Charity wins through to Lottery final (From Salisbury Journal)
If you have a story call our newsdesk on 01722 426511 or email us. To advertise call 01722 426500.
Charity wins through to Lottery final
7:00pm Sunday 5th August 2012 in New Forest News
A NEW Forest charity is celebrating after its supporters secured it a place in the final of The National Lottery Awards.
New Forest Nightstop, which provides emergency accommodation for youngsters, has reached the final in the best voluntary/charity project category, thanks to receiving overwhelming public support.
Nightstop secured second place in the semi-finals with 1,960 votes, and is appealing for that incredible support again, to win at a star-studded awards ceremony broadcast on BBC1.
Nightstop provides the only free short-term emergency accommodation for homeless people aged 16-24 in the homes of trained and approved volunteers around the Forest.
Jude Todd, project co-ordinator at New Forest Nightstop said: “This is an exceptional achievement by every single one of our supporters across the New Forest and beyond and demonstrates how significantly everyone has pulled together.
“As a small charity with one member of staff and 30 volunteers, to reach such a significant and national level is fantastic. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.
A BBC film crew will now be filming a promotion video with Nightstop which will feature on a lottery draw programme.
Ms Todd added: “Teenage years are a challenging time but becoming suddenly homeless is simply too much and young people struggle to cope.
“New Forest Nightstop offers a bed, bath and meals for free and protection from drugs, rape and abuse on the streets.
“Nightstop offers a listening ear, a sense of value and belonging and hope. We can literally save lives.”
The next round of public voting is in September and each category winner will receive a trophy and £2,000.
