Danielle's Story

Following a family breakdown Danielle spent eight months sofa surfing at different friends' houses but she finally outstayed her welcome and found herself street homeless. She contacted her local authority but they could not help so rather than sleeping rough she presented herself at the local police station. The police were helpful and through local community housing they managed to secure her bed and breakfast accommodation for the night. The next day Danielle was referred to Wyre Forest Nightstop and she was put up in the home of a local volunteer who provided her with a safe, warm place to stay.  Meanwhile Nightstop staff listened to her and responded to her needs.  They gaver her advice and made a referral for her to the local Housing Association, this was successful and the next day she moved in.

Danielle felt powerless and uncared for when facing crisis. She was at the point of giving up and making do with a life on the streets when she was referred to Nightstop and she says that having someone who genuinely cared and listened to her problems was amazing.

Danielle now volunteers at Nightstop, the local youth service, is an active member of her local karate club and is involved in her local church. She hopes to go to university where she would like to study to become a social worker.

*All images used are of young people Depaul UK has worked with.  The young people pictured are not the subject of the case study stories.