We’re looking for volunteers to join our successful ‘Crashpad’ scheme, which offers short-term, emergency accommodation in a host’s home to vulnerable 16-17-year-olds who have nowhere else to go.
The length of stay can be from just a few days to up to three weeks. All you need is a spare room, a sympathetic ear and the ability to provide breakfast and dinner.
Hosts are given training and offered round-the-clock support when a young person stays with them.
“We’ve found with the young people we’ve hosted really do need to get out of their environment and hyh provides them with the opportunity,” -- Crashpad host.
The young person will have signed a Crashpad Rules agreement prior to the placement, is only allowed in the house when the host is present and will not have a key.
By providing a stable base, hosts can make a positive difference to young people facing crisis.
“Our hosts around the county range from single parents to retired couples but what they all have in common is their desire to help young people in need. They offer some hope for teenagers who have nowhere else to go,” said hyh’s Crashpad manager Tj Nicholls.
To learn more about becoming a Crashpad host, register for our information evening at the Council Chamber St Albans on Oct 5 from 6pm by emailing