Diverted Giving Scheme to launch in Neath Port Talbot

People in Neath Port Talbot will soon be asked to ‘Have a heart, Give Smart’ to help and support street vulnerable people and rough sleepers in the county borough.

The Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership has joined up with the successful diverted giving scheme of the same name, which has been operating in Swansea since January.

The Neath Port Talbot launch of the scheme will be at Neath Civic Centre at 10am on Friday 21 September 2018.

Councillor Des Davies, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection said:

“Giving money to people who are begging can actually discourage them from seeking the professional help they really need.

“The diverted giving scheme works by asking people to donate to local homeless charities via official collection boxes, instead of giving money directly to people who are begging on the streets. All of the donated money will go where it can most effectively be used to provide help to people in the area. This help might come from statutory, voluntary, faith-based, business and other community groups who help people overcome the addictions and other problems that lead to begging.”

South Wales Police Inspector Roy Portlocksaid:

“Our officers provide support to the county borough’s homeless and vulnerable community on a daily basis.

“People in Neath Port Talbot are generous, and understandably they want to help others, but such kindness is often open to abuse and the donations are not always put to their intended use.

“The Have a Heart – Give Smart campaign will ensure that any funds collected are put to legitimate use to provide direct support to those in genuine need. Please support this vital work by donating via an official collection point instead of giving money directly to people who are begging.”

Many businesses around the county borough have already agreed to support the scheme by acting as donation points.

An awareness raising campaign will accompany the scheme to promote the official donation points and advise people of the benefits of diverted giving. For more information visit www.safernpt.org.

This county-wide scheme will also play an important role in supporting the Neath Together Campaign, which is making progress in providing homeless people with access to services they need.