe space to stay.
It has helped many young people turn their lives around since it began in 2003, such as Jacob Bradfield who is now a board trustee for the charity: “I used the service in the past, and I’m now able to support the organisation that helped me to help others,” he said.
The charity matches young people with volunteer hosts who can offer a room, a meal and a bit of breathing space while longer-term arrangements are made. Its focus is on prevention, stepping in early before a short-term crisis becomes something more serious.
Eleanor Chard
Eleanor Chard, who worships at Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton, became a Gloucestershire Nightstop host when her last child left home.
“The empty bedrooms in the house felt surplus to requirements, and we know how hard it is for young people to afford even very basic rented accommodation, since rents in the area have gone sky high,” she said.
“We wanted to open our home to others, and to feel we are making a small contribution to the growing homelessness in the area. The church asks us to help others where we can, and being a host feels like a natural extension of this mission. It has been lovely to see the respect and mutual benefits coming from this relationship as well. It seems scary initially but all our visitors have been as good as gold.”
Eleanor enjoys her role as a host, and has found that opening up her home has created meaningful experiences for her and the young person.
She said: “A stand out moment with a Nightstop visitor was making apple crumble together, as they enjoyed cooking. It was so fulfilling having someone young and interesting to chat with over dinner. It’s also really lovely having the annual catch up with staff and hearing that some of the young people we’ve hosted had moved on with their lives, and were now living in more stable homes.”
Tamsin Leeper, who worships at St John the Baptist Harescombe, is also a GNS host along with her husband Tom.
“We are constantly surprised by both the vulnerability of our young people, but at the same time by their resilience in the face of huge challenges. They are survivors and we learn from them all the time.
“It has shown that anyone can open their homes and minds to the vulnerable in our society. It is easier than we thought it might be.”
Young people can refer themselves to the charity or be referred through Gloucestershire County Council. Each case is carefully assessed, and GNS works with those considered low-risk, linking others who are high-risk with other organisations where needed. Hosts are matched thoughtfully, taking into account a variety of factors like household setup, pets and transport links.
All hosts follow clear safeguarding principles, including DBS checks, home visits and training before any placements begin.
Amanda Thiselton, Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Officer at GNS, and Reader at St Philip and St James, Leckhampton, said: “Safety is always our top priority – for the young person and the host. Our team supports volunteers every step of the way, from the first enquiry to the end of each placement. Hosts aren’t substitute parents — they’re providing safety, warmth, and respect.”
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