Surge in donations to homeless scheme at Christmas

A contactless donation scheme for homeless people has raised thousands of pounds in the last year, and organisers said Christmas has been its busiest time.

Nottingham Street Aid began in February 2023 with the first points - which take £3 a time - being put in place at the Victoria Centre and Theatre Royal, before expanding to five, including locations in West Bridgford and Sherwood.

Dr Paul Scotting, who leads the scheme, said winter brings new challenges for the homeless, but this was in part met by the fact donations rise because "people feel the generosity of the Christmas idea".

Dr Scotting, lead for Nottingham Street Aid, said the platform gave people an easy way to make a difference locally.

"You see people on the street and they ask for money but you perhaps don't know what is going to happen to that money," he added.

"Finding ways to help through charities can be confusing as people don't know which charities to go to.

"So this is designed to be a visible, easy way of donating and you know it is going to go to charities in the Nottingham area."

It raised about £9,000 in the past year and now works with more than 50 organisations.

These make applications for case-specific grants of between £20 and £999, which are then audited to make sure the money goes to the individual in the way promised.

The SFiCE Foundation helps about 60 vulnerable adults a day with a range of services such as food, language, care plans, showers, and clothing.

Operations manager Rowena Ward said it works regularly with Street Aid, adding: "Examples of the things we have applied for are ID, travel passes, tools for people to gain employment, and telephones.

"It's a lifeline. They make such an effect to vet every application and ensure the money they are giving is going to improve someone's situation."

Sandra had been homeless for two years before the foundation approached Street Aid on her behalf.

She said: "When I was homeless, I had my passport stolen, so they helped to pay to replace that.

"I had a tattoo on my face and people would not give me a job, so I have had sessions to have it removed."

Other grants have been awarded for kitchen appliances, bus passes, and getting the identification needed to claim benefits.

Ben Talbot, chief executive of The Friary drop-in centre, said: "Street Aid allows our support workers to sit down with someone with the confidence of knowing there is a fund out there that can, to a certain level, support their needs.

"The efficiency of the Street Aid process, from the feedback I've had from those working at the Friary, is that if they have a good case to put forward, they can feel confident that person is going to get supported."

"Christmas and winter sees special pressures with the weather and related illnesses but the level of support also increases."

While demand is rising nationally, Dr Scotting said the scheme's income had been consistent, with seasonal variations.

"This time of year is especially difficult for people who are homeless. Donations are therefore needed now more than ever.

"We also welcome donations from local companies who want to help homeless people move away from rough sleeping.

"Donations vary during the year but this time of year is our best time.

"People are very conscious of the bad weather and seeing people on the street and they feel the generosity of the Christmas idea, so we do get more money coming," he said.

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