“Music helps us connect with young people at risk of homelessness who stay the night in our home when they need help the most.”
Hannah, 33 from Newcastle lives with her partner Clare and they try to host young people at risk of homelessness at least once a month. They say that they get a lot of joy out of meeting people they wouldn’t usually get to meet, and have learned a lot from the young people who come and stay with them for the night.
“We know how lucky we are, to own in our early thirties, so we wanted to make sure that we were putting our spare room to good use”, said Hannah.
The couple bought their first home last year, which is a Victorian terrace house, with three bedrooms. Hannah is a music therapist, and when she started hosting young people, at risk of homelessness, she didn’t anticipate how her work would also impact the people who arrive at her door, in need of somewhere to stay for the night.
Hannah adds: “I teach music therapy and work in a SEN school in Newcastle, and Clare works on a farm in Yorkshire with young people, especially those who are struggling at school or having difficulties at home. We met each other at a community choir I set up at the end of our road six years ago. I think the work that we do has helped us when it comes to hosting in many ways. For example, our experiences with young people have taught us how important it is to listen and to be open-minded – not to assume things about people.
“I discovered Nightstop because I saw people going in and out of the church building on the street we were living in before we bought our house, and discovered it was being used to help young people find somewhere to stay for the night. Then I met someone at a singing group who told me more about the service, and how much training and support is given. It seemed like a no-brainer to me to sign-up and be part of the community of other volunteers who help.
“People tend to be surprised that we host young people who we don’t know, and they say ‘that’s a lot, and that’s quite a big thing to do’ – I think there’s still so much stigma about homelessness and the causes behind it. All the young people who come to stay are really vulnerable, and it’s not their fault they need the service. They’re often also very scared, and tired. Every time we’ve had someone to stay, it’s worked out really well, and the Nightstop team are always at the end of the phone for both us, and the young person if we need them.
“I think the service are really thoughtful about who they place the hosts. As women, I have to admit, we were initially cautious about hosting young men at first, but we are fine with it now, and have never felt unsafe.
“A great way we connect with the people who stay for the night is through music. One of the first questions I like to ask is what kind of music they like. As a result, I’ve discovered some lovely music through people that come to stay. One evening I found myself listening to lots of Ethiopian reggae, which reminded a young man of his home. Another person loved the artist that sings ‘sail away’ – Enya – so we put on her album and that was really nice. One time, a young lad found my guitar in our living room, and asked if they could play. Of course I said yes, and he started playing so skillfully – the tunes were Bossa Nova, which is a Brazilian style of music. I played some piano at the same time, and it was lovely. It’s that balance to give them space to do their own thing and opening opportunities to chat and do something normal.”
Hannah said that hosting for Nighstop helps the couple from feeling helpless, as it’s a practical way of supporting people who need it the most, and a small thing which could make all the difference in someone else’s journey.
