As Leicester experiences its first major cold snap of the season, the public is being offered a simple, secure and meaningful way to help vulnerable people while Christmas shopping or enjoying festive drinks in the city centre. GIVE Leicester, the city’s tap-to-donate scheme, has launched its 2025 campaign, which makes it easier than ever to support people experiencing homelessness or hardship.
Homelessness and street-related vulnerability remain national challenges, and many people want to help but aren’t always sure how to do so safely or in a way that genuinely supports individuals rebuilding their lives. GIVE Leicester provides a trusted and guaranteed way to give, with every £3 tap going directly to support people in need, without fuelling addiction, exploitation or crime.
This year, 100% of donations will support Open Hands Leicester, a local charity providing practical help to people settling into new homes after experiencing homelessness, as well as those currently facing hardship. Their support includes food parcels, toiletries, warm clothing, essential household items, and guidance that helps people rebuild stability and confidence.
Bethany Corbett, Charity Manager at Open Hands Leicester, said: “We’re delighted that Open Hands has been chosen to benefit from the GIVE contactless points. Every donation makes a real difference – helping people who’ve experienced homelessness to access the essentials they need as they settle into a new home and regain stability.”
“Alongside Action Homeless, One Roof Leicester, and many valued partners across the city, we’re committed to supporting people with dignity, warmth and hope. If you’re able to, please consider giving today and helping to make that difference.”
Donation points can be found in cafes, shop windows and at bar tops across the city, meaning people can help while grabbing a hot drink, buying a Christmas gift, or enjoying festive celebrations. For those unable to get into the city centre, secure online donations can also be made at giveleicester.org.
Just some of the GIVE Leicester donation points:
- St Martin’s Coffee Shop, St Martin’s Square
- McDonald’s, East Gates (Highcross)
- McDonald’s, Market Street
- Clockwise Credit Union, St Nicholas Place
- Cocoa Amore, Silver Street
- LCB Depot, Rutland Street
- Mattioli Woods, New Walk Place
- BFT, Granby Street
- Haymarket Shopping Centre, Charles Street entrance
- De Montfort Hall, Granville Road
- Knighton Library, Clarendon Park Road
Bar-top donation devices are also available in many popular hospitality venues, including The Queen of Bradgate, The Globe, Firebug, Café No.7, and numerous other city centre bars and cafés. A full map is available at giveleicester.org.
Since GIVE Leicester launched in 2021, the scheme has raised over £61,000, with 100% of donations going directly to local charities. Previous partners include Help the Homeless Leicester, One Roof Leicester and Action Homeless, funding food, clothing, emergency supplies, housing support and essential items to help people settle safely into new accommodation.
GIVE Leicester is an established, city-wide charitable initiative, delivered in partnership by BID Leicester, Leicester City Council and the Leicester Homelessness Charter. Every donation goes straight to a registered local charity, giving the public complete confidence that their contribution is safe, secure and impactful.
“Gray Duguid, Project Coordinator at the Leicester Homelessness Charter, said: “Homelessness is a national issue, and people often want to help but aren’t sure how to do it safely. GIVE Leicester offers a simple, trustworthy way to make a real difference. A quick £3 tap while shopping or enjoying the city centre can help someone rebuild their life with dignity.”
“I am delighted that Open Hands have been the selected benefactor of the GIVE donations. The joined up work they do within the homeless service communities gives me hope that together, as a city we can help tackle homelessness.”
As temperatures continue to fall and demand for support rises, GIVE Leicester remains the safest and most secure way to help bring dignity, warmth and hope to people across the city this Christmas. To donate online or find your nearest tap-to-give point, visit giveleicester.org.