The report ‘Faith in the City’ published by the Archbishop of Canterbury where the plight of 16 -25 year olds sleeping on the streets was described.  They were sleeping rough because there was nowhere else for them to go – there was a shortage of emergency accommodation.

Leeds Nightstop opened.  It was a collaboration between Barnardo’s and the local people in the area.  Here the Nightstop principle was laid down. Nightstop meant emergency accommodation, one night at a time, in the homes of trained volunteers. Young people using Nightstop would be signposted to agencies to help them have their housing and support needs met.

The BBC documentary programme ‘Panorama’ broadcast the story of Leeds Nightstop and called the programme Entertaining Angels.   Interest was aroused across the country and many Nightstops were formed.

Gloucester Nightstop was born! Gloucester Diocese Social Responsibility Team collected together a group of interested people – one of whom was Sheila Gardner, now a host to set up a Nightstop in the city.  Gloucester Nightstop had moved to its new building in City Works, it was growing.  The name changed from Gloucester to Gloucestershire to reflect this and the district councils supported us financially to deliver emergency accommodation.  The number of volunteer hosts was growing and so was the demand from young people.

Gloucestershire Nightstop became established as a Registered Charity and formally recognised.

There was an overnight event in the Cathedral called Inspire for young people.  Nightstop were there giving a taster as to how it felt to be homeless, we even had the dog!!!  Schools and youth clubs became aware of what Nightstop did and started to raise money for us.  Local press and radio ran features over that Christmas about Nightstop and we began to get well known. Gloucester Nightstop had moved to its new building in City Works, it was growing.  The name changed from Gloucester to Gloucestershire to reflect this and the district councils supported us financially to deliver emergency accommodation.  The number of volunteer hosts was growing and so was the demand from young people.

Gloucestershire Nightstop moved to their current home at Morroway House, Station Road, Gloucester just before the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic which forced staff and hosts to shield and short term closures due to the ban on mixing of households.