Nightstop North-East Scotland offers temporary, emergency accommodation for young people facing homelessness. A young person accessing this service could be facing homelessness for any number of reasons, with 75% of referrals being due to a breakdown of relationships at home.  This accommodation is offered in the homes of trained and vetted volunteers, who are supported by professional staff. Hosts can be anyone, with the only requirements being that they must be able to provide a spare room, a hot evening meal and a listening ear. This offers an accommodation option which may be more suitable for young people than traditional homeless hostels.

In Aberdeen City and Shire, the total number of young people who presented as homeless in 2020/21 was 720, which means young people make up a disproportionate level of homelessness presentations in the area.  This shows a particular need for young person-centred options.  Nightstop prevents young people from entering into a never-ending cycle of homelessness by providing them with a safe place to stay for a few nights while they decide their next steps. It also helps them to address their individual support needs, while enabling them to maintain any education, employment or training they are involved in. Aberdeen Foyer will also provide additional advice and support available through our wide range of services, should that be needed.

Nightstop are currently looking for volunteer hosts. Hosts are offered a £15 stipend per night when Hosting and 24/7 on-call support is available throughout the stay.

If you can help/for further details please contact Megan Douglas, Nightstop Co-ordinator, Aberdeen Foyer at email: Megan.Douglas@aberdeenfoyer.com or telephone 07467 919813.

At Aberdeen Cyrenians, we are really fortunate to have the support of the local community who donate clothing, food and other goods to support those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in Aberdeen City and Shire. We need volunteers to help us process these donations to ensure that they reach those who need them as quickly as possible.

“Every child deserves a chance in life and the thought of being a positive role model and playing a part in helping someone made me want to become a befriender” – Michelle Eastcroft, Volunteer Befriender.

Befriending is our largest and most in-demand programme and is designed for children aged 4 ½ – 16 years old who are facing difficult life circumstances.

Children can be referred to our befriending programme by education, social work, health professionals or third-sector partners for a number of reasons including a lack of confidence or self-esteem, social isolation, lack of a positive adult role model, substance misuse in the family home and more.

Befrienders meet with their befriendees twice a month for a couple of hours each time for a minimum of one year to take part in fun activities to help them increase their confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, reduce their social isolation and show them more of what life has to offer.

Volunteer befrienders should be:

• Reliable
• Committed for one year
• Non-judgemental
• Respectful of confidentiality
• Enthusiastic and fun

Following an initial interview Befriend a Child provide full training, PVG checks and match befrienders with a child who shares common interests, likes and dislikes.