Should you stop giving money to people begging on the streets — and donate to a local charity instead?
That’s the message behind ‘Change for Change – Make Your Kindness Count’, a new push backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council, the police, Blackburn BID, and a group of local charities.
The aim? To redirect well-meaning donations away from individuals on the streets and towards organisations that can offer real, long-term help — things like housing support, mental health services, addiction recovery and food.
“Giving directly to individuals can sometimes unintentionally sustain harmful behaviours,” said Vic Holmes, Team Manager for Changing Futures.
The campaign suggests that while people often give with the best intentions, handing over loose change might actually be fueling the problem, not solving it.
Instead, they want residents to donate to trusted local organisations via www.makekindnesscount.org, where all funds go to services like THOMAS, Nightsafe, Blackburn Foodbank, Community CVS, Salvation Army, Red Rose Recovery and Rummage Rescuers.
So what’s behind the move?
Campaign organisers say that many people who beg are not homeless, but may be struggling with addiction, trauma, or mental health issues — and simply need the right kind of professional support.
The borough already has support in place, including:
- Ten accommodation pods in Shadsworth for former rough sleepers.
- Emergency hostel beds during cold weather.
- Outreach teams working to get people off the streets and into safe housing.
Cllr Damian Talbot said: “We want to ensure that support reaches the right people in the right way… By making kindness count, we can all play a role in making a real difference.”
But here’s the twist — this isn’t the first time Blackburn’s tried this
Back in 2017, a similar campaign urged people to “donate to charity, not to beggars” — led by the council, local charity THOMAS, and the Blackburn BID.
At the time, street teams were deployed to connect rough sleepers with food, shelter and support.
Now, with new partnerships and more infrastructure in place, the 2025 campaign is hoping to go further — with posters, digital adverts, handout cards and a dedicated donation portal.
What do YOU think?
Would you stop giving to people on the street and switch to donating to charities instead?
Do you think this campaign will help reduce begging — or are there risks of leaving people behind?
Let us know what you think — join the conversation on our Facebook page or in the comments below.
👉 More info or to donate: www.makekindnesscount.org