[E]mergency accommodation service Nightstop Cumbria is celebrating its second anniversary.
In its first two years, the service, commissioned by Cumbria County Council and run by homelessness charity Depaul UK, has provided 208 bed- nights for 47 young people, aged between 16 and 25.
Sharon Jackson, who coordinates Nightstop Cumbria, says that although it has enjoyed a successful first two years, it needs more volunteers urgently to meet demand across the county.
She said: “We have a great team working in Cumbria who have worked really hard to make Nightstop Cumbria a success but, sadly, there are times we have had to turn away people who needed our service.
“That’s happened right across Cumbria – but particularly in Barrow.”
Nightstop Cumbria currently has eight hosting households across the county and three volunteer drivers.
Sharon added: “Our volunteers do an amazing job but we need more to ensure that no young person has to sleep rough or in an unsafe place.”
Nightstop Cumbria is supported by Francis Scott Trust and John Fisher Foundation. The project is affiliated to Nightstop UK, which receives support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
If you would like to train to be a Nightstop Cumbria volunteer host, please contact Sharon Jackson at [email protected]
