Local charities are asking residents not to hand out change to people who are begging.
With Christmas approaching, they are encouraging anyone visiting Bolton for the Put Big Light On festival, or for seasonal shopping, to instead donate to charities that help and support people facing homelessness and other challenges.
People can give via a Hope for Change collection box, which can be found in shops throughout the town centre.
Designed as a “better way to give”, Hope for Change ensures all donations go directly to the Bolton charities and organisations that work with people facing these issues.
The majority of people who beg in Bolton are not homeless and Hope for Change aims to help them with the issues that often lead to begging, such as drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment and poor mental health.
A partnership of local charities along with Bolton at Home and Bolton Council are behind the Hope for Change scheme.
Bolton Council stressed that almost everyone who begs in Bolton does have a roof over their heads, and help is available for those who need it and choose to accept it.
Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“People in Bolton are kind and generous and naturally they want to help those in need at Christmas.
“But giving money to people who are begging does not address underlying issues like addiction or poor mental health.
“A better way to help is to give to Hope for Change, which provides a wide range of long-term support that targets the real reasons people are begging.
“Look out for shops and businesses displaying a Hope for Change logo so you can donate your money at a branded collection box and make a real difference.”
How you can help
Donate to the Hope for Change campaign using the collection boxes in stores. This money goes directly to the charities and organisations that provide frontline services supporting individuals to move away from begging and living on the streets.
Donate to Urban Outreach and mark your donation Hope for Change. They will pass your donation on to Bolton Community and Voluntary Services for distribution.
What should I do if I see a rough sleeper?
If you come across a rough sleeper, email housingoutreachteam@bolton.gov.uk (in confidence) or call the council’s Housing Options Services on 01204 335900.
You can also report a rough sleeper at www.streetlink.org.uk. The details you provide will then be passed on to the council.