Plymouth’s Make a Change campaign is back for a second year.
The campaign was introduced last year and has been relaunched this week to coincide with World Homeless Day on Saturday. Its aim is to promote alternative but simple ways to make a change for Plymouth’s homeless.
Make a Change provides places for people to make a small donation as easily as possible through contactless ‘tap to give points’, knowing that all the money will help the homeless and tackle the complex issues behind why people become homeless.
Last year, generous Plymouth residents donated over £1,500 over the three months that the campaign was running.
Those funds were vital to local organisations like Shekinah, the Plymouth Soup Run and to PATH (Plymouth Access to Housing).
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing and Co-Operative Development said “We are bringing back the Make a Change campaign this winter to make sure people know how they can help and what is available in the city to support people when they need it.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who used the scheme last year. We know that the people of Plymouth want to support those less fortunate than themselves and by providing this offer, we can ensure that money gets to the people who really need it.”
Mike Taylor, Director of PATH, added: “The Make a Change campaign does exactly what is says on the tin, in that the money donated goes directly to help individual people, enabling them to change their lives.
“If you donated last year then thank you but, as we all know, 2020 has brought its own challenges and there are even more people facing homelessness now locally and nationally.”
Alongside the Make a Change campaign, the Council is also urging residents to use the StreetLink app for when they are worried about someone sleeping rough.
When details are logged, the information is immediately sent to teams who can provide expert help.
All people need to do is download the StreetLink app and fill in the details. StreetLink is a national organisation and exists to help end rough sleeping by enabling the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services that can support them here.
The campaign website gives more information about homelessness in Plymouth, how to report someone sleeping rough and also sets out to answer frequently asked questions www.plymouth.gov.uk/makeachange.
This year the Make a Change campaign has linked up with Geddon Plymouth, another local initiative to encourage people to shop and eat at local traders.
Now you directly support Plymouth businesses and donate to local people in the same place. You can find tap to give devices at: Cosmic Kitchen, Column Bakehouse at the Royal William Yard, The Haberdashery, Plymouth Pannier Market, Stoke Bar and Grill, Arribas Mexican Restaurant, Harbourside Fish and Chips and Plymouth Coach Station. With further locations soon to be announced.
If you would like to sponsor or host a device please contact community.connections@plymouth.gov.uk