A powerful More4 documentary explores the emergency accommodation service which provides young people, who need a bed in a moment of crisis, with a safe place to stay in a volunteer’s home.
Would You Take in A Stranger? features Nightstop, the homelessness network behind hyh’s Nightstop Herts scheme, and will be screened on More4 on Tuesday July 11 at 10pm.
The hour-long documentary, made by Drummer TV, is also available for around a month from the broadcast date on: www.channel4.com/programmes/catchup/c4
Nightstop matches young people with members of the public, who welcome them into their home until a longer term solution can be found.
Director Ben Freedman follows three young people in very different circumstances, none of whom fulfils the stereotype of a “homeless” person.
Kieran, a 17-year-old college student, has had an argument with his stepdad.
Dandi, 21 has been using Nightstop on and off for three years because she has a difficult relationship with her mum.
Paul is 24 and nearing the end of the time with Nightstop so the race is on to find a long-term solution.
For all three young people, it is the fleeting relationships they have with their hosts that are striking.
hyh launched its own affiliated scheme, Nightstop Herts, in April. A donation of just £25 provides a young person with a safe place to stay, a listening ear and ‘breathing space' to work through their options.
“We have successfully managed to find accommodation for all young people who have been in Nightstop Herts placements, by the time their placement has ended,” said hyh’s Nightstop Herts Co-ordinator, Kelli-Anne Payne.
“It’s really positive that these young people have been able to move into supported accommodation in such a short space of time.”
“The use of spare rooms in a welcoming and nurturing home is a lifeline to young people in crisis.”
The Nightstop network is led by homelessness charity Depaul UK.
Nightstop provides a safety net to those unable to stay at home, placing young people in a safe and warm home for the night, provided by a vetted volunteer.
And it prevents young people from sleeping rough or staying in unsafe places where they would be at risk of abuse.
If you would like to find out about volunteering for Nightstop Herts, please email