Meaningful Change: Stratford-upon-Avon
Welcome… Meaningful Change is a multi-agency campaign aimed at helping to positively change the lives of those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Stratford-upon-Avon.
It’s natural to want to help someone who is homeless or begs on our streets, but how can you be sure what you give will genuinely help those in need?
In Stratford there are a range of charities working to support vulnerable people in our community.
This ranges from supporting people with day to day needs, to providing long term support to positively change their lives.
You can make a difference to those on the streets in Stratford-upon-Avon.
By giving to the charities and organisations involved in the Meaningful Change campaign, rather to those on the street, you can help change lives. You can help provide tailored support enabling people to make lasting and meaningful change.
Your change, really can change lives.
Why run this campaign!
In October 2018 a local independent research agency was commissioned to undertake a survey in Stratford-upon-Avon to look at perceptions of those who are homeless or beg in the town. Key findings of the survey show –
- People are keen to help those less fortunate and have a genuine desire to support them, however they are not always aware of the best way to do this.
- There is a frustration that not enough is being done to help those who are homeless or beg.
- The majority of people who gave money would not have done so if they knew it would not be spent on essentials such as – food, shelter, bedding etc.
This campaign has been designed to address these concerns and highlight services available to those who are homeless or beg in Stratford, showing the best way YOU can help.
The aims of the campaign are to –
Reduce vulnerability
Giving money directly to those on the streets could encourage them to stay on the streets, making them more vulnerable to being exploited by drugs gangs and putting them at greater risk of harm.
By donating to the charities and other organisations involved you can help support people make positive changes to their lives.
Provide specialist care
Many people who are homeless or who beg have deep-rooted and complex issues.
By addressing these underlying issues, real differences can be made to improve lives in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Address professional begging
Begging is profitable and can attract individuals to come into Stratford to beg, who may deceive people into believing they are homeless when they are not.
This can divert money and resources away from those who are in genuine need.
Partner agencies
This project has been developed by the South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership and funded by the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner. Our thanks go to the many charities and partner agencies involved in the development of this campaign.