How Dorset Nightstop helps homeless young people: Lorna's story
No one expects to become homeless. When Lorna found herself on the streets at age 16, she turned to Dorset Nightstop who provided the support needed to get back on her feet.
After her relationship with her mother broke down and living with her father became difficult, Lorna found herself without a home at the age of 16.
Finding a temporary solution, she moved in with her boyfriend and contacted her local council, but didn’t receive any support from the authority.
When her relationship with her boyfriend ended, Lorna found herself reliant on friends. Sofa surfing became her new normal. Keeping up with college was impossible, and Lorna dropped out just a few months into her studies.
Lorna found part-time work, but it wasn’t enough to support her financially or emotionally; her circumstances began to take their toll and her mental health worsened, making it difficult to continue her employment.
I was trying to sort myself out but it was so hard. I just couldn’t keep on top of everything. All I could think about was where I would sleep that night.
Having spent two years without a home, Lorna took every opportunity that crossed her path for a bed to spend the night in. Sometimes, she admits, she would find herself in unsafe situations that resulted from accepting beds offered by strangers.
Desperate, Lorna began to explore alternative arrangements online – and that’s when she came across our Dorset Nightstop service.
Dorset Nightstop provides homeless young people – aged 16-25 – with safe emergency accommodation. Young people like Lorna can go through the service to stay with trained volunteer host families in the Dorset area.
Whilst she dealt with some initial anxiety around using the service, Lorna remembers that her first host family made all the difference. They welcomed her into their home with a cup of tea, and she was finally able to relax.
Over the course of 14 weeks, Lorna found safety and warmth with several different host families while she was supported by the service.
I honestly don’t know where I would've been without them. Probably a random person’s house, if I'm honest, because I ran out of friends to go to... It’s not nice but it’s the only option if you're a girl and homeless.
Not only providing physical support, Dorset Nightstop affords young people the security to deal with the emotional impact of their situation.
Lorna says she’ll never forget what it was like to be homeless.
She recalls the fear of never knowing what was coming round the corner. Walking down the street with her belongings in bags - her life literally in her hands. How many times she stayed in the homes of complete strangers, putting her safety at risk for a roof over her head.
Now living in supported accommodation, Lorna is hoping to return to college to continue her studies. And, she knows that if she ever needs them, the team at Dorset Nightstop will support her.
I'm a big advocate for Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop because of how big an impact it had on me. I'm really grateful for everything they did.
Unfortunately, Lorna’s experience is not unique. There are countless young people who find themselves without a home every day. Who will spend their time worrying about where they can find a bed for the night rather than studying for exams or spending time with friends.
Services like Dorset Nightstop afford young people the freedom to be young again. They ensure that they don’t have to risk their safety for the chance at a good nights’ sleep.
Dorset Nightstop are always seeking volunteers - whether this is as a host or a driver. Contact [email protected] to find out how you can help.
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