The team at the Colchester Business Improvement District (‘BID’) today announced the introduction of a new scheme to support vulnerable local people in the city centre.
The 12-month scheme will launch in March and is operated via three contactless public donation terminals. The secure, contactless terminals will be located at key shop front locations in the city centre from early March. Passers-by will be able to donate a nominal fixed amount with a simple tap of a bank card. 100% of donations received will be directed to Colchester’s Beacon House Ministries charity[2] (located in Crouch Street).
Colchester is the first place in Essex to offer this type of scheme and, as such, the BID team is seeking suggestions for a scheme-name from members of the public. The prize for submitting the winning scheme-name is a Colchester Gift Card to the value of £30. Entries should be submitted via email to [email protected] no later than 1 February 2023. The winner will be announced on 3 February. Entries should include the suggested scheme-name, full contact details for the entrant and their opinion why Colchester is a great place to work, live and visit. The competition is open to all ages and the judges’ decision is final (there is no cash alternative). Full details can be found at https://ourcolchester.co.uk/town-centre-news/
Sam Good (pictured), from the Colchester BID team commented: “We are delighted to launch this exciting scheme, which offers vulnerable people access to wider specialist support at Beacon House Ministries. The BID project is designed to help make Colchester a better place to work, live and visit. Our city’s fantastic shops have many loyal (and generous) patrons, who can choose to demonstrate their compassion on location, by tapping a terminal, to benefit those who need the Beacon House Ministries charity. Their donation will, in turn, ensure that Beacon House Ministries gives the right support to those who need it most. I’m looking forward to seeing the scheme-name suggestions and would encourage readers to get involved in our naming competition”.
Steve Brown (pictured), CEO of Beacon House Ministries noted: “Our charity has supported the city of Colchester for over 26 years. During that time, we’ve seen many changes. Currently, our city has a very positive vibe, but we must remember that we still have large numbers of people who are homeless and in desperate need. Our aim is to transform lives by engaging with our guests and helping them move from a position of homelessness into self-fulfilled, independent living. By supporting our charity via the contactless donation points, you can be sure that appropriate help will be given by our experts to secure appropriate accommodation for these people. We provide Primary Healthcare services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Colchester. Such people can come to our Day Centre free of charge, to have a hot meal and drink, use showering facilities and do laundry etc. We also provide training and help with administration as well as signposting to relevant agencies”.
