Action for Children

Location: Tyne and Wear

When times are bad, families need extra support.

We use a system of whole-family support, providing an intensive relationship and support to contribute to the wellbeing of families we work with; this can stabalise families and enable them to overcome their difficulties and live happier lives together.

If families and relationships are strengthened, children who were previously on the edge of being placed in care are able to stay at home.

We work with each member of the family with all children in the household receive care and attention, and where necessary we work with other significant members of the household if we believe this will help.

Our work helps;

• Keep children out of care;
• Help parents towards employment;
• Reducing children's involvement in crime;
• Making more confident parents;
• Helping families to better mental health.

Dorset Nightstop provides safe, secure emergency accommodation for young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Young people are welcomed into the home of a fully trained volunteer host. Placements are on a one night at a time basis, usually for a maximum of three nights.

As a young person accessing Nightstop you can expect:

• a safe and secure bed for the night in your own room
• an evening meal and breakfast
• washing facilities
• a listening ear, if you need one, or head space if you prefer
• a friendly and free service
• breathing space to allow you to get any support you need and move towards finding more permanent accommodation

Nightstop aims to keep young people in a safe and friendly home environment, while allowing agencies to look at long-term solutions to their homelessness.