‘Have a Heart, Give Smart’ in Neath Port Talbot

‘Have a Heart, Give Smart’ in Neath Port Talbot

People in Neath Port Talbot can now support street vulnerable people and rough sleepers in the county borough by donating to an official scheme.

The Neath Port Talbot ‘Have a Heart, Give Smart’ scheme was launched on Friday the 21st of September 2018. It provides an alternative to giving money directly to people who are begging on the street. In addition, people donating to the scheme will be giving double the help as Santander will be match funding any money collected.

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 Portlock said:

“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.”

Almost 30 businesses around the county borough have already agreed to support the scheme by acting as donation points and a full list of these can be found on the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership’s website www.safernpt.org.

The scheme works by providing funds to local voluntary and third sector organisations who can apply for grants to support homeless and vulnerable people.

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.