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Nacro are appealing to people in Lincolnshire to volunteer for an innovative new project, in which they will open up their homes to a young homeless person for up to a week.

The Nacro ‘Take 5’ project will match up 16-25 year-olds - who would otherwise be facing sleeping on the streets - with carefully vetted volunteer hosts. The young people can stay with them for up to five nights, while they are given support by Nacro to find a more permanent solution to their problems.

It’s a targeted service, funded by Supporting People, which will provide an emergency lifeline for some of the most vulnerable young people in Lincolnshire. It’s a tried and tested model that’s proved hugely successful in other parts of the country, providing over 60,000 bed spaces over the last 20 years.

One of the main causes of homelessness amongst young people is family disputes, so Nacro will also provide a mediation service, aimed at returning young people to their families where it is possible and safe to do so.

The project will enable young people to restore family relationships, continue their education and protect them from harm.

Nacro project worker Sandra Whitelam is in charge of recruiting volunteers for the project. She says: “For this scheme to work, we urgently need people to come forward as hosts. You could be a family or a single person who wants to make a difference.”

“It means providing a few simple things like a safe place to sleep for a few nights and a hot bath to someone in a desperate situation. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that by doing this, you’re keeping a young vulnerable person off the streets and out of serious danger.”

To learn more about Take 5 and how you can help contact Sandra on 01522 534646 or email take5lincolnshire@nacro.org.uk