DONATING to support homeless people in Stratford will be easier than ever thanks to contactless technology.
Contactless giving points have been installed around the town with money used to help those sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
Organisations involved in the ‘Meaningful Change’ campaign hope it will make it easier for people to donate money to help them use funding to change lives.
The campaign sees organisations and charities work together in the town to help those homeless or at risk of being homeless by providing positive and long-term support.
Money donated through the contactless points is being managed by Stratford Town Trust and Fred Winter Centre with funds distributed between local organisations for local people in need.
The contactless giving points are located at the Visitor Information Centre at Bridgeway and HR Coffee Bar on Windsor Street, with organisers looking for more businesses to join the scheme.
Stratford District Council community protection spokesman coun Christopher Kettle said: “Residents and visitors will always find it a concern to see people begging on the streets of our towns and for many, their natural instructs are to give to help support them. But there is often a nagging doubt as to where the money goes and what it is used for.
“As contactless payments increase, and especially now when many people now prefer not to use cash, the Meaningful Change programme allows people with or without cash to give to support those on the street whilst ensuring their donation is used to directly benefit and support those people, without the concern as to what the money might be used for.
“Meaningful Change is a great example of how technology is playing a role in helping society support those who need our help to come off the streets with targeted help to address their individual needs. Fundamentally, it is about the person and it will be different for everyone.
“As the scheme develops, we would very much hope more business will become involved and we look forward to welcoming them coming on board to help support the campaign.”
The scheme is also being supported by Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe.
He added: “This is a great way for the public to help support the initiatives in Stratford which are working with people who are already homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
“With contactless donation now available, it is now easier than ever to help those who really need it while at the same time ensuring well-meaning citizens are not inadvertently helping to sustain damaging lifestyles.
“Meaningful Change is also a great way for businesses too to make a difference for vulnerable people in the community, so I hope many more across the town will sign up to become a donation point.”
Email [email protected] to find out more about joining the scheme.
Visit www.meaningfulchange.org.uk to find out more about the Meaningful Change campaign.
