Tap for Reading extended to continue supporting people facing homelessness

The Tap for Reading donation scheme has been extended for at least another three years, helping more people who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness in Reading.

The scheme was launched last year by Reading Borough Council and Reading Business Improvement District (BID). It gives residents and visitors a safe and simple way to support people in need by donating online or through contactless donation points across the town.

Since launching, Tap for Reading has raised more than £7,400 for four homelessness charities: Launchpad Reading, The Salvation Army, St Mungo’s and YMCA Reading. The funding has directly helped more than 50 people.

Donations have been used to provide practical support for people moving into or maintaining accommodation. This includes household essentials, furniture and appliances, as well as everyday items such as clothing and food. Funding has also helped people access training courses, employment opportunities, travel to important appointments and support to obtain identification needed for bank accounts and healthcare services.

Local charities say the funding has made a real difference, helping people rebuild their lives and move towards greater independence.

The council and Reading BID have agreed to continue the scheme until at least 2029, with a review each year to make sure it continues to meet local needs. Plans are also being explored to allow other organisations supporting people facing homelessness and housing insecurity to benefit from donations in the future.

Tap for Reading also supports wider efforts to tackle aggressive begging and anti-social behaviour in the town centre. The scheme offers an alternative to giving directly to people who are begging, as not everyone who begs is homeless. Donations made through Tap for Reading go directly to trusted local charities that provide support where it is most needed.

Importantly, 100% of every donation goes to the homelessness charities involved in the scheme. None of the money donated is used for administration costs or transaction fees.

Residents are being encouraged to continue supporting the scheme and build on the £7,400 already raised to help more people across Reading.

More information on Tap for Reading and how to support the homeless.

Councillor Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing, said:

“Tap for Reading is a really innovative way to give residents the opportunity to give to those most in need, without worrying about aggressive begging or what that money may be spent on. By providing residents with tap points, and an online portal to donate at www.reading.gov.uk/tapforreading, we are discouraging begging on Reading’s streets and ensuring donations are being used in the best way possible and to help the right people.

“Our homelessness charity partners have used your donations to directly help over 50 people who really needed support so I’m delighted that this will continue with this extension.

“If you can, please tap for Reading or donate online as this is the most effective way to help those most in need”.