Please give to charity, not to people begging
What is begging?
Street begging involves individuals asking members of the public for money. Sometimes the begging is done politely, and sometimes it is more aggressive. Hartlepool isn't alone in having individuals begging in its town centre, but we're committed to stopping it from happening. We want to strike a balance between making sure that people begging for money are given the help and support they need, and making sure that our town centre is a safe and welcoming place for residents, visitors, and businesses.
What can I do?
Those people who are found begging for money often have difficult personal issues which are hard to deal with, and are in need of support. The best way to help them is by making sure they get the support needed to get off the streets, and begin making changes in their lives. It may be tempting to give money to someone who is begging, homeless, or sleeping rough, but often this money may be used to feed an addiction, like alcohol or drugs. We need to ensure that you make your spare change really count.
Many of the organisations we work with are charities, so you can donate to them online or by contacting their office. That way you can be sure your money will be spent on helping support people in Hartlepool who are begging, homeless, or sleeping rough.
What is the council doing?
We're committed to reducing begging while also ensuring people get the right help, and we're doing this by working together with other local agencies.
We work with local organisations in the following areas:
- Outreach - our Officers speak to individuals on the street to understand why they're begging, and what support they need.
- Health - providing referrals to specialist services to address drug, alcohol, and/or mental health issues, support to register with a GP, and accompanying individuals to health appointments if necessary.
- Housing - providing help to find the most suitable accommodation - for example, through supported housing schemes, tenancy support, and advice on how to maintain a tenancy - as well as accompanying individuals to housing appointments if necessary.
- Finance - help to ensure individuals are receiving the right benefits.
- General welfare - providing white goods, furniture, clothing, and details of local foodbanks, and help to apply for ID documents etc.
- Assistance with transport costs - providing support for individuals who want to relocate to another area to be near their family for support.
Worried about paying for food? Need a meal?
See the Hartlepower Food Projects leaflet for more information about cheap/free/affordable food at www.hartlepowercommunitytrust.co.uk/food-projects
Other help available :
Advice@Hart, 81 Stranton, Hartlepool, TS24 7QT. Tel. 01429 748010. www.advice-at-hart.co.uk
Community Hub Central, 124 York Road, Hartlepool, TS26 9DE. Tel. 01429 272905. www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau, 87 Park Road, Hartlepool, TS26 9HP. Tel. 0808 278 7967. www.citizensadvicehartlepool.org.uk
West View Advice and Resource Centre, The Community Centre, Miers Avenue, Hartlepool,TS24 9JQ. Tel. 01429 271294. www.wvarc30.org.uk
Hartlepool Job Centre Plus, Jackson House, Wesley Square, Hartlepool, TS24 8EZ. Tel. 0845 604 3719 or 0845 600 1770. www.jobcentreguide.co.uk/hartlepool-jobcentre
Salaam Community Centre, (Poolie Time Exchange), St Paul's Hall, Murray Street, Hartlepool, TS26 8PE. Tel. 07949 837227
CLICK HERE for more information about help and support that is available, or please contact
Homeless and Housing AdviceCivic Centre
Victoria Road
Hartlepool
TS24 8AY Telephone: (01429) 266522 Email: HousingAdviceTeam@hartlepool.gov.uk Hartlepool Community Safety Team
Hartlepool Police Station
Avenue Road
Hartlepool TS24 8BB Telephone: (01429) 523100 Email: community.safety@hartlepool.gov.uk
