REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1191566 T￿￿tel, Report Ind Un•udlted Flnand•l Stat•m•nts for the Ye4r Ended 31 M4rlbllltles. fhls January 2025 rÈfresh•rtralnln8 w•$ pr¢vlded fgr ?115taff and Trustee5 and volunteer5. Memb?rs of the Safe8U8rdln8 sub-group ill xhie¥ed Level 3 ￿leguardIn5 Aw•Td. The safeBuordln8 sub-8rtyJp Is led by a very expèrltrted ￿lelujrdI￿ professlonal and Nlghtstop trustee. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS R•8lrtertd Ch•rOty nurnber 1191S66 Prfnclpal addr￿ 35-36 Worcester Streèi KIOJermlThster DYIO IEW TIusiMJ Darren Turner (Chalrl Matthew Glover (Treasurer) Stephanle 5tanesby Iresi8ned 24.3.251 Rachel Tucker Ivlce Chairl Iresi8ned 24.3.251 Douglas Marshall Taryn Hlll Mlchael Geor8e Forrester lappolnted 25.9.241 Sarah &LX)th lappolnted 20.1.251 Leesa Davles (appointed 20.1.251 Indtpendent Ex•mln•r Colin Darton FCA Dalton Pardoe Llmlted Chartered ￿COuntantS 794 Hl8h Street Klngswirsford West Midland$ DY6 88Q Page 2 Wytt ForESt and South Worce5tErshlr• Nlghtstop and Medlatlon5er41¢e Trustee5' Report forthe Year Ended 31 March 202S TRUMES The trustee5 recognlse the need for stron8 and effectlve governancè, and thèrefore actlvtly recrult suitsble new rnernbers to loln the Board olTrustees. to provlde the knowled8e. expertefice, wlsdom ènd cornrnltrnent netessaryto run the charlty elfectlvelv. The trustses recelve regular support ènd tralnln81 Includlng Safe8uardlngi to ensure they are able to meet thelr responslbllltles. Thls vearall trustees and selected key $taff $tudled and sutce55fv11y achieved thè Charlty GoverThance Onllne Certificate. Trustees arè TÈ5ponslble for ensurlng that WY￿ Forest and South Worcestershlre Nl8htstop and Mediation Servlce meets Its oble¢thfes and that we have proper stswardshlp of tunds. TRUSTEES, AESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT The trustees 8re responslble for preparing the Trustee5' Report and the financlal Statements In accordance wlth applicable law and Unlted Klngdom Accou¢)tlng Standards (united Klngdorn Generally Accepted AccountlnK Practlcel. Charlty requires the trustees to prepare Ilnanclal statements lor each financial year. Under thèt law, the tfustees have elected to prepare the financlal statements In accordance wfth Unlted Kln8dom Generally Accepted Accountln8 Practlce IUnSted Kln8dom Accountlng Standards and appllcable lawl. Undèr ¢harlty law the trustee$ must not approve the flnanclal ststements unless they are satislied that they ghfe a true and f4lr vlew of the state of affalrs of the charlty and ol the Incomlng resources and appllcatlon of resources, Includlng the Incomè oThd expendlture, of thè ¢harlty for that perlod. In preparlng those flnanclal statements. the trustees are requlred to $èlect a¢countln8 polIc￿9 &nd then apply them consistently,. observe the methods and prln£iples In the Charltles SORP,. rnake judgements and estlmates that are reasonable and prudent.. prepare the tlnanclal statements on the goln8 concern basls unless It Is Inappropilate to presume that the charlty wlll contlnue In tr4Jslnè55. The trustee5 ort re5ponslble for keeplng proper accouThtlng records whkh dlscI)se wlth reasonable accuracy at any tlme the flnanclal posifion of the charty and to Ènablt them to ensurè that the Iinanclal statements comply wlth the Charltles Act 2011 and The Charlty (Accounts and Reports) Re8ulatlon5 2008. They are also responslble for sale8uardln8 the assets of the charltyand hen¢È fortaklnB reasonable Jteps forihe preventlon and dètèctlon of frnud and other Irregularltlej. The trustet5 are responslble for the m81ntenance and Integrlty ol the charlty and Ilnanclal Inforrnètlon Included on the charlty. webslte, Lel51atlon In the Unlted KSn8dom 8o¥efnin6 the preparatDn and di55ernination ol flnancial 5tstemEnts may differ from le6lslat+on In otherlurlsdlrtlon5. Approved byorder of the board of trustees on 24 Novernber 2025 and sL4ned on Its behalf by: Darren Turner IChalrl- Trustee Page 3 lfidependent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of Wyre Forest and South Worce5tershlre Nl8histop and Medl•tlc*n S¢rvl¢¢ Indepermknl examlnerf5 rewt to the trustees of Wyre FOr￿t and South Worce5tershlre Ntghtstop and Medlatlon SeThlce I report to the charfty trustees on my examlnatlon of the accounts of Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediaiion Ser¥lce (the Charityl for the yearended 31 March 2025. ResPOmStbllltle5 and bo$15 of report As the charlty trustees of the Charlty you are responsible for the preparation ol the accounts in accerdance wlth the requlrement$ of the Charit*s Act 2011 l*he Act'l. I repDrt in respect of rny examlnatlon of the Charlty's accounts carrled out under Seakjn 145 of the Act and In ca¥rylng out rny exarnination I have followed all applicable Directions gwen by the c￿rity Commisslon under Section 1451Sllbl of the Act. Indep¢ndeb)t ex?mlnerfs statement nce your charlty's gross Income exceeded £250,000 your examlner must be 8 member ol a 11sted body. I can conflrm that l am qualifled to undertake the examlnatlon because l am • member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants In England and Wales. whlch Is one ol the listed bodles. I have completed my exarnlnatlon. l cortflrm that no materlal matters have come to my attentlon In cOnne￿10n wlth ihe examlnatlon 8￿Ing me Cause to belleve th?t In any materlal respect.. l. accountln8 records We￿ riot kept In respert of the Charlty Js requI￿d by 5ectlon 130 of the ACL. or 2. thé accounts do not accord wlth those records.. or 3. the accounts do not comply wlth the appllcable requlrernent5 concernlnd the form ond content of accounts set out In the ChaTltles (Account5 and Rep)rt51 Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts ¥ive a true and flir view which Is t a mJtter consldered as part of an Independent examlnatlon. I have no Concerns and have come across no other rnattèrs In wnnoctlon wlth the examlnadon to whlch attentlon should be d¥awn In thls report In order to enablè a proper undirstandlnB Df the accounts to be reached. Colln Dalton FC4 The Instltute of Chartered Accourtants In England and Wale5 Dalt¢)n PardDe Limlted Chartered Accountants 794 Hl8h Street Kin8swlnford West MldlaThd5 DY6 8BQ 24 November 2025 Page 4 Vlyre FO￿rt aNI Souih Wor¢esrershirt NIgh￿o￿and Mediatlon SeNl¢e Statement of Flnanclal Act5¥ltles for the year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 Totsl funds 31.3.24 Totsl fvnds Vnrestrkted funds Restrlcted funds Notes INCOME ANO ENDOWMENTS FROM Donatlon5 and1é8acles 50.765 53.627 45,707 Charltabl• actlvltl•s Grants reEelved 5,010 297.343 302,353 395,841 Otheriradlr¥ actlvltle5 13.787 13,717 5,747 Total 69,$62 a(Kl,205 369,767 447,295 EXPENDITURE ON Ralslngfurtds 3A44 9.325 5,202 Charltabh artlvltl E¥pendlture 3343 13.972 17,215 27,024 other 73N43 297,195 370.638 381,101 Tot•1 82,167 Jis,oii 397,178 413.327 NET INCOMVIEXPENDITUREI IA2.60SI 114.8061 127AIII 33,968 RECONCIIIATION OF FVIIDS Total funds brou8ht forwafd 23Z,233 126,684 358,917 324,949 TOTAL FUNDS CARRI£D FORWARO 119.621 111,878 331.506 358,917 The notes form part ofthese flnanclal ststements Pale 5 Wyre Forest and South Worcestèrshire Nightstry and Mediatlon Ser¥lce Balance Sheet 31 Marth 2025 31.3.ZS Total funds 31J.24 Total fvnds Un¥estrlcted lund5 Restrlcted fund5 Notes FIKED ASSETS Tan8lble assets io 349 349 722 CURRENT A55ETS Debtors Cash at bwnk and In hand li 10.731 215.105 10,731 a26,984 6,651 360,615 111,874 Z25MJ6 IIIM79 337,715 367,266 CREOITORS Amounts lalllThB due wbthln one year 12 16.5581 16.5581 19.0711 NETCURRENT ASSETS 219,278 111,879 331,157 358,195 TOTAIASSETS LESS CURftENTUA8iunES 219.627 111.879 331,506 358,917 NET ASSETS 219,617 111,879 331.S06 358,917 FUNDS Unre5trlcted lund5 Restricted funds 13 119,627 111,879 232,233 126,684 TOTAL FUNDS 331,506 358,917 The fbnanclal stateménts were approved by the Btsard ¢1 TruJtee5 pnd author15ed for Issue M 24 NovembÈr 2025 and w*re slgned on Its behalf bv: Darren TvrneT IChalrl- Trustee Matthew Glover ITreèsurerl-7rustee The notesfomi part of these flnanclal ststements Pay6 Wyre Forest and South Worte51er5hlre Ni8htstop and Medlatk*rt SeNice Notes to the Flnan¢lal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparin4 the finin¢ial Statements The flnanclal statements of the char￿, whlch Is a publlc benefit entlty under FR5 102, have been prepared In accordance wlth the Charitles 50RP IFRS 1021'Accountlng and Reportlni by Charltles: Statement of Recommended Practlce applicable to charities prepar¢ng their accounts In accordance wlth the Flnanclal Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireknnd IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191,, Financial Reporting Standard 102 rhe Financial Reportin8 5tand&rd applkable in the UK and Republk of Ireland, and the char￿e$ Act 2011. The flnancial statements have been prepa￿d under the hlstorlcal costconventlon. Incom• All Income Is recognlsed In the Statement of Flnanclal Actlvf(le$ once the charlty has entitlement to the fvnds. h15 probab that Ihe Income WIU be ￿CeIved and the amount can be measU￿d rellably. Expendlture Llabilltles are recoBnbtd •s expenditure is soon as there Is a ItRal or constructive obll84tlon commlttln8 the charlty to that expendllure, It is probable that a transfer of economlc benefits wlll be requlrerl in settlement Bnd the amount ol rhe obllgatlon can be measured rellably. Expendlture is accounted for on an accruals basls and hws been clas51fled under headings that aggregate all c05t ￿lated io the category. Where costs cannot be dlrectly bttributerf to partlcular headln85 they have been allocated to actlvltles on a basss conslstent wlth the use of resources. Tinilble Ilxed assets Depreclatlon15 provlded at the followlng annual rates In ordèr to wilte off èich asset over its estlmated uselul Ilfe. Flxtures and Ilttln8S Computerequlpment •tvarylng rates on ¢ost 50% on CL)5t T•x•tlon The charlty Is exempt Irom tsxon its charltable actlvltles. Fund accountl Unre5trlcted fund5 can be used In ocwrdance wlth the ch&rltsble oblectlves at the dlscretlon of the trustee5. Restrlcied funds can only be used for partlcular restrlcted purposes withln the objects of the charlty. Restrlctlon5 ailse when speclfled bythe donor or when lunds ore ralsed for partlculai Mstrlcted purposes. Further explanatlon ol the natltre and purpose of each fund Is Included ITh the notes to the flnanclal statements. Nore purchase and le8slng tommItn￿￿tI Rents15 pald under operatlng lease5 are charged to the Staternent of Flnanclal Actfvitles on a stralght Ilne basls over the perlod of the lease. Penston cosisand othèr post.r•tliement btntfitj The charlty operates a deflned contrlbutloTh penslon scheme. Contrlbutlon5 payable to the charlty's penslon scheme are charged to the statement ol Flnanclal Actlvltles In the perlod to whlch they relate. DONATIONS AND LEGACIÉS 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Totsl ftsnds Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted lund5 Oonatlons 50.765 2.862 53.627 45,707 Page 7 continued... Wyre Forest and South Worcestershlre Ni8htstop •nd Medlatk>n Sev4lGe Not*$ to the Flnandal Statements. contlnued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 OTHER TrADING ACTMYIES 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restrlcted fvnd5 Other sundry income 13.787 13.787 5,747 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE Ac￿V￿rEs 31.3.25 31.3.24 Actlvlty Grants rKelved GTants X12,358 395,841 RAISIIIG FUNDS Aalglni don•tlons and le8ades 31.3.25 Totil funds 31.3.24 Total funds Unre5trlcted fvnd5 Restrkted fund5 C05t ol generatlng voluntsry Incow* 5,481 3,844 9,325 S,202 CHARITABLE AcnviTIES COSTS Dlrett Costs Expendlture 17.215 TAUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were Tho trustees, remuneratlon or other beneflt5 for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor lor the year ended 31 March 2024. Trustees, •Mpenses There were no trustees, expenses pald for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor lor the year ended 31 March 2024. STAFF C05T$ 31.3.2025 31.a.2024 Wa8e5, 5aUirles and social sewrlty co$is 286.011 294,5S8 Tho av•ra8È monthly number of employee5 durlng the year was 85 fdlows: 31.3.25 31.3.24 Support numberof ernployees whose employee beneflts lexcludlng employer penslon costs) exceeded £60,000 was: 31.a.25 31.3.24 £FA),IKII. E70,CIIO Page 8 contlnued... Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire NiKhtstop and Medi*ion Service Note5 to the Financial Statemen¢s. contlnued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 COMPARATJVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAiAC71VITIES Unre5trl¢ted funds rièstrided lunds Totsi funds INCOME ANO ENDOWMENTS FIIOM Donatlons and le8acles 41,812 3,895 45,707 Charltable artlvltle5 Grants recelved 395,841 39S,841 Other trading actlvltle5 5,329 418 5,747 Total 47,141 400,154 447.295 EXPENDITURE ON Ralsln8 fvnds 1.090 4,112 5.202 Charlt•bl• •ctlvltl•# Expendlture 6,780 20,244 27,024 Other 29.415 351,686 381,IOL 37.285 376,042 413,327 NEf INCOME 9,856 24,112 33,968 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brou8ht forward 222,377 102,572 324.949 TOTAL FUN05 CARRIED FORWARO 232.233 126,684 358,917 io. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixture5 and fittin8s Computer equiprnent Totals COST At l Aprll 2024 Addltlons 18,807 2t,154 699 39,961 At 31 Marth 2025 18M07 21.853 DEPRECIATION At l April 2024 Charge loryear 20.575 929 39,239 L072 At 31 March 2025 18,807 21,504 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 349 349 At 31 March 2024 143 579 722 Page 9 continued... Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Ni¥htstop and Mediation Sernice Not25 to the financial Staternents- continu forthÈ Year Ended 31 March 2025 ii. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING OUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Trade debtor5 Prepèyw￿nts and accrued lThcome 3.750 6,981 2.5LX) 4.151 10,7al 6.651 12. CREDITORS: AMOUI4TS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Trade creditor5 Other credltors 1,19B 5,360 5,198 3,873 6,558 9,071 13. MOVEMENTIN FUNDS Net movement In fvnds At 31.3.25 At 1.4.24 Unrestrkted funds General fund De5Ignbted funds.. In Touch 228,449 3,784 IB,82zI 13,7841 219￿27 232.233 112.6061 219,627 RestrSrt¢d funds NètloThal Lottery Fund WFDC Mltch Pomfret Fund 29th May 1961 Charltv Albert Hunt Trust Eveson Trust R D Turner Baron Davenport BewdleyTown Coyncll Depaul Gartleld Weston WCF Incluslve Communltles Children In Need 2025 Grantham Yorke Trust Landald Charltable Tryst Lasletts Hinton WCF Stren￿he￿Ifi¥ Worcestershire 71.689 61 5.520 5J47 168J211 350 1,580 301 1,399 6,901 19751 12 12011 1.500 11,966 11,9541 10.138 4.000 4.500 5.000 9,000 3,367 411 7,100 5.748 7,023 26,902 1,862 1,512 ,IM)i 2,837 201 291 11.558 1,955 1,791 23,524 10,138 126,684 114,8051 111*79 TOTALFUNDS 358.917 127.4111 331,$06 Page 10 contlnued... re Forest and5outh Worcestershire N*htstop and Medlatlon Ser¥*e Notes to the Rnanclal Statement$- ¢ontlnuod for the VEar Ended 31 March 2Q25 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Net movement In funds, Included in the above are as follows.. Incomlng resources Resources expended ovement In fund5 Unremrkted funds General fund Des18nètsd fund$'. In Touch 69.561 178.3831 13,7841 18J221 13.7841 69,561 182.1671 III6061 Restrlrt*d funds Natlonal Lottery Fund WFDC Mltch Pomfret Fund 29th May 1961 Charlty Albert Hunt Trust Chlldren In Need 2022 Evèson Tru51 R D Turner Baron Davenport Bewdlèy Town Councll Depoul Garfield Weston Malvern Hllls D15trlct Countll WCF Incluslve Communltles Worcester Clty Councll Wy£h3von Dlstrlct Councll Chlldren In Need 2025 Grantham Yorke Trust Landald Charltable Trust Lasletts Hlnton WCF Stren8thenlng WorcestershSre WFDC Household Support Fund 89.606 16,O¢XI 2.863 1157.928) 115.6501 11,2831 17,1991 18,6011 134,5031 134,7491 197SI 11,4881 12011 11,4261 113,0341 14,5001 11.9541 Iis,0001 110,5001 168.3ZZI 550 301 1.399 10.000 34.503 41.650 &901 19751 12 12011 i.soo 11.966 2.926 25.W) 11.9541 15.0110 10.500 10.138 10,lJ8 110001 15001 4,500 10,000 3,520 11,0001 13,5201 9.000 300,206 1315.0111 114,8051 TOTAL FUNDS 369,767 1397,1781 127.4111 Pa8e 11 contlnued... Wyre FO￿51 and South Woron•tions and le8•cies Donatlons 50.765 53.527 45.707 Olheriradlng a¢tfvltle$ Other sundry Income 13.787 13.7¥7 5,747 Charltable artlvltlei Grants 297.344 301.353 395,841 Total Inu>rn5ni resources 69.561 300.206 369.767 447,295 XPENDITURE R•lsln¥duMtlon54nd l•Bad•s C05t of ger￿ratIn8Vo1Untsry Income 5,481 9,325 5.202 Ch•rltable attlvbtlis Governance costs 3.243 13,972 17,115 27,024 Other Wages Motor and travel costs Prèmlses t05ts G•neral èdmlnlstratlon costs L*8al and prtsle551onal costs Deprec18tlon ol t8n8lble flxed a55ets 51.350 798 ZA18 10,335 7N71 1,071 234,661 4.846 25,324 23,102 9,262 286,011 294.558 ,431 34,438 34,425 7,314 1,935 27,742 33AY7 16,733 1.071 73,443 297.195 370.638 381,101 Totsi rèwurtes expended 82,167 315,011 397.178 413,327 Il•t In¢om• 112,6061 114,1051 127,4111 33.968 This pa8e does not forrn partof the ststutoryfinanclal statements Page 14 # **Annual report 2024/2025** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **contents** **3 foreword 4 who we are 5 our vision and mission 6 our values 7 the chair’s message 9 the chief exec’s message 10 collaboration 12 case study: homelessness prevention 14 case study: mediation 15 our partners 17 what our young people say 18 our impact** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **foreword by the high sheriff** ## **in my role as High Sheriff, I am committed to fostering collaboration among charities, key services, and organisations throughout Worcestershire.** We live in a world of exceptional demands; demands on ourselves, our families and our friends and colleagues. Yet for the majority of us, these are demands that we are able to navigate, to deal with, to find solutions. If, however, we are a young person who suddenly finds themselves in a place where the issues presented are insurmountable, where does that take us and how with our lack of life experience are we meant to deal with this? Every single day a significant number of young people find themselves asking these questions. They may have experienced abuse, rejection, addiction, financial breakdown, or abandonment - or they simply for whatever reason may feel their home is no longer their home. Nightstop is a quite extraordinary charity. It 'gifts' to these young people the chance to talk freely, understand the power of mediation and in extremes find a safe place to stay for a while until long term solutions can be found. ## **Together, we are tackling many of the most pressing issues facing our community, including homelessness, mental health challenges, abuse, and the ongoing cost of living crisis.** I am deeply grateful to Nightstop for their continued support of the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Forum during my term, a vital initiative founded by my predecessor, Louise Hewett. Louise's dedication and tireless efforts have left a lasting legacy that I have been proud to build upon. The Forum invites West Merciabased charities and community organisations that work with some of the most vulnerable and 'in-need' individuals in our area to come together and collaborate on finding solutions. I salute the work undertaken by the extraordinarily dedicated team at Nightstop. They work tirelessly to create, in a damaged and imperfect world, a place of safety, refuge and understanding for the most vulnerable young people in our county. ## Charles Moyle, High Sheriff of Worcestershire 2024-2025 **3.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **who we are** We believe that every young person deserves a safe place to sleep. As youth homelessness rises, we’ve broadened our services to include early intervention and prevention, addressing root causes to prevent homelessness before crisis occurs. **We are a local charity focused on preventing youth homelessness in Worcestershire by empowering young people to reach their full potential.** ## Prevention ## Mediation & Conflict Coaching We offer free, confidential mediation and conflict coaching for young people and families experiencing difficulties affecting relationships at home or school. Trained mediators create a safe space for resolving conflicts, offering family relationship sessions where individuals meet separately before joint sessions. Additionally, we provide mediation drop-ins at schools to promote healthier communication and emotional wellbeing. For young people at risk of homelessness, mediation helps reintegrate them into the family or facilitate safe transition to alternative housing. We also address underlying issues like inappropriate relationships or mental health concerns by offering guidance and referrals to relevant services. ## Education Programme We present an educational programme to local secondary schools, raising awareness about youth homelessness, debunking myths, and equipping students with the knowledge of where to seek help if needed. Support for Young People in Crisis & Facing Homelessness Access to Safe, Appropriate Accommodation Our Nightstop service offers short-term accommodation with trained, approved volunteer hosts for low risk young people. Hosts provide a bed, hot meal, washing facilities, and a supportive environment. Initially designed for short stays, increased demand has led to longer-term placements. To address this, we developed a Supported Lodgings model, where young people stay with Nightstop volunteers for weeks or months while we assist them in securing permanent housing, either through family reintegration, local authority housing, or private rentals with our financial support. ## One-to-One Crisis Support We provide intensive one-on-one support, tailored to each young person’s needs, including mental health support, substance misuse intervention, life-skills training to help them achieve independent living including how to sustain a tenancy. **4.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **Our Vision** ## **Our Mission** Our vision is an end to youth homelessness in Worcestershire. We believe every young person deserves a safe place to sleep and the support needed to thrive and to play an active role within their community. Our mission is to empower young people to achieve their full potential by giving them somewhere safe to stay, the skills to develop and maintain stronger relationships, opportunities to learn, volunteer and live independently. ## **“If it wasn’t for Nightstop, I would not be here. That’s a guaranteed fact.” Beneficiary feedback** **5.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **our values** ## **human** We are real people, supporting real people. **we are one** Regardless of role, title or status within the organisation, there is a golden thread that joins us all together. From Trustees to Team Members, to Young People and our Hosts we operate as one with our collective sleeves rolled up. ## **agility** The world around us is changing and we know we can’t stand still. Our 3 year Strategic Plan is focused on ensuring that our core services of emergency accommodation and mediation remain both effective and efficient, whilst being able to adapt to the needs of our young people and our community. ## **Safe Pair of Hands** Trust in central to all our relationships. And what we say we’re going to do, we make sure we do it. ## **Never Give Up** Most importantly, we are relentless in pursuing our core purpose of preventing homelessness by empowering young people to reach their full potential. Whether that’s in responding to a time critical situation or our focus on ensuring the long sustainability of Nightstop, we don’t stop until we have established a way forward. **6.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **the chair’s message** During our April 2024 to March 2025 financial year, Nightstop has continued to make a significant impact in a world where youth homelessness continues to rise, offering not just a safe place to stay, but also hope and a positive path forward for vulnerable young people. As Chair, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team - in particular our support of over 260 young people through our network of compassionate and dedicated volunteers. Our funding during came from a diverse range of sources, including grant funding, individual donors, corporate and community supporters and our own campaigns and initiatives. Thanks to such generosity, we invested in expanding our services, a host recruitment campaign and growing our team. ## **Nightstop’s success is built on the dedication of our host volunteers, the generosity of our supporters and the resilience of the young people we serve.** As we look to the future, we remain committed to reaching more young people in crisis across Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire. This year, we began laying the groundwork for our next strategic phase, working closely with Peter Rose from Tiller Research to craft a comprehensive strategic plan for 2025–2028. This marks an exciting chapter for Nightstop as we refine our vision for the years ahead. By drawing on expert insights and stakeholder input, we are ensuring that our strategy addresses emerging challenges, seizes new opportunities, and positions Nightstop as a leader in youth homelessness support. Key Focus Areas for 2025–2028 Strategic Plan: - Increase awareness and reach of our mediation service - Increase engagement with colleges and schools - Develop an awareness raising package for professionals working with young people Recruit more hosts - Enhance host support and retention Undertake a review of our crisis support operating model in South Worcestershire Co-develop a refreshed programme of life skills coaching with young people Strengthen move-on accommodation pathways Nightstop’s success is built on the dedication of our host volunteers, the generosity of our supporters, and the resilience of the young people we serve. As always, I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who gives their time, creativity and care to make it all possible. Together, we’ve achieved so much this year, but there is still much work to be done. With the support of our community, we remain committed to preventing homelessness by empowering young people to reach their full potential. We continue to strive towards a future where every young person has a safe place to stay and the opportunity to thrive. ## Darren Turner Chair **7.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org **8.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **the chief exec’s message** This past year has been one of remarkable activity and reflection for our charity, as we’ve worked tirelessly to address the rising levels of youth homelessness in Worcestershire. Our mission remains steadfast: to provide young people with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to build a secure future. In response to the increasing demand for our services, we have focused not only on providing safe spaces but also on equipping young people with tools to address the root causes of conflict. Our mediation programmes have played a critical role in helping families rebuild trust and relationships, enabling more young people to remain in a safe home environment. Change is inevitable in any organisation, and this year we said farewell to some of our dedicated team members and trustees. At the same time, we were delighted to welcome new faces, including Coralie, who has joined us as our Corporate and Community Fundraiser. Coralie’s enthusiasm and expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our outreach and partnerships in the coming year. Our partnerships remain a cornerstone of our work. This year, we were honoured to welcome the Lord Lieutenant and other community representatives to see our efforts first hand; a testament to the strong relationships we’ve built with stakeholders across Worcestershire. **Our mission remains steadfast: to provide young people with the support, resources and opportunities they need to build a secure future.** We also celebrate our 20th year and why I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible volunteers, especially our hosts, whose generosity and dedication make Nightstop possible. Without you, our work would not have the life-changing impact it does. Here’s to another year of resilience, collaboration and hope. As we look to this year, we are excited about refreshing our Strategic Plan, ensuring our approach is aligned with the evolving needs of the young people we serve. Judith Ford CEO **9.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **collaboration** As Chair of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce I have the privilege of leading the board supporting the 1,300 members across the two counties. Helping young people move towards fulfilling their true potential is a personal motivation of mine. I have recently been appointed a Trustee of Nightstop and Mediation with a motivation and vision to help link the two organisations to meet their respective objectives and challenges. The Chamber membership includes around one hundred charity members across the two counties who benefit from the relationship through exposure to local businesses. Charity exposure to the wider business community is a wonderful opportunity for companies to appreciate how they can give something back. Funding support is critical to make sure charitable organisations can continue to maintain and grow their resource, so directly benefitting the local community in so many ways. **Wyre Forest & South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediation prevent homelessness for 16–25-year-olds, provide family mediation, offer schools education and life skills training. Who would not want to be seen supporting that?** There are tangible reasons why a business should support at least one charity: Increased Employee Morale, Engagement and Company Culture: staff can see and feel proud that their company is a visible supporter of their community. Customer Trust and Loyalty: a company who demonstrates their values and beliefs in a tangible way shares much with many of their customers - particularly those who have a stated policy of community support. Brand Image and Enhanced Reputation: a company’s brand and image are exposed to a wider group of stakeholders, both internal and external within the community. - Networking to create new opportunities: exposure to charities creates other nondirect financial avenues of support. By staff volunteering, advice, use of resource such as meeting rooms and more. Mike Forrester CMgr MA Nightstop and Mediation Trustee and Chair of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce **10.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org **Charity exposure to the wider business community is a wonderful opportunity for companies to appreciate how they can give something back. Funding support is critical to make sure charitable organisations can continue to maintain and grow their resource, so directly benefitting the local community in so many ways.** **11.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **case study. emergency accommodation hallie, aged 21** Hallie self-referred into Nightstop around 6 months after becoming homeless. She had been staying in various short-term holiday lets and bed and breakfasts using finances left to her by her late father. Living this way was very expensive, she had no stability and felt very isolated. Hallie had no real friends, was very alone and just couldn’t see a way forward. She had reached out to a maternal auntie a few months ago who had been providing support to Hallie including several short periods of time staying with her. With the inheritance money almost gone and nowhere to stay, Hallie approached Nightstop with the support of her auntie. At the point of referral to Nightstop Hallie was hugely emotional and felt that she had little control her life and current housing situation. Hallie felt a real sense of hopelessness and her mental health was poor. Hallie was using alcohol to cope and help manage her emotional well-being instead of prescribed medications from her GP for her low mood. Hallie knew this had got out of control and had to stop. She had been told by her doctor how drinking had affected her health and she felt really scared for her future. ## Hallie experienced the trauma of bereavement, with the death of her father during her teenage years. Her relationship with her mum was very strained for many reasons including her mum’s mental health. Over the past few years the situation really deteriorated at home and Hallie began to self-harm with thoughts of suicide. Hallie experienced various other adverse childhood experiences, which led to her mental health and wellbeing being so affected, she no longer felt safe living at the family home. Following completion of our Nightstop assessment process and risk assessment, our experienced Nightstop hosts were able to provide Hallie a safe place to stay which allowed the opportunity to explore options for future housing. Hallie stayed with Nightstop a total of 10 nights in 2 different host homes. After initial anxieties about staying with Nightstop hosts within their homes Hallie flourished with increased confidence and motivation to make changes for her future. She worked with a Nightstop Homeless Prevention worker to contact potential accommodation providers making phone calls herself and taking control of the situation. Hallie even volunteered her time during her placement to volunteer with our host at a community lunch which she expressed great positivity about. **12.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **‘’I can’t really put into words the impact Nightstop has had. I could tell how much they really wanted to help young people.’’** **22** Young people placed with a host **306** Number of bed nights **13.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **case study. mediation charlene, aged 15** ## Background Charlene, a 14-year-old girl, was referred to Nightstop mediation by Onside Advocacy following a significant breakdown in communication with her mum. Charlene had faced a tumultuous childhood, marked by her mum’s heroin dependency, which led to Social Services removing Charlene at a young age. Since then, Charlene had been living with her auntie for five years. Charlene’s dad was in prison, and she had not seen him since she was a baby, leaving her without a stable father figure. Her relationship with her mum remained fragile and complex. Although Charlene visited her mum periodically, these interactions were often fraught with arguments. Charlene also witnessed her mum taking drugs multiple times, which fuelled her anger and frustration at her mum’s inability to stop using. In addition to these challenges, Charlene’s auntie was suffering from a debilitating illness, and she had taken on the role of her carer which weighed heavily on her, as a young person. ## Catalyst for Mediation The family dynamic became even more strained when Charlene’s mum was diagnosed with a serious brain tumour. Due to her health condition, Charlene’s mum moved in with Charlene and her auntie, creating significant challenges in their small home. The limited space and unresolved tensions between Charlene and her mum led to constant arguments. Charlene was also deeply afraid of losing her mum to the illness and harboured resentment, blaming her mum’s past drug use for causing her condition. ## Mediation Process The initial 1-2-1 sessions revealed a deep well of hurt and unresolved emotions. The joint sessions provided a safe space for both Charlene and her mum to communicate openly. For the first time, they were able to truly hear and understand each other’s perspectives. This allowed them to start addressing shared pain and frustrations. ## Outcome Charlene and her mum reached an agreement for their future relationship. ## Conclusion This case highlights the power of mediation in addressing deep-seated family issues. By creating a safe space for honest communication, Charlene and her mum were able to acknowledge their pain, rebuild trust, and establish a path toward a healthier relationship. Despite the challenges ahead, the mediation process equipped them with tools to navigate their complex family dynamic with greater understanding and empathy. **14.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org Young people supported **119** with mediation Mediation sessions **396** **15.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **our partners** We are deeply grateful for the support of our partners who share our vision of ending youth homelessness. Through this collaborative approach, we are better positioned to meet the growing demand for our services. By focusing on prevention, we strive to address the rising incidence of youth homelessness and make a lasting impact. **16.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **what our young people say Mediation has helped me to be a better version of myself, I was struggling with friendships and family relationships.** Mediation has helped me deal with the stress of my parents, the mediators were helpful and taught me strategies to deal with my emotions. Mediation has helped as I’ve learned healthier coping strategies and to be more open. Mediation helped us with communication, boundaries and listening; skills needed in our relationship. **Before I came to Nightstop I felt like I wanted to give up. The host family showed me how you are meant to be treated and they were very supportive to me.** Everyone at Nightstop have been fantastic. I have got my confidence back and am loving my new home, I wouldn't have got this without you all. You give a lot more support than others, I found my experience very good. Thank you for all your help. I had not felt safe at home... Thank you for helping me and taking me to a safe place. It has been good to know there is service out there to help people like me if you need it. **17.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org ## **our impact 2024/2025** **22** Young people placed with a host _“When I was in Malvern, it felt really freeing to_ **396** _not have to look over my shoulder, feeling_ Mediation _comfortable and safe_ sessions _where I was placed.”_ **25** Families supported with mediation **306** Bed nights _“Mediation has helped. Me and Mum have been able to speak about our problems and I am a lot calmer than I was before, and I now know when I have a toxic friend.”_ _“The support I have had from Nightstop has been outstanding. This will impact on my future ‘cause I’ll always remember how I got this far.”_ **119** Young people supported with mediation **11** Volunteer host families **39** Young people received crisis support **50** Referrals for emergency accommodation _“I feel the Mediation Service is a very good place and a very useful tool. It is a safe place.”_ _“I know when things get tough or dangerous I can go to Nightstop for support. I also know that if I need somewhere as a refuge, they are a place I can turn to.”_ _“Mediation has helped by giving me lots of ideas to improve the communication between me and my son. Both mediators were fantastic, friendly, understanding, nonjudgemental and helpful.”_ **44** Crisis support sessions **18.** wyreforestnightstop.org.uk info@wfnightstop.org