Your Kindness Could Kill Press Release
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YOUR KINDNESS COULD KILL
Generous people who give money to Newcastle beggars are being told their kindness could kill - and are being urged to give to homeless charities instead.
The Newcastle City Centre Neighbourhood Policing team has teamed up with Safe Newcastle to launched a campaign aimed at reducing the amount begging in the area.
Called 'Your Kindness Could Kill', the campaign's stark images depict the
outline of a body made up of coins. The campaign - which launched this
week during Not in My Neighbourhood Week - is aimed at getting more money to charitable organisations which help the homeless.
It's hoped this will help the homeless get the help they need rather than
them spend loose change on drugs and alcohol, which worsen existing
addiction problems.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager Jeremy Wheatley said: "If passers-by give money to people begging in Newcastle it's likely that it will be spent on drink or drugs. In some cases, they'll be helping to buy the alcohol or drugs that could kill them.
"Most people who beg need help with a drug or alcohol addiction and some need help with housing. The partner organisations in Newcastle can help put them in touch with the correct support and I'd urge anyone who sees begging in the city to report it to us so we can ensure they get the right help.
"I'd encourage people who want to help or want to make good use of their loose change to please make a contribution to one of the many local charities in the city who provide vital help and support to the homeless. If you want to help the homeless, support a local charity instead.
Cllr Anita Lower, Chair of Safe Newcastle said: "I hope the campaign will really raise awareness and educate the public about the effect of giving money to beggars and subsequently help us and our partners to provide the help that's really needed."
It's also hoped the campaign will reduce the amount of begging in the city centre after complaints from local residents. Since the start of this year there's been an increase in the number of public complaints about begging in the city, particularly in the area of Pink Lane, Neville Street, Northumberland Street, Collingwood Street and the Quayside.
PC Wheatley explained: "We've received complaints from residents about this issue and as part of the Policing Pledge we are committed to addressing the concerns that are raised with us as a priority.
"By ensuring homeless people are directed to the correct support it's hoped we can reducing the amount of begging taking place on the city's streets."
If you know someone who is begging or homeless please call the Cyrenians outreach team on the 24-hour freephone number, 0800 0 461 445, so they can attend at the earliest opportunity to offer them the correct support.
Alternatively, contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043.
For more information on local charities contact Safe Newcastle website at www.safenewcastle.org.uk
