Put your 'Change into Action' to support rough sleepers across the Black Country

With the festive season fast approaching, local people and businesses are being encouraged to give what they can to a campaign that has helped hundreds of people sleeping rough to move off the streets and rebuild their lives.

Generous public donations of more than £310,000 have already been given to the West Midlands' alternative giving campaign, Change into Action, since it was launched, helping around 2,000 people break through the cycle of rough sleeping.

The campaign, part of the work of the WMCA’s Homelessness Taskforce, encourages people to make an online donation rather than giving directly to those asking for money on the street.

Every single donation personally benefits a person sleeping rough with trusted local charities and street teams working to identify those most in need and offer interventions that can really make a change to their personal circumstances.

Change into Action is making a difference right across the region, from helping to find a home, buy essential household items, personal care items and new clothes to boost confidence, health and wellbeing, to providing employment support and assistance to get to vital support services and appointments.

Cllr Thompson said: “The generosity of people across the West Midlands has been incredible – they have helped to change the lives of hundreds of others most in need. If you are able to donate anything, however small, it would mean a great deal of difference to those at risk of sleeping rough this Christmas.

“We know that addressing homelessness in the long term means tackling its root causes. It remains a priority to build more social and affordable housing so we can make sure everyone has somewhere to live, and is able to access jobs, training opportunities and the ongoing support they need to start rebuilding their lives.”

Donations can be made all year round online through a dedicated website: changeintoaction.org.uk.

Christmas shoppers and those on a night out can also donate with a tap of their bank card or mobile phone at contactless points set up at Wolverhampton's bus and train stations, with traditional donation points at businesses across the city centre.