The Foundation are delighted to be part of a ground-breaking initiative enabling local communities to make a bigger impact on helping the homeless.
Launched in Leamington and Stratford-upon-Avon charities and agencies working with the homeless, and those at risk of being homeless, have joined forces in a campaign called Meaningful Change.
The campaign aims raise awareness of support services available in their towns, and how they can best help them by donating and volunteering.
This has been made possible with funding from the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and Leamington and Stratford have worked together over the last year to devise the campaign and then tailor it to the specific needs of each town.
Leamington and Stratford will operate their own campaigns, Meaningful Change Leamington and Meaningful Change Stratford, with individual websites providing information and an online platform for donations.
BID Leamington has played a key role in developing Meaningful Change Leamington, alongside local charities and Warwick District Council.
In Leamington, a collective giving pot has been established for funds to be distributed between local charities to direct aid to those most in need. This fund will be administered by the Heart of England Community Foundation.
The town’s first fundraising unit for contactless donations has been installed at the Visitor Information Centre.
Stephanie Kerr, executive director of BID Leamington, 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.”
The Leamington campaign website lists 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 time, items or money.
Tina Costello, Foundation Chief Executive, said:
“This is a great initiative and we’re delighted to help in anyway we can. We have no doubt that Meaningful Change will have a positive impact on these communities.”
In Leamington, the initiative is supported by a range of local charitable and voluntary organisations including Change Grow Live, ESH Works, Helping Hands, LWS Night Shelter, Leamington Night Shelter, P3 and The Salvation Army Way Ahead Project.
Funding that is raised through Meaningful Change Leamington, will be distributed between those organisations which have nominated specific areas where they wish to focus this financial support.
For more information, including a full list of charities and statutory support agencies involved in Meaningful Change Leamington, visit www.meaningfulchange.org.uk.
If you’d like to do more locally click here.