THE Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership was formed in 2015 to develop a community-led response to homelessness through a partnership approach.
The partnership brings together housing, homelessness and emergency services, community organisations, faith-based voluntary groups, people with lived experience and local businesses who are all committed to reducing homelessness and advancing social inclusion in the borough.
The Real Change Not Loose Change campaign has raised more than £40,000 since 2016 to help keep homeless people off the cold streets of Basingstoke and Deane each winter and following its success, the Social Inclusion Partnership is now building on the commitment shown by local people, businesses and organisations by launching a year-round initiative to support rough sleepers.
The Real Change not Loose Change campaign is encouraging local people to help raise £15,000, as an alternative to giving money direct to people on the streets, by donating money or by holding fundraising events in the community.
The current winter campaign is raising money for the Basingstoke Night Light Winter Shelter, which opened its doors on Saturday, 1 December. Set up by churches in the borough, it will run seven nights a week for the next three months.
The winter shelter, which will be open until Thursday, 28 February, will offer hot food, a place to clean up and a cosy bed, as well as company and access to community support and health check-ups.
Run by a network of trained and dedicated volunteers, the shelter will be open every night and provides a warm welcome to those most in need.
To donate, look out for the Real Change donation pots in public places in and around the town centre, follow on Facebook and Twitter @realchangebas or give online at https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/12499/basingstoke-voluntary-action/real-change-for-basingstoke-2018---night-light-winter-shelter.
To find out more about the Social Inclusion Partnership and the Real Change Not Loose Change campaign visit www.realchangebasingstoke.org.uk.
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