HWBIDCo Launches New Scheme Tackling Begging In The Town Centre
New town centre ‘Diverted Giving’ scheme enables public to offer help through a centrally
managed fund, in place of giving cash donations to street beggars
This month will see a new ‘Diverted Giving’ scheme launched in High Wycombe by town centre organisation, HWBIDCo, taking assertive action to tackle problems associated with street begging, and offering the public an alternative means of donating to, and supporting those, in genuine need.
Made possible thanks to a grant from High Wycombe’s Community Board, HWBIDCo will be installing a series of ‘Diverted Giving Points’ throughout the town centre – on the High Street, on White Hart Street and at McDonald’s Drive-Thru – enabling the public to make nominal donations via fixed card terminals.
All proceeds from the ‘Diverted Giving Points’ will be channeled to a central trust which will go towards funding Street Support Outreach Staff, who will engage with anyone asking for money. The ‘Diverted Giving’ scheme will work with local charities, initially collaborating with The Oasis Partnership.
HWBIDCo Chief Executive, Melanie Williams commented, “Street begging within the town is a complex issue, with intrinsic links to addiction and anti-social behaviour, and by giving cash directly to beggars, members of the public are inadvertently exacerbating these problems rather than helping to solve them. By asking the public to donate through the new ‘Diverted Giving Points’ their financial support can be put to appropriate use for addiction support, shelter and aid. We are not asking the public to stop giving, and we applaud their generosity, but our over-arching message is don’t give direct.”
The ‘Diverted Giving Points’ will be installed from mid-May. Further updates will be released within the coming weeks as part of the ongoing ‘Diverted Giving’ campaign to inform the public and further help tackle the challenges associated with street begging in High Wycombe town centre.