New Forest Nightstop in nationwide spotlight again

Representatives of a New Forest charity whose work melted the nation’s hearts last year will be back on our television screens this weekend to talk about the big difference winning a National Lottery Award has made.

New Forest Nightstop was voted the nation’s favourite Voluntary/Charity Project in last year’s National Lottery Awards – the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

New Forest Nightstop provides the only free short term emergency accommodation for homeless young people in the homes of trained and approved volunteers around the New Forest.

Jude Todd, co-ordinator of New Forest Nightstop, and Katie Mindo, one of the young people the charity has helped, were the stars of last year’s show.

The charity helped Katie when she found herself homeless and had nowhere else to go to for help. The support Katie received made such an impact on John Barrowman, the show’s host, that he asked to find out more about the charity’s work and offered to become their patron.

John’s visit to New Forest Nightstop will be shown on The National Lottery: Break The Safe at 8.10pm on BBC One on Saturday 7 September. Since winning the Award last year, Katie has achieved four a-levels and starts university in September. As a result of the publicity, the charity has also seen a surge in people offering to be host families and raise funds.

Jude Todd, Nightstop Coordinator, said:
“Winning a National Lottery Award was such an amazing experience for everyone involved in the charity. It did so much to raise the profile of our work. We have had several people wanting to help us because they were able to see how our work gets lives back on track. When we met John Barrowman at last year’s show he expressed an interest in coming to see us. We are absolutely delighted that John wants to get involved and be our patron.”

John Barrowman said:
“Many of us take for granted having a warm and safe place to stay and someone at home for support. New Forest Nightstop provides welcoming places for young people to stay, offering them safety and hope. They really do save lives. I look forward to doing what I can to support their tremendous work.”

Every week National Lottery players raise over £35 million for good causes. This year’s National Lottery Awards show will be broadcast on BBC One during September.