HOMELESSNESS support charities and organisations have joined forces to support those living on the streets.
Those working with homeless people in Leamington and Stratford have launched a campaign called Meaningful Change. It aims to make people more aware of the support available in each town, along with how to donate and volunteer.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, who has provided funding, said: “People who are homeless are among the most vulnerable people in society, so it is understandable the public want to help but often they are not sure of the best way to do so.
“Meaningful Change provides an easy platform for people to help support local charities working with people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless so that they get the right help and can avoid falling into the criminal justice system.
“It will also help the wider community understand the support that is available to tackle homelessness and how they can help.”
Websites have been set up for each town which list the local support available, including housing services, rehabilitation, food, emergency shelter, advice and training. It also highlights ways for the public to help through volunteering or donating money and useful items.
The money raised in each area will be distributed between local charities working to support the homeless in each town. In Leamington this includes Helping Hands, The Salvation Army Way Ahead Project, P3, LWS Night Shelter and Leamington Night Shelter.
Director of Leamington Business Improvement District Stephanie Kerr said: “The number of vulnerable people facing a range of challenges around the UK is increasing and this is no different locally.
“In Leamington, we are fortunate to have a wide range of around-the-clock support services and the work they do is incredible, but they need our support to help those people that the public may see sleeping rough, begging, or dealing with issues that are not so visible.
“As custodians of our town centre, BID Leamington is very much aware that businesses and their customers have genuine concerns about homelessness and want to know how they can best help. Meaningful Change will enable us all to make a bigger impact.”
Visit www.meaningfulchange.org.uk for more information.
