‘Don’t give cash to beggars – go online instead’

SHOPPERS in Rochdale are being urged to donate money online - rather than giving it to beggars or rough sleepers.

A new website has been launched this week to encourage town centre visitors to donate either their time or cash to local charities, instead than giving directly to people asking for money.

It’s the latest in a number of moves to combat begging and anti-social behaviour in Rochdale.

Earlier this year the council announced controversial plans to introduce a public space protection order, which would see begging, street drinking and swearing outlawed in the town centre, while under-18s could be barred from the area between 11pm and 6am.

The website has been launched by Rochdale Town Centre Management with support from the council, the police and local homeless charities.

Denis Skelton, from Petrus, one of the charities involved, said: “The launch of this new site is really exciting because it offers people the chance to do something really ●●Richard Shaw from the Sanctuary Trust, Denis Skelton from Petrus, Coun Shaun O’Neill, chair of the Rochdale Township, Margaret Wight from the Rochdale Foodbank and Mark Foxley, from Rochdale Town Centre Management ahead of the launch of a website which encourages shoppers in Rochdale to donate money through a website rather than giving it to homeless people positive, which will make a big difference to their community.

“These online donations will help us give people even more help with jobs and training, counselling and advice with benefits, as well as clothing, food and help with housing. They will also help us run our supported housing scheme for vulnerable women in central Rochdale.

“People who donate can be sure that their money will be going straight to those who need it and helping them in really practical ways.”

The website also has information on practical ways people can support local charities, such as Petrus, Stepping Stone Projects and the Sanctuary Trust.

Mark Foxley, from Rochdale Town Centre Management, said: “We’re proud to have a lot of very compassionate people here in Rochdale who want to help, but sometimes giving money directly can make things worse. This new site could help change the lives of people on the streets for the better and it would be great to see the people of Rochdale get behind it.”

Coun Shaun O’Neill, chair of the Rochdale Township, said: “We have some people on our streets who are vulnerable and in need of support, but giving money to them directly isn’t a good idea.

“The charities are the best people to help them build a life away from the streets and by giving via this website, our residents can help them do just that.”

For more details visit bigchangerochdale.co.uk.