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.
Stratford District Council community spokeswoman coun Sarah Whalley-Hoggins said: “When the public see someone on the street it’s natural to want to help. The Meaningful Change campaign brings together the many ways in which the public can help in one place, making it easier for them to help and to make a real change for the long term lives of those that find themselves homeless and living on the streets.
“The Meaningful Change website provides information about rough sleeping and begging, together with the organisations and charities providing support in Stratford and the different ways in which people can help to make a ‘meaningful change’ and change lives for the better for the longer term.
“It’s been a long time in the making, bringing all these organisations and charities together and I would like to thank all those involved in the campaign and for the funding provided by the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner to make this all happen.”
Visit www.meaningfulchange.org.uk for more information.
