The Big Change campaign, which has just been launched, has been set up by a group of charities and organisations across Manchester. It aims to help rough sleepers get off – and stay off – the streets. 
Charity workers who provide support to rough sleepers say giving money directly to people who are begging only enables them to continue living on the streets. Instead, Big Change Manchester has set up a special fund and is urging people who live in, work in and visit the city centre to donate money to it if they want to help rough sleepers.
All money donated to the fund will be used to provide homeless people with practical items such as crockery, pots and pans and bed linen to furnish a new flat and transport to travel to new accommodation.
For further information and to make a donation, visit: www.bigchangemcr.co.uk, or text REAL01 £1 to 70070 (the amount should be amended according to how much you want to donate, e.g. £1, £5, £10).