The events of 2020 have been unprecedented. Although it feels like that word doesn't even come close to describe how worrying, challenging and uncertain this year has been for us all.
The pandemic has caused real hardship for young people in Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire. The lockdown has led to them losing jobs, experiencing relationship breakdown and having their mental health seriously affected. All of these factors can lead to youth homelessness.
Here at Nightstop, we have had our busiest year ever supporting young people aged 16-25 at risk of homelessness in our local community. As well as experiencing a sharp increase in demand for mediation and counselling services, Nightstop has provided more nights of emergency accommodation during 2020 than in any other year in our history.
We are very proud that we have been able to continue to deliver our services and be there for young people in crisis. However, we know that 2021 will be even harder for young people as the effects of the pandemic continue to bite. Youth unemployment is expected to rise to levels not seen since the early 1980s. Sadly, this will leave more young people experiencing poverty and, ultimately, homelessness.
We couldn't provide our services without the generosity of our supporters. This Christmas, we need your help to ensure that we can continue to always be there for young people in need. This is what your donation can help us to provide:
* £120 can provide a week of emergency accommodation for a homeless young person
*£50 can provide a young person with a new outfit for a job interview
*£30 can provide life skills training to two young people
*£5 can provide essential toiletries to a young person in crisis
You can make a donation by following the link here. You can also help by donating toiletries or new items of nightwear or underwear for young people to use during their Nightstop placement. You can help by raising awareness of our work by following us on social media and liking and sharing our posts.
We know that this has been a very difficult year for everyone and we're so grateful for any donation, however small. Every penny received goes towards our work with young people and helping them to have a brighter future, free from homelessness.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!