A YOUNG domestic-abuse survivor has said a Widnes homeless non-profit group ‘saved her life’.

Nightshop Communities Northwest, a not-for-profit company based in Widnes, supports homeless people in Halton and Warrington.

Alana, 26, turned to Nightstop when she had nowhere to go after her then partner became abusive.

The 26-year-old made this revelation in a conversation with Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury.

She told the MP: “They saved my life. They saved me from having to go back to a really dangerous situation. I was quite heavy in addiction when I came in as well. Now, I’ve been two months and 14 days sober and clean.”

The young mum added: “I had accommodation. I had counselling. I was constantly nipping over if I got scared or lonely. And they’ve helped me move on to my own place now.

“I’m doing beauty and business at college. Eventually I’d like set up my own business and name my salon after my daughter.” 

Nightstop delivers temporary housing for homeless people aged 18+ in Halton, Warrington and the Liverpool City Region. This is backed up with mental health services for clients and support is also available to children and young people in the community.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Mr Amesbury, MP for the neighbouring Weaver Vale constituency, said: “At this time of year, people experiencing homelessness are particularly in our thoughts.

“Alana’s case highlights the great work being delivered by Nightstop, with emergency accommodation and wrap-around support for those on that journey to securing and sustaining a tenancy.

“There’s a focus on mental health, teaching practical life skills, and signposting to other support.”

He added: “Nightstop is also one of the most successful and largest centres in the north west when it comes to training up student counsellors who can make such a positive impact on the current mental health crisis.”

Nightstop founder and chief executive Terri Kearney said the service had been supporting local people for 10 years.

She said: “We were delighted Mike came to visit us, especially as the Shadow Minister for Building Safety and Homelessness.

“We are passionate about delivering a comprehensive service which supports homeless people into emergency accommodation and provides them with full mental health support.

"That includes their own qualified counsellor plus a training department who will address any other crisis points individuals are facing such as debt, bereavement and so much more.

“Our aim is not to just put a roof over someone’s head but to give them the life skills they need to make positive choices going forward.”

For more information, visit: ncnw.co.uk.