We’ve all passed homeless people in the city centre and wondered what the best way is to help and whether to give them some cash – but now it’s hoped a new way to donate and a new support network will make a real difference.
A new partnership from across the city has come together to launch a campaign aimed at ending street homelessness in Peterborough.
The partnership, called Safer Off the Streets Peterborough (#SOSPboro), brings together seventeen organisations from voluntary, faith, community and public service agencies who will work together to aid those who are sleeping rough on our streets.
The partnership’s campaign includes a new contactless card donation card window outside The Argo Lounge in St Peter’s Arcade which funds will directly help the street homeless; new outreach and rehabilitation programmes across the next 12 months and beyond; and a dedicated website – www.saferoffthestreets.co.uk – bringing vital services and information together all in one place.
Christine Graham, Chair of the Safer off the Streets Partnership and Co-ordinator of Peterborough Street Pastors Scheme said: “A recent count showed that 35 homeless people were sleeping rough on Peterborough’s streets.
“Although there are many agencies across the city doing much to tackle the issue of rough sleeping, we felt a more targeted approach was needed.
“That’s why charities and organisations across the city have joined up to create a network of support to help people who are sleeping rough, but also to look at ways to prevent and support people so they don’t end up on the streets in the first place.”
Christine added: “We also felt that although the people of Peterborough are already empowered to help, they are unsure about the best way to do this. Donations, however big or small, make a real difference to homeless and vulnerable people in Peterborough.
“We’ve now made it easy to donate money online, at cash donation points and a contactless card donation window. The website and social media will also keep people up to date on support available and to find out what items are in need.”
Donations received will primarily go towards funding the day to day running costs of the drop in hub which will provide advice on support services and health and wellbeing with any additional funds being used for personalised budgets for rough sleepers to encourage them to leave the streets for good.
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