Nightstop is awarded National Lottery Funding
17 January 2025
We are excited to announce that our Nightstop program has been successfully awarded £300,000 from the National Lottery.
This achievement highlights the team’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to supporting young people in need.
A special congratulations goes out to Sarah Wilson (Supported Housing Manager & Nightstop Coordinator), whose tireless efforts were instrumental in submitting the successful funding bid. Her determination and passion for the cause have been truly inspiring. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you is extended to Emma Seal (Fundraising & Events Manager) for her invaluable support throughout this process.
About Nightstop
Nightstop offers a lifeline to young people aged 18 to 25 in Bath who need urgent accommodation. The program provides emergency, temporary accommodation in the homes of trained and compassionate host volunteers. This safe and supportive environment ensures that young people in crisis have a secure place to stay while they navigate their next steps.
Alongside the Nightstop program runs Daystop. Daystop provides a welcoming space for young people who may need guidance, emotional support, or simply a warm cup of tea and a chat. These services play a crucial role in addressing youth homelessness by not only meeting immediate needs but also fostering a sense of community and belonging. Our Daystop room is a warm, cosy space based in our main Bath building, YMCA Bath Hostel.
Nightstop / Daystop 2024 Impact
Over the years, Nightstop and Daystop have grown their impact thanks to the continued support of the National Lottery Community Fund, Garfield Weston, and B&NES Council.
In 2024:
- The team worked with a total of 114 young people
- 80 new referrals were received (16-25 year olds) for both Daystop support services and Nightstop Emergency Accommodation
- We saw a total of 45 referrals to Nightstop
- Overall, 453 bed-nights were hosted (18-25 year olds)
- 168 hours of free counselling services were given to young people in need
- 12 young people were given a more long-term housing solution in our Platform for Life supported housing program.
A Bright Future
The success of Nightstop is a testament to the power of community. From the generosity of host volunteers who open their homes to young people in need, to the unwavering support of Bath Housing staff, collaboration is at the heart of this initiative.
The program will still need a further £200,000 to run, but we have every confidence they will achieve this. As the team continues to work toward their funding goal, they remain focused on their aim to provide safety, support, and hope to young people in Bath. This funding from the National Lottery will ensure the continued support for young people at risk of homelessness for years to come, providing everyone with a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.