Organisation

Nightstop Greater Manchester & Cheshire East

Depaul UK, Second Floor, Suite C,

1 North Parade, Parsonage Gardens,

Manchester, M3 2NH

 

 

Role and Opportunity Details (To apply for this role you must be 18+)

Nightstop volunteer drivers

Nightstop Greater Manchester and Cheshire East provides emergency, overnight accommodation for young people between the ages of 16-25 years old, who are at risk of homelessness and have nowhere else to stay.

Nightstop guests are placed in the homes of trained and vetted volunteer hosts, who provide a safe and secure place for the guest to stay that evening.  Hosts will provide a private bedroom, an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch next day (if required).  They will also provide facilities to bathe and wash clothes if needed and a friendly face and a listening ear.

Nightstop volunteer drivers meet the guest at a pre-arranged place, drive them to the volunteer host’s home, introduce them to their host then call the service to confirm that the guest has arrived safely.

We receive referrals from all 10 local authorities in the GM region, as well as Cheshire East and self referrals.

Referrals are assessed on an individual basis and are considered on current levels of risk.  However as a rule we are unable to accommodate people who have ongoing substance misuse issues (drugs/alcohol etc), violent, aggressive or anti-social behaviour, severe mental health issues and people who are at risk of offending.

Throughout someone’s time on Nightstop we continue to support them by working with partner organisations to explore longer term accommodation options.

Volunteer drivers receive mileage allowance when driving a guest.

 

Specific Skills Required

Aim of the Volunteer Role:

The volunteer driver will meet the guest at the pre-arranged place, drive them to the volunteer host’s home, introduce them to their host then call the service to confirm that the guest has arrived safely.

Main Tasks:

  • Pick up the guest, by arrangement with the Nightstop Worker.
  • Chat with them and put them at ease during transit.
  • Drive the guest to their volunteer host home for the night.
  • Introduce them to the host, checking their plans for the next day.
  • Call Nightstop to confirm the guest has arrived at the host’s home safely.
  • Keep records of each journey to claim expenses.
  • Liaise with the Nightstop service team regarding availability and provide regular feedback after every time they have driven.
  • To attend an initial training programme prior to undertaking role and attend further training as appropriate.
  • To adhere to the terms of Depaul Nightstop policies and its Code of Practice.
  • To contribute positively to the continuous development of the service/team.
  • To observe clear professional boundaries in our relations with the young people we work with.
  • Necessary skills, attitudes and knowledge:
  • A basic understanding of the issues young homeless people face.
  • An ability to relate to people on a one to one, non judgmental basis.
  • A desire to work with disadvantaged people.
  • A full current driving license and road worthy vehicle.
  • A willingness to participate in training and be involved in consultation regarding the role.

Support and supervision:

There will be periodic volunteer support groups for Nightstop hosts and drivers that provide peer support and informal training opportunities.

All hosts and drivers will be provided with telephone support and debriefing after every placement.

A 24hr on call system is in operation to allow access to advice and guidance for volunteers.

Induction and training:

The volunteer will receive an induction training session and have ongoing training.  The volunteer will also have access to all Depaul training courses where appropriate/relevant.  All volunteers are fully DBS checked.

 

Benefits of Volunteering with this organisation

Benefits to the Volunteer:

  • The volunteer driver will receive mileage allowance when driving a guest and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
  • There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make.
  • Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation.
  • Contributing to a service that really does make a difference to the lives of young people.

 

Level of commitment required 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity.

 

Date(s) / Time(s) Required

Weekday Evenings, Weekend Evenings, Weekday mornings & Weekend mornings.

 

Volunteer Opportunity Number

VO10414   (please make a note of this ‘VO’ number if applying for this role).

Apply for this role