Norfolk Nightstop
Emergency Accommodation for Young People Facing Homelessness.
Norfolk Nightstop provides emergency accommodation for young people aged 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness and need a safe place to stay in a crisis.
Delivered through a network of fully trained volunteer hosts across Norfolk, the service offers short-term, emergency accommodation in a supportive home environment while longer-term housing solutions are explored.
Young people staying through Nightstop are provided with:
- A private, furnished bedroom
- An evening meal and breakfast
- Access to washing facilities
- A safe and supportive environment
- Ongoing support from a dedicated Nightstop worker
- Access to additional support services where needed
Who Is Norfolk Nightstop Plus For?
Norfolk Nightstop is available for young people aged 16-24 who are homeless or facing an immediate housing crisis.
Access to the service is through a referral from the Local Authority. Young people referred to Nightstop require emergency accommodation and may have a range of support needs, from low to high, depending on the availability and suitability of Nightstop hosts.
How Does Nightstop Work?
Each young person is carefully matched with a suitable volunteer host through a bespoke assessment process. The aim is to provide immediate safety and stability while a full assessment of their circumstances is undertaken.
Stays are typically available for up to five nights, with additional nights available where appropriate.
During their stay, young people receive support from the Nightstop team and partner agencies to identify the most appropriate longer-term housing solution.
Our Aims
Norfolk Nightstop Plus aims to:
- Provide safe emergency accommodation for young people in crisis
- Prevent rough sleeping and homelessness
- Support young people to recover from a housing crisis
- Explore opportunities for safe family reconciliation where appropriate
- Assess support needs and future housing options
- Help young people move on to suitable, longer-term accommodation
By intervening early, Nightstop helps prevent homelessness from escalating and provides young people with the stability they need to plan their next steps.
Support Available
The service can be accessed between 12pm and 7pm, with an out-of-hours emergency contact available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Throughout their stay, young people are supported by a dedicated Nightstop worker who can signpost them to additional services, including housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing support.
Become a Nightstop Host
We are always looking for compassionate individuals and families who can offer a spare room to a young person in need.
As a Nightstop Host, you can make a life-changing difference by providing a safe place to stay during a time of crisis. All hosts receive training, guidance and ongoing support, and reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
By opening your home for just a few nights, you could help prevent homelessness and give a young person the opportunity to build a brighter future.
Interested in becoming a Nightstop Host?
Get in touch with YMCA Norfolk to learn more about volunteering as a host and supporting young people across Norfolk
