logo
#

Latest news with #RummageRescuers

People urged to give money to local charities rather than beggars
People urged to give money to local charities rather than beggars

BBC News

time21 hours ago

  • General
  • BBC News

People urged to give money to local charities rather than beggars

A campaign has been launched in East Lancashire to encourage people to donate to local charities rather than giving money to with Darwen Council said backing organisations offering "real, long-term support" would help vulnerable people, some of whom have addiction or mental health Crook, chief executive of the support charity Rummage Rescuers, said she knows of "professional beggars [whose] aim is get as much money as possible out of local people".She added: "By giving cash to beggars on the street, you don't know where [it] is going. It could be for alcohol, it could be for drugs and I think it's a better safeguarding strategy not to give them money." 'Change their lives' Councillor Damian Talbot, executive member for housing and health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We know that many people give to those begging on the streets with the best of intentions. "But we want to ensure that support reaches the right people in the right way, helping vulnerable residents access services that can change their lives."Audrey Gaskell, from Clitheroe, told BBC Radio Lancashire: "You're better off giving to charities."If they're genuine I don't mind, but if they're on drugs or something, that's my problem."David Waddington, from Burnley, said: "I don't give them money. I always buy them a coffee or a sausage roll or something."The Change for Change - Make Your Kindness Count campaign brings together seven local charities and are Community CVS, THOMAS, Nightsafe, Blackburn Foodbank, Red Rose Recovery, Rummage Rescuers and the Salvation council already works with local housing charities to support homeless people including accommodation pods for people who have been previously rough sleeping in the Shadsworth area of Blackburn, and emergency beds at local hostels. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store