To support people who are rough sleeping in Brighton & Hove, the city has a fundraising campaign called Make Change Count. It brings together local charities that are experienced in supporting rough sleepers and preventing homelessness. They work together to provide dignity and respect to vulnerable people who are living on the streets, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The campaign is now in its sixth year and is supported by Brighton & Hove City Council, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner and Sussex Police. It helps people who are rough sleeping to access professional support services available in the city and move away from the streets for good. It also encourages an alternative option to giving directly to individuals on the street that has a far greater and more sustainable impact.
Supporting rough sleepers in Brighton & Hove in a sustainable way
As we continue through a global pandemic, support for vulnerable rough sleepers is more vital than ever. A huge amount of work has been done to help keep vulnerable people safe throughout the COVID crisis – and what’s been achieved to help people off the streets shows what can be done with the right resources in place, but now we need to make sure no one feels they need to return to the streets.
The next stage of action sets a new range of challenges as the full financial impact of the national lockdown begins to be felt. People need help and support adapting to new ways of living. Helping people away from rough sleeping takes time and compassion.
Best use of money by homeless charities in Brighton & Hove
Money raised as part of this campaign is shared between the participating organisations: Brighton Housing Trust, St Mungo’s, Sussex Nightstop, Equinox, Antifreeze, The Clock Tower Sanctuary, YMCA Downslink Group and YMCA Brighton.
All money donated to the Make Change Count campaign goes to people in need in our city. Contributions are used to provide food, access to shower facilities, healthcare, clothing and a wide range of practical help based on individual needs.
Outreach workers and street services guide people to access the right accommodation where they will be further helped on a one-to-one basis to recover physically and mentally from the trauma of rough sleeping.
No funds raised are used for administration of the charities or the campaign. If £5 is donated, then £5 will go to people in need.
Making sure help reaches homeless people is far more effective than giving money to people directly. Make Change Count is a way for you to make that happen.
Please help us help others by giving to charity, not on the street. You can donate to Make Change Count online via JustGiving.
Concerned about someone rough sleeping?
Streetlink is a national service for people to use to report someone sleeping rough in England or Wales. If you’re worried about someone, you can report it online or by calling 0300 500 0914. The details you provide are sent to the local authority or outreach workers to help them find the individual and connect them to support. Outreach workers are experienced in supporting people to move away from the streets.
