Vouchers to help the homeless in Leeds this Christmas are now available from Leeds Building Society.
Give Me Some Credit, the voucher scheme run by St George’s Crypt, is being supported by the Society in all its 13 branches in Leeds over the festive period.
The scheme allows people to buy a book of vouchers at a cost of £5, which can then be handed to people begging as an alternative to handing out cash.
The scheme, designed by Leeds University student Hannah Tisdale, aims principally to provide for people in need to go to St George’s Crypt, enjoy a three course meal and talk to staff there about any issues they might need help with.
The initiative, set up in partnership with Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police, has been heralded as a welcome and constructive way to address an issue which is often very challenging, and sometimes unseen.
Arja Copperwheat, community fundraiser at St George’s Crypt, said: “Homelessness in Leeds is an issue nobody can ignore, especially in the cold winter months. We have come up with a novel way of allowing kind-hearted people to give without the risks associated with cash donations.
“The Give Me Some Credit vouchers can be exchanged for meals and showers. As well as Leeds Building Society’s branches in Leeds, the vouchers are available at all Leeds libraries, our Trinity café and the charity’s shops in Armley and Oakwood.”
Karen Duff, Leeds Building Society’s regional manager in Leeds, said: “I am very pleased that all our 13 branches in Leeds will be supporting this excellent initiative.
“We understand the issues in the areas around our branches and have a local community feel. This scheme will encourage our customers to help some of the people who are most in need within these communities over the Christmas period.”
The vouchers are available now at Leeds Building Society’s branches in Adel, Armley, Beeston, Chapel Allerton, Crossgates, Garforth, Harehills Road, Headingley, Horsforth, Moortown, Street Lane and Yeadon. They are also on sale at the Society’s Head Office branch, at 105 Albion Street in Leeds city centre.