Can you volunteer?

The issue of homelessness sprang to the public's attention with the release of Cathy Come Home in 1966, a TV programme directed by Ken Loach, which showed the plight of a homeless family.

Between 200.000 and 300.000 young people under the age of 25 experience homelessness each year alone in the UK, and Local authorities are now required to reduce the provision for local homeless young people in bed & breakfast accommodation, therefore implementing a need for a provision which is safe, secure and cost effective.

Halton YMCA Nightstop in conjunction with Halton Borough Councils homeless team is a new initiative set up in Halton aimed at providing free, safe and secure nightly emergency accommodation with one of our Host volunteers, for single young people aged 16-25. This will also give the young person the chance to wash, clean their clothing and have a warm evening meal. We also provide a specialist mediation service to help the young people return to their families, or improve family relationships to prevent homelessness, if this is appropriate. Support will also be provided until such time as permanent and appropriate housing is secured.

Have you a spare room for the night?

If anyone has a room for the night, then we need to hear from you now if you are willing to let one young person stay the night at your house. All we ask is for you to provide a room on a nightly basis, washing facilities, breakfast and evening meal. All young people are referred from recognised referral agencies and are appropriately assessed for their individual needs.

All hosts will have access to ongoing training and provided with expenses.

Halton YMCA Nightstop gives the opportunity to enhance your C.V, to try something new or meet new people.

If you require any further information or are interested in joining our team please contact Terri Pybis at: Nightstop@haltonymca.org.uk Or ring her on: 01928591680 / 07962349665 What is Homelessness ?

Homelessness means not having a home. Even if you have a roof over your head you can still be homeless. This is because you may not have any rights to stay where you live or your home might be unsuitable for you.

What situations mean you are homeless?

You don't have to be sleeping on the streets to be classed as homeless. You might also be deemed to be homeless if you are: - Temporarily staying with friends or family - Staying in a hostel or bed and breakfast - Living in very overcrowded conditions - At risk of violence or abuse in your home - Living in poor conditions that affect your health - Living somewhere that you have no legal right to stay in(e.g. a squat) - Living somewhere that you can't afford to pay for without depriving yourself of basic essentials - Forced to live apart from your family or someone you would normally live with because your accommodation isn't suitable.

If you ask your Council for help, it will assess your circumstances to see if it has a legal responsibility to help you as a homeless person.

Who is affected?

Homelessness affects a wide variety of people. Some groups of people are more vulnerable to homelessness because they have fewer rights; particular needs or are less able to cope by themselves. These include: - Young people leaving home for the first time - Old people - People with children - People with physical or mental health problems - People on benefits or low incomes - People leaving care - Ex-prisoners - Asylum seekers and refugees.

How do people become homeless?

You could become homeless for many different reasons. These could include - Family Breakdown - Being evicted by your landlord - Losing your job - Health problems - Relationship problems - A disaster such as fire or flooding.