THE youth homelessness charity SASH is calling for more volunteers in Craven to help provide a new service for vulnerable young people aged between 16 and 25.

The charity already helps young people in Craven through its Nightstop emergency accommodation project and has now launched a Supported Lodgings scheme in the area, offering longer-term support for vulnerable young people who are homeless and need a safe place to stay while they develop independent living skills.

SASH prevents young people from becoming homeless by offering them a room in the home of a volunteer, who will receive expenses to cover any costs.

Jane Cotton, who lives in Craven and has been a SASH host for over a year, said: “My family has grown up and gone away, and I’ve been left with spare rooms so when I heard about SASH Nightstop, I thought why not? People don’t tend to think of homelessness in rural areas, they think it’s just in cities. The experience has been great. It reminds you how lucky you are, how lucky your children have been.

"I think SASH is wonderful. It’s very well organised and the people are very helpful.”

Tina Firthlock, community coordinator for SASH, said: “The best place for homeless young people is in ordinary homes, where they can get the help and support they need. We urgently need Supported Lodgings hosts to offer a room and work with the SASH support workers to prepare young people to live independently.”

To find out more, visit sash-uk.org.uk or call 01904 652043.