Following the promotion of Gloucestershire Nightstop as one of the charities supported by the diocese last Christmas, GDBF employee Kathryn Warner and her husband Rich decided to explore the possibility of becoming volunteer hosts for young people who have nowhere to stay. Kathryn shares a bit about the process and her experience hosting a guest:
“After doing a bit of research on the website, including hearing stories from existing hosts, my husband and I decided to make an application to become hosts. It took a few months to go through the process, which includes interviews, a check of the house, training (including safeguarding), DBS checks and updating their home insurance. Nightstop’s Board said yes and we had our first guest at the end of September.
“The guest was a lovely young man who, through a variety of unfortunate circumstances, found himself homeless. Nightstop is supporting him in finding permanent accommodation, and he is staying with a variety of hosts whilst this is happening. He was a pleasure to host – very friendly, chatty and interested, and very respectful of our home and our expectations. Nightstop provides excellent support for both the young person and the host during their stay, and is on the end of the phone 24/7.
“It was a great first experience, although we are aware not all guests will be as chatty, and may be more comfortable spending time in their room. It’s great to feel that our spare room can be put to such good use, and we are looking forward to further opportunities to host in the near future. If you have a spare room, we would highly recommend considering becoming a Nightstop host and making a difference in the lives of young people that could impact them for good in the years to come.”
Find out more about becoming a Gloucestershire Nightstop host →
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