A Dorset-based charity supporting homeless young people has launched an urgent appeal for winter volunteers after experiencing its busiest year on record.
Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop service, which offers emergency accommodation for young people aged 16 to 25, has seen unprecedented demand from April 2024 to March 2025, providing a total of 308 safe nights. Notably, the first six months of this period alone accounted for 157 overnight stays—nearly matching last year’s full total of 165.
The Nightstop program connects young people fleeing unsafe or unstable living situations with volunteer host families, while working with local agencies to secure longer-term housing solutions. Many of the young people served are at immediate risk and rely on the charity’s swiftly available support.
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Katy Overton, Dorset Nightstop’s volunteer coordinator, explained: “The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and shortage of available housing have driven demand up, and we’re now supporting more young people facing homelessness than ever before.”
She added, “Our dedicated staff collaborate with housing authorities, social services, and other community organizations to provide these young people with short-term security as we help them find more permanent homes. This vital work depends entirely on our incredible volunteers who offer life-changing support.”
The charity plans to begin its next volunteer training sessions in early November and is especially in need of hosts in Bournemouth and Poole, areas experiencing growing demand for emergency placements.
Volunteer hosts Malcolm and Debbie from Blandford have been part of the scheme since 2008. Debbie, 62, shared their motivation: “We simply wanted to offer a bed to someone in need. Every young person we’ve hosted has been unique—some shy, others outgoing, many bright—but all incredibly grateful. It’s been a truly rewarding experience for us.”
One young person whose life has been transformed by the service is Chantelle, 18. After leaving home at 16 and moving home several times, Chantelle reached out to Nightstop for help following a difficult period. Supported by the charity since April, she stayed with welcoming host families who also provided food vouchers, before moving into her own flat.
Chantelle reflected, “Without the support of my housing officer and Dorset Nightstop, I don’t know where I’d be. At first, staying with hosts felt awkward, but they were friendly and made me feel safe. They gave me tremendous support and helped me get everything ready for my tenancy. I’m so grateful and will never forget this experience.”
Now living independently, Chantelle is optimistic about her future. She encourages others in similar situations to seek help: “It takes courage to leave a bad situation, but help is available. If I had known about Nightstop earlier, I would have felt safe asking for support when I was 16. I want other young people to know there is hope for a better future.”
Dorset Nightstop offers comprehensive training and ongoing support for all volunteers, reimburses hosting-related expenses, and welcomes volunteers from across the region who are over 25. While having a car is helpful, it is not mandatory.