Spare Change for Lasting Change

The Spare Change for Lasting Change scheme was set up in Winchester in 2010 by local agencies and charities to help the most disadvantaged in our community, as well as to reduce street begging in the city centre.

The idea behind the scheme is to encourage the public to donate their ‘spare change’ to brightly coloured collection boxes situated in shops, banks and restaurants in and around Winchester city centre, rather than give money directly to street beggars. There are around 50 collection boxes in businesses and retail outlets across the city.

A hundred per cent of the money raised from the scheme is divided between the Nightshelter and Trinity Winchester (homelessness day centre,) who work with the city’s homeless and are able to ensure that those who are most vulnerable receive the help and support they need. The donations go to providing much needed hot cooked food or basic essentials like toiletries, as well as accommodation and vital support.

In its first year the scheme raised £3,000 and has been a successful way of raising much needed funds to help alleviate homelessness locally. Your spare change really can make a very big difference.