Nightstop AGM

On Tuesday evening I was a guest at Nightstops's AGM. Sadly this charity was being wound up after only existing in Newbury for a little over four years. Karen Anderson, the charity's secretary and founder gave an amusing presentation based on 'This is your life', which neatly explained how she went about founding the Newbury branch of this national organisation, after identifying a need through her work with the Community Council for Berkshire.

Pictured from left are Melissa Needham a Nightstop co-ordinator, Tony Vickers a volunteer host, Ian MacDonald former trustee, Karen Anderson secretary and me.

The charity exists to provide accomodation for homeless young people for a night or two until more formal provision can be found. Volunteers are trained before being added to the list of potential hosts.

On a positive note, the reason for the charity closing was due to a lack of clients rather than funding or volunteers. Although there are fewer young homeless locally, there is an increase in young people with more complex needs, who require professional help rather than that of volunteers.