The UK has changed beyond recognition for us all in 2020 with the brutal arrival of coronavirus. Since the countrywide lockdown was announced on 23rd March, life has become significantly more difficult and anxiety-provoking for many people. However, a beacon of light and hope has come from seeing the everyday acts of kindness and generosity that have been seen throughout our community. Here at Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation Scheme, we have been fortunate to see these acts first-hand as we work hard to fulfil our mission to support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. On #GivingTuesdayNow, we wanted to give thanks for those acts and to the people who are ensuring that those in need are supported during these difficult times.
It’s been an incredibly busy time for everyone in the voluntary sector as it’s led the response in tackling the social issues that the pandemic has exacerbated. Poverty, inequality and stigma stubbornly remain whilst so much around us has changed. Our team of committed staff and volunteers, like so many others at the moment, have adjusted to making sure elderly relatives who are self-isolating are looked after, our kids are home-schooled and that we’ve got to grips with the brave, new world of Zoom meetings! We’ve changed the ways in which we work, being creative and innovative, adapting to make sure that we are always here for young people who need us. Essential services such as mediation and counselling have been moved online. Our team have been checking in daily with young people via digital channels to provide a listening ear, advice and signposting.
Nightstop has always been part of an incredibly strong community and something that this crisis has shown us, is the power of that community and what we can achieve working together. We have been working closely with partners to ensure that young people in crisis are receiving deliveries of vital food parcels. Our team of amazing volunteer hosts have continued to provide emergency accommodation, ensuring that young people who are homeless have somewhere safe to stay. We have seen young people who have used our services now giving back and volunteering to help the most vulnerable. We are grateful to supporters and funders, existing and new, who so generously give to us to ensure that we can continue to provide our life-changing services.
To those people, to our community, for these acts, we say “thank you”. We will come out the other side of this stronger - together.