Top facts
- Eight local charities are working together on the Make Change Count campaign, helping people who are rough sleeping in the city
- The best chance for anyone who is rough sleeping to get off the street is with professional help
- Donations to Make Change Count go directly to people in need
- You can help by donating today
Make Change Count
Local charities are working together to raise awareness of how to help people who are rough sleeping in the city and the wide range of support available to those in need.
The Make Change Count charities are: St Mungo’s, BHT, Nightstop, Equinox, Antifreeze, The Clock Tower Sanctuary, YMCA Downslink Group and YMCA Brighton.
People who are rough sleeping need help to rebuild their lives and support to move away from the dangerous existence of living on the streets.
Campaign aims
Raise awareness of help for rough sleepers to move away from the streets
Charities and support agencies are helping homeless people every day of the year 24 hours a day. Outreach workers are in regular contact with people on the street, caring for their practical needs (such as food and clothing) as well as providing them with support to help rebuild their lives.
More details are on support available is on the charities’ websites and the council’s website.
Asking residents to say where they’ve seen those in need so tailored help can be offered
If you’re concerned about someone who is rough sleeping, please contact Streetlink and share information which will be passed to an outreach worker.
Suggesting an alternative giving option to donating on the street
This is a generous city and people have many choices on how to give to those in need. Make Change Count asks people to consider donating to charities instead of on the street. The funds donated to charities are used to give tailored help that meets people’s individual needs, sometimes over a period of time to help rebuild lives. More than £19,000 has been donated and will be used to help people in the city.
It's quick and easy to donate to Make Change Count online or you can text UMCC18 £3, £5, £10 or £20 to 70070.
Making a difference
Frances Duncan, Chief Executive, The Clock Tower Sanctuary, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to the Make Change Count campaign. As the only day centre in Brighton & Hove for 16 to 25 year olds who are homeless or insecurely housed, the funding will help to provide a vital lifeline for vulnerable young people at this difficult time of year.”
Alison Marino, Executive Director, Sussex Nightstop, said: “Across 2018 Sussex Nightstop has arranged nearly 200 safe bed nights for young people at risk of homelessness. These young people are able to focus their energies on securing suitable long-term accommodation from where they can make the most of life’s opportunities. We are very appreciative of the generosity people show through Make Change Count.”
Noeleen Anstee, fundraising manager, Brighton YMCA, said: “Your generosity and kindness through donating to the Make Change Count Campaign this festive season will enable people who are homeless across our city to have a brighter start in 2019.”
Steve Brunton, Antifreeze Manager, said: “Antifreeze (Off The Fence) are immensely grateful for your donations. They help enable us to serve the street community in many ways including our evening outreaches and our warm Day Centre where we meet multiple needs.”
Where the money goes
All money donated will be shared between the organising charities and will go directly to people who are sleeping rough. Contributions will be used to provide food, access to shower facilities, healthcare, clothing and support from outreach workers to move people away from the street as well as a wide range of practical help to suit individual needs. No funds raised will be used for administration of the charities.
Make Change Count is supported by Brighton & Hove City Council, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner.
Councillor Clare Moonan, lead councillor for rough sleeping, said: “We recognise the vital contribution made by local charities and support agencies across the city, there are so many people involved with this important work. There’s no doubt there is an ongoing housing crisis which we are seeing on the streets. By working together we are making a difference and the council fully supports Make Change Count.”
Donate now
You can donate online or by texting UMCC18 £3, £5, £10 or £20 to 70070.