BY Adam Moody

A RINGWOOD teenager has spoken out about helping the homeless in a bid to attract more volunteers.

Millie Chittock, 17, and her mum Jude Todd are hosts for Nightstop, which finds places for homeless youngsters to go in the New Forest.

Jude was inspired to help after being homeless herself when she was 16.

Millie said: “We have been hosting for about three years and we first became hosts when we found out about Nightstop through another Community First New Forest scheme.

“I wanted to become a host because I wanted to help kids my age who were struggling. It seemed such a simple gesture to simply open your house to them and invite them in.

“They are so polite and grateful for what the hosts do and most of the time they are shocked that someone would actually do this for them. We have had many young people come and stay with us and I have enjoyed it so much.”

The young people are all checked before they go to stay in people’s homes and have no drug, alcohol or criminal problems.

Millie added: “I really love being a host and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have learned so much and love people coming to stay with me.”

New Forest Nightstop is part of a larger, national charity, Nightstop UK, that provides overnight accommodation for 16- to 24-year-olds in the homes of trained and approved host households.

In the past three months New Forest Nightstop has provided 71 nights of sleeping in host’s houses to young people.

A young person in need of a home will visit a local agency and, if the person is suitable, they will make a referral to Nightstop.

New Forest Nightstop has 14 hosts and is always in need of new volunteers, who receive free training and expenses. If you would like to become one, call Nightstop office on 01425 478391.