Darlington First Stop was founded in 1999 by local churches in response to the increasing number of homeless people seeking help. The organisation provides a neutral base for those who are homeless (or at the risk of becoming homeless) to obtain information, advice and guidance or support. First Stop is based in the town centre and is open 6 days a week all year round. The building houses a range of practical, free facilities that are often a lifeline to homeless people (such as a shower, laundry and emergency meal provision). In addition, trained staff and volunteers offer advice and support on a range of issues including accommodation, training, employment, welfare benefits and health. Access to PCs and the Internet is also available. The people that access the services of First Stop have a diverse range of needs or problems affecting their lives. Consequently, clients aren’t always the easiest group to work with. They can be difficult, they can be abusive, but they all come in because they need help and they know First Stop will help them without judging.
County Durham Foundation gave First Stop £5,750 to provide an evening session for homeless and vulnerable young people.
This funding allowed First Stop to establish a sessional programme specifically targeting vulnerable young people suffering homelessness, domestic issues, inadequate housing, unemployment or who have health/substance misuse problems. Volunteers wishing to help with the programme were also provided with training in health & safety, conflict resolution, and anger management as well as general company policy and procedures.
First Stop recently succeeded in helping Geoff, a father of seven and an alcoholic of over 30 years who had been sleeping rough on the streets of Darlington for over a decade.
Karen Grundy, Chief Officer of First Stop summarises:
‘This is a really positive outcome. Geoff was a long term, homeless person who was literally surviving day to day on the streets. Our partnerships with other agencies have ensured that we have found the necessary support and care for this man. Essentially, we have removed the risk of him dying on the street’.