Speaker Wendy Horseman of Nightstop Charity

Wendy Horseman gave an excellent talk on the charity “nightstop”. This provides emergency, safe, overnight accommodation for young people aged 16-25 years who suddenly find themselves homeless. Often, this is due to family breakdown. Referrals are usually from councils or other agencies working with young people. They are assessed as to their suitability and screened for a history of drugs, violence, or convictions, before being placed in the home of one of a number of volunteers, who themselves have undergone screening. A voluntary organisation like this was first developed in York, then copied to become York nightstop in 1994. This has since extended to have projects in three areas, York, Ryedale, and Hambleton & Richmondshire. The last area has had 67 referrals in the past year, in fact Wendy had received three that day. After a breathing space of one or two nights, the youngsters are helped to find longer term accommodation through other agencies. Laurie Kent gave the vote of thanks.

John Borrill reported on his visit to the Mosman Rotary Club in Sydney, Peter Natress reported that he and President Chris Wheatley had attended Bradford Rotary Club’s Charter celebration, while Phil Oliver had visited Wakefield Rotary where he expected to be given 50 chess sets, but actually received 200! The club plan to give these to schools in the area and help them develop chess competitions.