Why Do People Beg?
- To feed an addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling).
- To meet everyday needs such as rent or bills.
- Due to greed.
- Because it can be lucrative, with some making hundreds of pounds daily.
Why is Begging Seen as Antisocial and/or a Crime?
- It increases fear among vulnerable people (elderly, disabled, children).
- It causes some people to avoid the town centre.
- It can negatively impact retail and community cohesion.
Are Those Who Beg Criminals or Victims?
People beg for a reason. Partner organisations work together to help individuals change their behaviour for their well-being and the benefit of the community.
What Help is Available?
A partnership exists between:
- The housing team
- The police
- Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership
- The third sector
A dedicated outreach worker offers on-the-spot support, including:
- Emergency accommodation.
- Other floating support services.
- Handholding to access the local authority homelessness pathway.
- Access to substance misuse services.
- Help with setting up benefits and maximizing income.
- Help with budgeting.
- Help around mental and physical health.
What Difference Will Giving to a Charity Rather Than an Individual Who Begs Make?
- Ensures money is used to help those in need.
- Encourages those begging to engage with support agencies.
- Helps individuals overcome the root causes of begging.
How Many People Are Begging in Blackburn with Darwen?
Numbers vary, but most are known to local agencies and regularly spoken to by:
- The police
- The local authority
- Other voluntary agencies
Are All Those Begging in Blackburn with Darwen Homeless?
Not all beggars are homeless. Support is available to prevent people from sleeping on the streets.
For more information: StreetLink – Connecting people sleeping rough to local services