AUTHORITIES in Winchester are re-launching a scheme to help rid beggars from the streets of the city centre.

Police are working with partners to re-launch the Diverted Giving' initiative in Winchester, which encourages people to give to homeless charities, rather than directly to beggars.

Together with Winchester City Centre Partnership, they are urging residents, workers and visitors to place their money into special red boxes placed across the city centre, the donations from which are specifically targeted to help those genuinely in need across Winchester.

The money from the boxes is distributed between three local charities, Winchester Churches Nightshelter, the Trinity Centre, and the Salvation Army.

Together the charities provide a range of services such as handing out food, shelter, clothing, advice and counselling, and can offer referrals for accommodation, mental health services, and substance misuse programmes.

PC Natasha Standley said: "We are aware that begging in the city centre has become an issue and we have been working to tackle the problem.

"In many instances those that beg are not homeless and often have a place to stay every night.

"Therefore, the Diverted Giving scheme gives people the opportunity to ensure that any money donated is distributed fairly and to those that need it the most."

Major Teresa Harris, officer in charge of the Salvation Army in Winchester, said: "It's a great scheme and it'll be a great help to us - I think it's going to make sure the money goes where it needs to go."

She added that the money would help the charity continue its work, which includes providing lunch to 30 to 40 homeless people at its hall in Parchment Street, Winchester, every week.

The charity also hands out food parcels and sleeping bags to the homeless.

Jonathan Walker, project manager for Winchester Churches Nightshelter, said: "We are very supportive of the Winchester Diverted Giving scheme, as all the monies raised by this means helps us to directly target those in need on the streets of Winchester who are genuinely homeless."

Margaret Newbigin, chief executive of A2 Winchester, a housing group that provides sheltered housing, among other services, said: "Diverted Giving supports wider schemes, which tend to help more people rather than just individuals.

"It works better and also ensures you get the maximum value for the money that you give."

Michelle Gardner, chief executive of Trinity Winchester, said: "I think it's a really good alternative for people who want to give, but don't feel comfortable giving directly to people begging on the street.

"We're really pleased to receive a share of the money that's donated - it's very important for charities to receive money like this that's not ring-fenced.

"A lot of the money we receive has to be spent on certain things, but the money from Diverted Giving we'll be able to use on basics like clothes, which are important for the people we help."

Keith Wilson, from the Winchester City Centre Partnership, said people who donate in this way can be sure that the charities involved will make every penny work for the benefit of those who need their help.

The Diverted Giving scheme has been running in Winchester since the late 1990s, but is being re-launched to bring it to the attention of more people.

Collection boxes are located in the Brooks Shopping Centre, Tourist Information Centre, Mawson & Co, and Marks and Spencer.

*What do you think of the scheme? Add your comments below.