A charity voucher scheme which helps ensure homeless people get the help they need is being supported with a new outlet for the vouchers at the Council’s One Stop Shop in Bath.
The Council and the homeless charity Julian House are highlighting the easy and effective way for members of the public to support street people by purchasing the vouchers, which can only be used for food and accommodation.
The voucher scheme was originally launched by the Genesis Trust and later joined by Julian House. Members of the public can buy vouchers in denominations of 50 pence each. They can be exchanged by homeless men and women at a number of projects operated by the two homeless charities.
Cecil Weir, the Funding Manager for Julian House is keen to raise its profile. He said: “When we give talks to clubs and local interest groups people are always very keen to hear more about the vouchers. They want to help homeless people that they see out and about but are reluctant to hand over cash, for fear of what it might be used for.
“By giving some vouchers they know that they will be used solely for food or accommodation at one of the homeless facilities around town. They can even encourage clients – who perhaps have been reluctant to engage with support agencies in the past – to start a dialogue which may eventually help them get off the streets.”
Awareness of the voucher scheme amongst the public is not as high it might be, and it is hoped that this new retail outlet for the vouchers, at the Council’s One Stop Shop on Manvers Street, will help to raise the profile of the scheme.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of the Council, said: “At this time of year – especially with the overnight temperatures dropping below freezing – it’s vital that we all do what we can to help those less fortunate than ourselves. We encourage everybody to give at least one extra gift this Christmas by purchasing these vouchers from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s One Stop Shop – safe in the knowledge that they will be put to great use and could make a real difference to people’s lives with all the money going to Julian House.”
Other outlets for the vouchers include the Julian House offices in New King Street; their charity shops in Walcot Street and Moorland Road; Genesis Trust charity shops at The Wood Works on James Street West, and the Open House Coffee Shop in Manvers Street; as well as Bath Abbey Bookshop.
