Firststop Family Mediation Service

The breakdown of family communication has been identified as the central cause of youth homelessness. In response to this, Gloucestershire Nightstop are working together with Tewkesbury Borough Council to provide support for young people, aged 16-25 with their family connections and conversations.

“We are providing an opportunity for young people and their parents/carers to talk things through during difficult times. Engagement is voluntary, and my intention is to support everyone’s need to be heard and understood.  The process is compassionately held and client led, with any outcomes and practical solutions decided upon by all involved, helping families to find solutions that work for them ” Clare, Family Mediator

This service is currently a pilot project and covers the Tewkesbury Borough only.

Go to our press release in the ‘News’ section to learn about our launch!

 

Our message to you

Hear from Tewkesbury Borough Council and Gloucestershire Nightstop about the launch of this service, why it’s needed, what is offered and most importantly, how you can access it. Our mission is to end youth homelessness for vulnerable people in Gloucestershire and this initiative aims to help us achieve that.

Accessing the FIRSTSTOP Family Mediation Service

If you are interested in receiving the support of the Firststop Family Mediation Service, please contact the Tewkesbury Borough Council Housing Team by email   or phone 01684 295010 and they will make a referral on your behalf. Clare O’Sullivan is the Family Mediator for Firststop. You can give her a call for an informal chat to decide if this service is for you tel: 07393 364537 or you can also send her an email:

(Please go to “DO YOU NEED HELP TONIGHT” to submit a Nightstop application)

FIRSTSTOP REFERRAL FORM, TEWKESBURY HOUSING TEAM USE ONLY
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WHAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY

“Go add up Nightstop as they are really helpful and understanding people who will help you every step of the way I would definitely recommend Night stop is the best company to go to for a safe space.”

Having someone else to talk to and being able to turn to people who understood or might have been in the same situation.

a chance at a peaceful place to do coursework

‘The staff are helpful, and they actually listen to you and what you have to say. They are not patronising and they make it easier for you when a lot of things are going on. They make your time here actually enjoyable.’

They can help more than you think

I’ve got my own house now, that I pay for, it’s a house share but I pay around £700 a month, as obviously I’ve got a job now, so I’ve been living there for about five months now, before that I was living with my mates Nan and Grandad, they helped me and I paid them rent. I stayed with them for about six months, but obviously now that I’ve got a job again, a decent job, I can live by myself.

They can help straight away, support you and they make you feel safe.

Staff are very supportive and treat everyone equally

She was there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to, helped me register with the doctors.

Thank you for all the help, Thank you for all the support

Nightstop helped build my confidence up and helped my self esteem.

When I was homeless, I was in a low place but now I’ve come back kicking and screaming and stronger than I was