Dorset volunteer recognised for crucial support to vulnerable young people
A local volunteer who has been quietly offering a safe bed to young people at risk of homelessness has been recognised with a national award. Sandra Hood, from Dorset, received the Award for Outstanding Volunteer at Action for Children’s national awards for her work with the charity’s Dorset Nightstop service.
The scheme provides emergency, short-term accommodation for 16 to 25-year-olds who need somewhere safe to stay at short notice. Over the past five years, Ms Hood has made her spare room available to young people for brief stopovers, typically one or two nights, with some stays lasting longer depending on need. Her contribution is part of a network of hosts who help stabilise situations at a point of crisis.
“The service is great because teenagers and young adults can sometimes get forgotten about. I had a spare room and wanted to do something to help, and the flexibility of Dorset Nightstop really fitted in with my life.”
Speaking about the young people she has supported, she added that the experience had been striking for the resilience and gratitude she encountered.
Lynn Giles, children’s services manager at Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop, praised the impact of this consistent volunteering:
“Sandra’s commitment to young people is truly inspiring. By opening her home to those facing homelessness, she provides not only a safe place to stay but offers kindness, stability and reassurance at a challenging point in their lives.”
How Dorset Nightstop operates
Dorset Nightstop is designed to prevent young people from sleeping rough or staying in unsafe situations by arranging trusted accommodation with trained hosts on a short-term basis. This creates time for professionals to work with the young person on next steps, such as contacting family or accessing longer-term housing support. According to the charity, the approach offers immediate safety and dignity at a critical moment.
- Who it helps: Young people aged 16–25 facing homelessness or unsafe housing.
- Type of support: Emergency, temporary accommodation in vetted hosts’ homes.
- Length of stay: Typically one or two nights; occasionally longer where appropriate.
Recognition grounded in lived experience
Ms Hood was nominated for the award by a young person she had previously hosted, underscoring the direct impact that a calm, reliable place to sleep can have during a period of uncertainty. In her reflections on hosting, she highlighted the individuality of each guest and the importance of being met with respect and warmth.
While the award is national, the work is distinctly local: Dorset-based volunteers, supported by Action for Children staff, provide immediate options within the community. For young people, avoiding a night on the streets or a return to an unsafe environment can prevent risks escalating and can keep them connected to education, employment or services in the area.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award | Outstanding Volunteer |
| Organisation | Action for Children |
| Service | Dorset Nightstop |
| Age group | 16–25 |
| Typical stay | 1–2 nights |
Action for Children’s acknowledgement places a spotlight on volunteering that often takes place out of public view but has tangible consequences for individual safety and wellbeing. By formalising short, supported stays at moments of crisis, Dorset Nightstop offers a practical local response to immediate housing risk faced by young people.
