Words by Abi Scaife
Manchester has come up with a great new way to help those experiencing homelessness find the help they need.
Tell me more.
Under new plans by the government, begging can be countered with a fine and police intervention. Unfortunately, this doesn’t do anything to solve the root cause of why people need to resort to begging - and that’s where this new initiative comes in.
Police in Manchester are now giving out cards instead of fines, signposting people to a local homeless charity.
What happens then?
The Mustard Tree charity, which tackles homelessness, now has a street engagement hub. The card handed out by police officers acts as a referral to this hub, which is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Those referred will be able to meet with an advisor, who can discuss with them why they are begging, and together they will figure out alternatives - and, more importantly, a way to get them off the street.
To learn more about the initiative, and to support Mustard Tree, you can visit their website.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
St Mungo’s. St Mungo's is a leading UK homelessness charity supporting over 3150 people every night. Help us end homelessness and rebuild lives. Support them here.
Centrepoint. This charity supports homeless young adults aged 16-25, and aims to end youth homelessness in the UK. Find out more here.
Emmaus. Emmaus is a UK based charity and community working together to end homelessness. Learn more here.
