Do You Have a Spare Room?

This was the poster that caught my eye as I entered the Chapter House at Gloucester Cathedral recently. The Provincial Grand Almoner, W Bro Mark Smith, and I had been asked to represent the Provincial Grand Master and the Province at a presentation of Nightstop, a local charity helping young, homeless people. The Cathedral event was funded by the Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Association and was lively, well planned and very informative.
 

Not only were the Patron, Chairman and Trustees there to greet us, which they did so warmly, but also some of the many youngsters (referred to as Nightstoppers) the charity has helped so far as well as the families who so nobly host these Nightstoppers for one, two or more nights until they get back on their feet.

Each Nightstopper had a different story to tell, but we were astonished by the number of young people who are propelled from their family homes when they reach 16, with no money and no means of supporting themselves. Family arguments often precipitate their leaving and all it needs is a stable family environment where a hot meal, bath and a comfortable bed for the night can do much to alleviate the problem and get them the advice and direction they need to prevent them from ending up on the streets. 

There are two full time members of staff and one part time, with the rest of the work being carried out by volunteers. It is their job to receive youngsters who are referred by Social Services, the Police or even the Churches. They will then identify a suitable “host” family and introduce them to each other after obtaining two references for the Nightstopper. The host then does the rest in the knowledge that in the unlikely event of any concerns the Charity Team is on hand 24/7 to offer help or place them elsewhere. The Nightstoppers are often more nervous about entering a family home than the hosts are at opening their doors to strangers! All the hosts receive training from the Charity in how to deal with young people in such situations and out of pocket expenses for food, hot water and accommodation. What they really gain is a great sense of fulfilment when a Nightstopper is set on the right track again.

This charity is one operating “under the radar” of most of us and I certainly had no idea of its existence until that evening. If we do nothing else then please bring it to the attention of others so that support can be widened. It is certainly worthy of our continued support and helping young vulnerable people in Gloucestershire is a founding principle of the Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Association. Further information about the great work being carried out by Nightstop can be found at www.gloucestershirenightstop.org.uk

W Bro Chris Ames, PPrGSwdB, Provincial Ambassador for the RMTGB
 

Rick Wakeman, a mason in London, talks about life and freemasonry