HOMEOWNERS are being asked to open their doors and offer homeless teenagers a bed for the night.

Nightstop UK provides safe shelter to young people in need who would otherwise be sleeping rough and putting themselves at risk.

Based in Carlisle, the scheme first came to Cumbria in March 2015 and is trying to recruit volunteers from Barrow to host the large number of referrals they receive from the area.

Sharon Jackson, who manages the project, called Barrow a "historically difficult" place to find volunteers but new project worker Jade Docherty is optimistic.

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She said: "It's a great opportunity for someone to give back to the local community.

"For that young person there's such a difference made because it's a roof, it's a meal and it's a bed for them."

People who have been referred to Nightstop from the area have had to travel to Ulverston, Grange and sometimes Whitehaven because of the lack of beds closer to home.

Miss Docherty added: "A lot of people might not want to volunteer because they don't want to take in bad kids or alcoholics or have drugs there but it's about raising awareness.

"There's a lot of prevention now so the homeless situation has actually decreased in terms of what we call 'crisis point' however there's still a lot of sofa-surfing leaving people in vulnerable situations because they have nowhere else to go.

"We have got to be mindful that the majority of people will be in the retirement age group, but I want a diverse group of hosts."

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Miss Docherty has thanked the team at Furness Childcare Barrow for letting her use their building. She is also grateful to Nichola Baker who made a generous donation covering the cost of materials for the charity's signage, and Tom at Furness Handyman for doing the work for free.

Nightstop is keen to prevent prejudice and change people's pre-conceived ideas that housing youth offenders and former inmates is a dangerous or risky business.

The charity do work closely with services across the area so new hosts and service users can access a range of support during the process.

There are twelve hosts throughout the county and all have access to a 24 hour helpline offering advice and assistance as well as regular contact from the charity and training sessions.

A host from Ulverston has been part of the project for more than a year and a new Dalton host has just been recruited.

All hosts must undergo an interview and DBS check but get regular supervisions and support.

Nightstop also offers out of pocket expenses to hosts paying £14 for every night your guest stays.

Each service user will get a room of their own, an evening meal and access to washing facilities as well as breakfast.

To find out more, call in to Nightstop UK in Inspira, 241 Dalton road, Barrow.

Alternatively you can call Jade Docherty, Barrow on 079399580459 or Sharon Jackson, Carlisle on 07958 447477.