A NEW initiative aimed at helping rough sleepers and those who are begging across the district has started.

The Bradford Council-funded Bradford Cares initiative has been commissioned by the Safe and Stronger Communities partnership and is being led by a network of local charities.

Its purpose is to raise awareness and support for local organisations which help those who have become homeless by making it convenient and straightforward to give money, items and time to local charities through a new website streetsupport.net/Bradford.

One of the organisers, Martyn Johnston, of co-operative agency Chapel Street Studios, said helping those organisations was a more effective for the public to help rather than giving money to rough sleepers.

“We know a lot of people want to give beggars and rough sleepers money and we don’t want to tell them not to but what we want to do is let them know there are other ways of helping; to find help and give help which can often be more effective," he said.

“We even encourage people to stop and chat with them. Sometimes a few words with people means a lot.

“While we have been out and about a lot of people have stopped and asked us for information.

“Several have said they want to help.”

The website acts as an online hub where people can find information about all the services available in Bradford, adverts for volunteers and items needed, as well as locally-relevant articles which inform people of issues surrounding homelessness in Bradford.

The project has more than 30 organisations involved, including the Bridge Project, Inn Churches, Hope Housing, No Second Night Out, Arch and Lifeline.

A campaign held throughout Bradford in the past two weeks to publicise the venture included temporary information placards at traffic light junctions to get people thinking about the issues and how they can help.

A new information booklet has also been produced for those who need to find help. It will be distributed through local organisations and support services.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, the Council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “The Bradford Cares campaign will put a spotlight on the fantastic work local charities and local authority agencies are doing to support vulnerable individuals in overcoming difficult challenges in their lives and will, hopefully, empower people to help.”

West Yorkshire Police chiefs are also supporting the scheme.

Chief Inspector Michael Rutter said: “Bradford Cares is a multi-agency response from organisations across the district to raise awareness of the help, advice and services available to anyone begging or rough sleeping in Bradford.

“We support this new initiative and encourage the public to give money to local charities who are already working with individuals who requires support.”

An information stall promoting the campaign and helping to put people in contact with the organisations which are offering help will be continuing to travel around the district throughout December.

It will be outside the Airedale Centre in Keighley on Thursday, December 7, from 11am to 3pm, and at Bradford Interchange on Thursday, December 21, between 7.30am to 10.30am, and later that day, at Broadway between 3pm and 8pm.