New begging campaign urges people to change the way they give to ‘Make Kindness Count’

Today marks the launch of a new campaign, ‘Change for Change – Make Your Kindness Count’.

It asks residents in Blackburn with Darwen to support vulnerable individuals by donating to local charities rather than giving money directly to those begging on the streets. 

The ‘Change for Change – Make Your Kindness Count’ campaign aims to provide a more effective way of helping those in need by directing donations to trusted charities that offer real, long-term support. 

The initiative has been developed by in partnership with the Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Team, neighbourhood police, Blackburn BID and Housing Needs. 

It brings together seven local charities and services, Community CVS, THOMAS, Nightsafe, Blackburn Foodbank, Red Rose Recovery, Rummage Rescuers, and the Salvation Army. 

The campaign features bus shelter adverts, electronic screens, and handout cards for local businesses and support workers.  

A dedicated donation and help website has been launched at www.makekindnesscount.org, where residents can contribute directly to local charities. 

The Council works with local housing charities, to support, homeless people, guided by legislation and through a number of grant funded housing and hostel projects. 

Changing Futures is a Government funded programme operated locally to help improve the lives of adults experiencing multiple disadvantages.

The programme’s Team Manager, Vic Holmes said:

This campaign is about encouraging a more effective way of supporting people who are asking for help on the streets. While many of those who beg are not homeless, they may be facing complex challenges, including addiction or mental health issues, which require specialist support.

We understand that members of the public give with the best intentions. However, giving directly to individuals can sometimes unintentionally sustain harmful behaviours.

By donating to local charities instead, people can be confident their kindness is helping individuals to access the services they need – whether that’s support with recovery, housing, or improving their wellbeing.

We’re asking people to make their kindness count in a way that creates lasting, positive change.

In Blackburn with Darwen we have 10 accommodation pods in Shadsworth, which are currently occupied by people who have previously been rough sleeping.  

We also have emergency bed spaces at local hostels which provide accommodation to any new rough sleepers during the cold weather months. 

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Housing and Health, added:

We know that many people give to those begging on the streets with the best of intentions. But the reality is that donating directly to local charities is the most effective way to provide real help.  

We want to ensure that support reaches the right people in the right way, helping vulnerable residents access services that can change their lives. By making kindness count, we can all play a role in making a real difference.

Blackburn with Darwen Local Policing Inspector Peter Norris added:

We are committed to supporting initiatives that address the root causes of begging and provide sustainable solutions for those in need.

The “Change for Change” campaign is an important step in ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the right support – whether that be access to housing, mental health services, addiction recovery, or employment opportunities.

We recognise that street begging is often a sign of deeper challenges, and while enforcement plays a role in keeping communities safe, our priority is to work alongside local charities,  businesses, and support services to offer real alternatives to those struggling.

We encourage the public to get involved by supporting local outreach programmes and donating to the organisations that provide long-term assistance.

For more information or to donate, please visit www.makekindnesscount.org. 

To report incidents of begging please contact: Streetlink – and our dedicated housing outreach services will make contact with the person to find out what support they need. StreetLink – Connecting people sleeping rough to local services