Claire George never expected that a Google search would lead her to one of the most fulfilling roles of her life.

Claire, 48, from Blackburn, felt ready for a new challenge – something meaningful that would reconnect her with the community. “I wanted to do something positive with my time, and not just sit at home,” she says. “I felt it was time to get out there and make a difference.”

Browsing the internet led her to Nightsafe, a Blackburn-based charity that offers emergency accommodation and holistic support to vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25 – many of whom are navigating crises like homelessness, family breakdowns and bereavement.

She applied to volunteer and has now become an integral part of the Nightsafe team, seeing firsthand how small acts of care can lead to life-changing outcomes.

One young person in particular has left a lasting impression. “She arrived the day I started,” Claire recalls. “She was so timid and would pull her hair down like a veil and wouldn’t eat in front of anyone.” The young person had been financially abused by friends, leaving her homeless and emotionally withdrawn, but Nightsafe acted fast. Behind the scenes, staff recovered her stolen money through fraud procedures, while Claire offered more personal support.

“I’d bring her into a private room to eat so she felt comfortable. Bit by bit, she started joining in more – first eating behind me at the table, then fully joining the group.”

Claire’s gentle persistence helped the young person rediscover confidence and a sense of belonging. “The other week she visited us – she looks amazing and is now thriving in a women-only supported housing scheme. Once you start caring about someone’s journey, you want to see it through.”

As a volunteer support worker, Claire’s duties cover many areas of the charity. From preparing meals and helping with crisis support calls to assisting with benefits, prescriptions, and keeping the space safe and welcoming, her daily responsibilities reflect the depth of care that Nightsafe provides. But it’s often the quieter moments such as sharing a game of cards, a casual chat or simply being present that leave the biggest impact.

The young people she supports come from a wide range of backgrounds, but many face the same underlying challenge – instability. “We see kids who’ve lost parents, had massive fallouts at home, or just don’t feel safe where they live anymore,” Claire explains. “Some have been kicked out for using drugs, and others leave because their parents are the ones using.”

During these difficult circumstances, Claire has learned the power of small, compassionate gestures. “It doesn’t have to be dramatic,” she says. “Sometimes it’s just about noticing someone and giving them space to feel seen.” These natural, everyday interactions create moments of connection that gradually build trust, opening the door for young people to regain their confidence and take steps toward a more hopeful future.

Volunteering at Nightsafe has given Claire a renewed sense of direction and connection, as she’s passionate about the impact the charity makes and believes more people to get involved. “Come and spend some time with us,” she encourages. “Have conversations, see the environment, meet the young people. Imagine if it was someone you loved who needed this support – you’d want a place like Nightsafe to be there for them.”

Do you fancy being a volunteer like Claire?

Why not find out how you can Get Involved, and make a real difference to a young persons life.