EMR helps to provide safe lodgings for homeless, young people in Nottingham

• Nottingham Nightstop, an Open Homes initiative to prevent youth homelessness, has received a donation from EMR Nottingham
• The donation from EMR Nottingham will provide 15 young people with placements

A Nottingham-based charity that seeks to eradicate homelessness among 16 to 25-year-olds in the city has received a donation of £1,375 from EMR Nottingham, a local metal recycler based at the Lenton Lane Industrial Estate.

The Nottingham Nightstop project aims to ensure that homeless young people aren’t forced to sleep rough or stay in inappropriate accommodation, by providing lodgings with friendly volunteer hosts instead.

The supported lodging placements also links these individuals with a Support Worker and connects them to further support for any specific needs they may have. The scheme provides help in accessing benefits, finding work or education opportunities, and gaining suitable long-term accommodation.

Since it was founded in 2006, Nottingham Nightstop has provided more than 2,345 bed-nights to over 700 young people. With limited hostel places and landlords often unwilling to rent to those on benefits, it can be particularly hard to find accommodation at short notice for those at risk of sleeping rough or staying in situations where they may be exposed to drug and alcohol misuse.

The donation from EMR Nottingham will provide 15 young people with placements, giving them vital resources including accommodation, food and travel passes, as well as phone top ups to protect and maintain social contacts while they get back on their feet.

Hayden Wright Area Manager at EMR Nottingham, said: “EMR might be a global leader in sustainable materials but our strength as a business comes from the communities where we operate – and where our staff and customers live.

“We’re very pleased to be making this donation to the Nottingham Nightstop initiative as it provides help to some of the most vulnerable people in the city when they need it most. By offering a range of support to young people at this vulnerable time in their life, charities like Nottingham Nightstop can make a positive difference that lasts a lifetime.”

Dawn Randall, project lead at Open Homes, which runs the project, said: “We are immensely grateful for EMR’s continued support of OpenHomes Nottingham over the past three years.

“The dedication and generosity shown by EMR has been integral in our mission to provide practical support and essential resources to young people during times of crisis and uncertainty. The demand for our services at OpenHomes Nottingham is anticipated to increase significantly. EMR’s donation towards our Nightstop program will play a crucial role in enabling us to meet the growing needs of individuals impacted by the economic strain faced by the city.”