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.
Organisations we work with
Hartlepool Foodbank
Webpage: https://hartlepool.foodbank.org.uk/
Donate:https://hartlepool.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/
Email: info@hartlepool.foodbank.org.uk
Tel: (01429) 598404
Address: 28 Church street, Hartlepool TS24 7DH
Meals and More
Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/Meal-and-More-914453445553482/
Donate: Please contact Holy Trinity Church
Tel: 07707 710381
Address: Holy Trinity Church Hall, Davison Drive, TS24 9BX
St Aidan’s Kitchen
Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/staidanskitchen/
Donate:https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/staidanskitchen
Tel: 07780675322
Address: St Aidan’s Church, Oxford Road, TS25 1SN
Worried about paying for food? Need a meal?|
Monday to Thursday |
Wharton Annexe – Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool, TS24 8NS Provides a food bag for approx £2.50. Contact 01429 866095 or info@whartontrust.org.uk |
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Tuesday |
Holy Trinity Church — Davison Drive, West View, Hartlepool, TS25 1BZ Community Drop between 11.00am – 1.00pm – Hot Food and Drinks available |
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Tuesday and Friday |
Hartlepool Foodbank - 28 Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7DH Contact the Children’s Hub on 01429 284284 to see if you qualify for a Foodbank voucher. Tuesday and Friday 11.30am – 1.30pm |
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Wednesday |
Breakfast Club – St Joseph’s Church, St Paul’s Road, Hartlepool, TS26 9EY Volunteers provide breakfast for people in need every Wednesday morning between 9.30am – 10.30am. Contact 01429 272985 stjoseph@rcdhn.org.uk |
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Wednesday |
Belle Vue Centre – Kendal Road, Hartlepool, TS25 1QU Bag of food available for £2.50 - Call in between 12.00noon – 1.00pm. Call 01429 221832 – reception@bellevuecentre.org.uk |
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Wednesday |
Hartlepool People’s Centre – Raby Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AF Provide a hot meal for those in need every Wednesday at 7.30pm |
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Thursday |
St Aidan’s Church – Oxford Road, Hartlepool, TS25 1TB Providing soup, sandwiches and snacks and foodbank between 11.00am – 1.00pm |
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Saturday |
Food Connect – 177 York Road, Hartlepool, TS26 9EQ Call into Café One77 between 9.00am – 10.00am for a free bag of food. No referral required |
Other help available :
The Children’s Hub (01429) 284284
Citizens Advice Bureau (01429) 273223
West View Advice Centre (01429) 271275
Hartlepool Job Centre (01429) 253755
* Note children’s lunches are available throughout the school holidays. Please call to ask for more information*
** Note many other voluntary and church led groups offer food relief. Please call to ask for more information**
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
