Rock Trust in bed appeal for young people

People in West Lothian are being asked to spare a bed in their house to stop a young person going homeless.

The scheme, operated by Rock Trust, aims to provide young people in crisis with emergency accommodation for a short spell, lasting from one day to two weeks.

The initiative operates for young people aged 16 to 25 who are at risk of entering the formal homeless system and staying in temporary bed and breakfast or adult hostel accommodation.

The Edinburgh and West Lothian Nightstop service seeks to provide a bit of time out for young people.

It is hoped this time will help prevent the breakdown of their current accommodation arrangements or to identify and secure longer term accommodation.

Hosts receive expenses to cover the costs of supporting a young person.

All potential volunteers are PVG checked and fully trained. They also have the support of a dedicated Nightstop Development Coordinator and access to an emergency number 24 hours a day. Nightstop is part of a national network of schemes and is affiliated to Depaul Nightstop UK.

Last year nearly 7,000 young people presented as homeless in Scotland.

Most of these young people entered unsuitable hostels alongside adults and their safety can become compromised.

Depaul UK’s Danger Zones and Stepping Stones report said: “While some temporary living arrangements were good for young people, many were found to be harmful.

“Physical effects included fatigue due to poor and irregular sleep patterns, weight loss, and health issues connected to drugs and alcohol.

“Significant risks to young people’s personal safety also exist because some living arrangements, for example staying with strangers, could leave them vulnerable to mistreatment and exploitation.”

For more information visit: https://www. rocktrust.org/nightstopbroken-down/ or alternatively get in touch via phone, our contact form or email admin@ rocktrust.org