This winter in Leicester, it is easier than ever to get into the Christmas spirit by helping those in need, even when you’re ordering your drink at the bar!
GIVE Leicester is expanding its campaign to make giving as easy as enjoying a drink. With 8 new tap-to-give devices installed in eight popular Leicester pubs and bars, patrons can now help support homeless people with the tap of a card whilst enjoying a festive night out.
For just £3 – less than the price of a pint – anyone can contribute directly to Leicester charity Help the Homeless Leicester, which provides essential services for those experiencing homelessness.
The charity helps encourage independent living by forming supportive relationships with those facing homelessness and rough sleeping. From their premises, based on Abbey Street, they provide food, warm clothing and longer-term support services to Leicester’s homeless community. From directing users to emergency accommodation and material aid to long-term support for housing, employment, and independent living, Help The Homeless is committed to helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
With over £57,000 raised since the project began in 2021, GIVE Leicester is a joint initiative by BID Leicester, Leicester City Council, and the Leicester Homelessness Charter. The purchase of these new bar-top giving devices was made possible with funding from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).
The project aims to provide a seamless, secure way to give – knowing the money donated will help, rather than fuel, the ongoing problem of homelessness. Whether through the new bar-top devices or established contactless window points in cafes, shops, and offices, 100% of each £3 donation goes entirely toward local efforts to address homelessness.
The new bar-top donation points are available at:
- Tonne
- The Globe
- The Real Ale Classroom
- Firebug
- The Exchange (pictured)
- Queen of Bradgate
- Marquis of Wellington
- Aprés Lounge
“Funds raised through BID Leicester’s donation tap points directly support Help The Homeless Leicester in delivering essential services to those experiencing homelessness,” said Aríf Vorají, Founder of Help The Homeless Leicester.
“Your contributions enable us to provide immediate relief, including tailored food parcels, clothing, and emergency accommodation, alongside logistical support like basic mobile phones to combat digital exclusion. These phones help service users stay connected to essential services, support networks, and job opportunities. Every donation helps us empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence, from securing stable housing to addressing digital poverty. Thank you for supporting our work across Leicester.”
Simon Jenner, Director at BID Leicester, added: “GIVE Leicester is all about making it simple for people to help address homelessness with a practical, secure way to donate, and these new bar-top devices mean even more opportunities to help tackle the problem of homelessness together. A small donation can have a big impact, and by expanding into local bars, we’re opening up more ways for people to contribute to this important cause.”
“Homelessness is at record levels, and tackling it requires a united approach,” said Rebecca Pawley, Project Coordinator at Leicester’s Homelessness Charter. “GIVE Leicester exemplifies how organisations and businesses can partner to create meaningful change for people experiencing homelessness in our city. We’re immensely grateful to BID Leicester and to all the venues hosting the new bar-top devices that make this initiative possible.”
“Donating via GIVE Leicester is the best way to help those experiencing homelessness in Leicester,” said deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin.
“Every penny of your £3 donation provides immediate help for those who need it, whether that’s food, hot drinks, warm clothing or other support services – but it also funds the long-term support that will help people on the streets to rebuild their lives.
“These new bar-top devices at eight city centre pubs and bars are a great addition to the GIVE Leicester scheme, making it even easier to help local people while enjoying a festive night out.”
Statistics and impact at a glance
- Total funds raised through GIVE Leicester so far: £57,789
- New contactless devices will be available at 8 popular city bars this winter
- Each £3 donation—less than the cost of a drink—goes directly to helping end homelessness in Leicester
GIVE Leicester’s expansion into Leicester’s nightlife scene means everyone can make a difference with just one tap. To find more information and see all donation point locations, please visit giveleicester.org.