Nightstop hosts are volunteers, and as such may withdraw from the project at any time. However, as long as they are part of the project, they agree to provide minimum standards of care as outlined below. These are largely common-sense observations, incorporating some points made during training that would not be immediately obvious.
Arrival and welcome
The host has been made aware of the nightstopper’s name, and has informed the other members of the household expected to be present during the nightstopper’s stay. If a volunteer driver has brought the nightstopper to the host, the driver introduces him/her to the host. If on a dark night there are no external signs of life, the nighstopper may be discouraged from ringing the doorbell.
A nervous stranger will be put at ease if the household are welcoming, sensitive and non-judgmental; for example, expressing surprise at the guest’s appearance would be insensitive. The offer of a non-alcoholic drink will also reduce tension.
Boundaries
As part of the welcome, the guest should be shown round those parts of the house to which s/he will have access – bedroom assigned for his/her private use, bathroom, kitchen, living room, usually. This is a good time to introduce other members of the family, and any pets, in case these were not mentioned at the time of the referral.
The nightstopper should now be informed of the house rules, and when s/he will be expected to leave in the morning.
In conversation the host may be expected to take a polite interest without asking pointed questions, offer simple suggestions such as “Mention that to your social worker” or “Have you been to Housing Advice?”, but not give more concrete advice, try to influence the guest towards the household’s politics, religion or value systems. The host need not be reluctant to explain, if asked, why s/he is a Nightstop host.
Leaving money, purses and other small portable valuables lying about should be avoided, since it presents penniless nightstoppers with temptation. Although nightstoppers should not be asked, directly or by hints, to do chores, any offer to do so may be accepted, especially if the nightstopper is seen to feel more comfortable.
Information
The nightstopper needs to know about the household’s timetable, especially when to leave the next day, and where to go. If a burglar alarm is set at night, the guest needs to know how to avoid setting it off when going to the toilet. The bathroom/toilet door should be marked to avoid embarrassing blunders, and for the same reason a corridor light is best left on.
To be extra careful about safety, show the guest the best way out of the house in case of fire, and point out the smoke alarms.
The nightstopper’s needs
- relaxation including
- private bedroom
- night-clothes
- privacy – alone with no conversation if desired OR
- human contact – listen and be listened to
- meals, bearing in mind many young people are fussy eaters
- chance to wash, bathe – be given toiletries
- warmth, security and safety
- opportunity to go out
- fares or transport to the next day’s destination.
Summary: the nightstopper is to be treated as most people would treat a guest in their house, with additional safeguards and sensitivity appropriate to the special needs of the guest and vulnerability of the host.
