Street Change
Street Change
Changing perceptions and changing lives through our alternative giving programme in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Making our cities good places to be – for everyone
There are so many things we want to tell you about Street Change because it’s something that everyone can get involved in and it is making a direct, practical difference to people in Scotland’s largest cities.
Street Change a quick and easy way to donate to support people who are currently (or are at risk of) begging or rough sleeping in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Street Change is a Simon Community Scotland initiative, working with loads of different partners.
This is an innovative ‘alternative giving’ initiative that means people get quick, practical help.
Whilst not everyone who finds themselves having to sleep rough is involved in street begging and not everyone who begs is sleeping rough, there is a close connection and they all are experiencing levels of desperation that most of us would find it hard to relate to.
- Lorraine, our CEO
Street Change: How it works
It starts with knowing what people need
People we support tell us what they need and together we identify if there are things where a bit of money could make something a bit easier – from clothes to food to travel or something else.
Local communities and businesses help
People visiting or living in Edinburgh or Glasgow (or anyone who wants to help!) make donations through a dedicated QR code or by participating in one of the gifting schemes with our local partners. Read on for more info.
Local partners like restaurants, bars, cafes and shops work with us to develop a ‘gift with your purchase’ scheme that works for their business. This could be people having the option to ‘add a £1 to your bill’ or some other way of making donations easy when people are moving about the city.
Our Teams access these funds rapidly when needed
The central pot of donations can be accessed rapidly by support workers in Edinburgh and Glasgow when they need to who assist people who are begging or rough sleeping. The fund is used to purchase warm clothing and footwear, food and essentials, as well as supporting people with utility bills, travel to appointments or to return to their family, and much more!
Interagency support network
Our delivery partners meet regularly to review how the donations are being used so we can ensure the people most in need, are getting access to the funds and the wider support they need.
Why this matters
We’ve so much to say about this relevant, effective and connecting way of making sure people in our communities have access to the things they need, in the easiest way possible.
Simple things can make an enormous difference removing barriers that someone is facing as they try to overcome homelessness and tough life circumstances. But we need funds to make these things happen.
Of course it is way more than just money. It starts with relationships.
It is only when we understand the specific barriers and difficulties each person faces, that we can together identify the practical things that can really make a difference. At the same time, we are always working to support people as they navigate and address the specific challenges they may be experiencing, including in relation to their physical and mental health, stigma, discrimination, housing and employment challenges and more.
Callum's story
Callum's story shows how a little can go a long way when we are able to build relationships of trust with people.
The people we connect with tell us how they often feel marginalised and excluded from society. They face discrimination, stigma and abuse every day.
Through Street Change we are building connections between people in our cities. Together we are shaping meaningful solutions that not only help people practically, but can also help them feel seen and valued.
We work by the motto “Make it easy. Make it right. Make it happen”. We want to make it easy for people to donate, and easy to distribute the funds, quickly and without fuss, and easy for people to get what they need.
Partners working together
This approach to alternative giving is the first of its kind in Scotland. We are always looking for more partners to get involved so that we have more funds to share with those who need it most. We are pleased to be working with a range of organisations in Edinburgh and Glasgow who are helping to make this happen. They include: Glasgow City Mission, Lodging House Mission, Marie Trust, Waverley Care, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Edinburgh Community Safety and Justice Partnership and a range of businesses and other organisations.
We have lots more to share about this initiative, and ways you can get involved. Our micro-site is launching soon.
This is your opportunity to change lives
Donate right now and make a difference
Partner for change
Would you like to become a StreetChange partner with us in Edinburgh or Glasgow? Please get in touch so we can start a conversation.
Feed your compassion
Learn more and tell others about people's experiences and how we help.
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