The youth homelessness charity SASH is looking for more volunteers in Harrogate to help provide a new service for vulnerable young people aged 16-25.
SASH prevents young people from becoming homeless by offering them a room in the home of a volunteer. The charity already helps young people in Harrogate through its Nightstop emergency accommodation project and it is now launching a Supported Lodgings scheme in the area, offering longer-term support for vulnerable young people who are homeless and need a safe place to stay while they develop independent living skills.
SASH is urgently looking for more people in Harrogate to help roll out the new service. Volunteers are fully vetted, trained and supported, and receive expenses to cover the costs of volunteering.
David and Joyce Smith, who live in Harrogate, have been SASH hosts for over three years. They said: “We got involved because we just thought it was a good idea, taking someone in, doing something practical to help. SASH as an organisation is brilliant. There’s always support there, you can always ring and there’s someone at the end of the phone.
Tina Firthlock, Community Coordinator for SASH said: The best place for homeless young people is in ordinary homes, where they can get the help and support they need. We urgently need Supported Lodgings hosts to offer a room and work with the SASH Support Workers to prepare young people to live independently. There are no special skills required to get involved – you just need a spare room and a willingness to help vulnerable young people at a difficult time. If you think you might be able to help, please just get in touch for find out more, we’d love to hear from you!
Tina will be available to talk to on Thursday 4 June at the Volunteer Recruitment Fair at Harrogate Library between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Anyone interested in volunteering for SASH is warmly invited to come along to find out more.
There is also lots more information at www.sash-uk.org.uk or call 01904 652043.
- SASH works to prevent homelessness in young people aged 16-25 in York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding. Established in 1994, the charity provides Nightstop and Supported Lodgings schemes across the region.
- SASH helps around 300 young people every year who are facing homelessness and need a safe place to stay while they sort out their problems.
- For more information please email info@sash-uk.org.uk
