Hope for Homeless Youth: Nightsafe's three-decade mission in Blackburn

For three decades, Nightsafe has sheltered and supported thousands of young people in Blackburn with Darwen, adapting to challenges with community support and innovative funding.

Nightsafe, is a youth homelessness charity based in Blackburn with Darwen. They have been serving the youth of these towns for over three decades.

The charity, was formed in 1990, when John Mason, Julian Dunn and prominent councillor Edna Arnold raised the issue of youth homelessness in a District Youth Committee meeting. A working group was then formed, which led to Nightsafe becoming an incorporated company, with Paula Kanuick appointed as full time manager of the project. 

Since then, Nightsafe have opened six different shelters, to provide temporary accommodation for young people in need of housing. According to the Nightsafe website, they have helped 14,750 young people, served 150,000 hot meals and helped keep the youth of Blackburn with Darwen off the streets for a total of 43,000 nights.

Nightsafe are funded entirely on donations and acts of goodwill. They have raised funds previously by organising fundraising events such as concerts and sleep ins. They have also received funds from BBC Children in Need, but most of their finances come from charity and donations from locals and business people across the area. 

Though sometimes, help can come from where you least expect it. In 2022, former Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher teamed up with Nightsafe and performed a special gig in Blackburn to raise money for the charity. On top of this, the usually controversial singer donated 30 pairs of Nightsafe x LG Adidas shoes, to the residents of the Nightsafe hostels.

They have recently begun a new Patron Scheme, to aid young homeless people, and they are urging “generous businesses” to join the patron scheme. There are three tiers to the scheme, with it being based on the scale of donation given. 

The new appeal comes after a tough few years for the charity financially, especially during and after the COVID pandemic. The lockdown caused by the pandemic had a massive effect on all charities abilities to raise money, as they had several fundraisers shut down. Nightsafe, and many other charities will still be recovering from the financial impact of the pandemic. 

To find out more and pledge your support visit Though sometimes, help can come from where you least expect it. In 2022, former Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher teamed up with Nightsafe and performed a special gig in Blackburn to raise money for the charity. On top of this, the usually controversial singer donated 30 pairs of Nightsafe x LG Adidas shoes, to the residents of the Nightsafe hostels. or email patron@nightsafe.org.