The ‘Change for Change – Make Your Kindness Count Campaign. 2025 Onwards

Rummage Rescuers working collaboratively with BWD anti-social behaviour and housing needs team, neighbourhood police and Blackburn BID to reduce begging. This new 2025 campaign has been launched to tackle street begging by asking people approached for cash to donate to local charities rather than hand over their change. It asks Blackburn with Darwen residents to support vulnerable individuals by donating to local charities rather than giving money directly to those begging on the streets. The campaign brings together seven local charitable services – Rummage Rescuers Community CVS, THOMAS, Nightsafe, Blackburn Foodbank, Red Rose Recovery, Community CVS, and the Salvation Army. A website has been launched at www.makekindnesscount.org. Please consider donating to one of the organisations of your choice. All which offer vital support services to the community of Blackburn with Darwen and beyond.

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.

Plick click 👉 here to get in touch or Donate Online 👉 here.