Contactless screen to help the homeless launched in Cardiff
An innovative contactless screen has been set up in Cardiff city centre to help the public support the homeless. The screen enables members of the public to donate money to the homeless by tapping their contactless bank card on the screen at any time of the day or night.
For every tap, a fixed fee of £2 will be put towards small grants for those who are currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The grants will be distributed through the city’ frontline services and donations will be doubled thanks to the Four Acre Trust.
Give DIFFerently was launched in November of 2017 by FOR Cardiff to encourage people visiting and living in the city to think differently about how they give to those who are begging, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Beth Thomas, regional manager at The Big Issue Cymru, said: ‘With an increase in rough sleeping in Cardiff, we were keen to be involved in a multi-agency approach to helping people who have multiple and complex needs access support. We have seen the success from other homelessness alliances of contactless technology as an alternative way to give and wanted to bring that to Cardiff.’
Cardiff council, cabinet member for housing and communities, Cllr Thorne said: “The aim of Give DIFFerently is to end the cycle of homelessness and move people away from rough sleeping by providing meaningful support through small grants that will really make a difference to individuals.
“Addressing rough sleeping and homelessness in the city is a real priority for the council and by giving differently, everyone can help us tackle the issue so that some of the most vulnerable people in our society can begin to rebuild their lives.”
“Ten per cent of the fund will be ring-fenced for organisations working with those at risk of Adverse Childhood Experiences to prevent the next generation from becoming homeless or having to resort to street-based activities such as begging.”
With financial support of the Four Acre Trust, every £2 donated by contactless payment will be matched, turning each person’s donation from £2 in to £4.
The public will be able to donate via the contactless technology until Sunday 25th March or at any time by texting DIFF20 followed by the amount you want to donate to 70070.
- For more information, visit www.givedifferently.wales or follow @GiveDIFFerently
