'Don't Kill With Kindness'

16 December 2012, 06:00 | Updated: 17 December 2012, 10:49

Charities which help the homeless are appealing to shoppers this Christmas to think twice about giving money to beggars as they could be "killing with their kindness".

Northampton Association of Accommodation for Single Homeless (NAASH) and the Aquarius advice and counselling service for those with alcohol and drugs problems have joined Northampton Borough Council and Northants Police to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness.

They want to raise awareness of how money given to beggars is likely to be used to fuel a drink or drug habit which prevents them from getting the help they need.

Rather than give money directly to beggers or rough-sleepers, shoppers and night-time revellers are being urged instead to give to the charities which provide longer-term support and shelter.

The "Don't Kill With Kindness" campaign was launched in Northampton two Christmasses ago and now runs alongside the "No Second Night Out" campaign run by the Borough Council to give rough sleepers rapid help so they do not have to spend another night out sleeping on the streets.

Cllr David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council told Heart: "Christmas can be a difficult and lonely time of year for many people. the plight of the homeless is always more heightened, which is why we try to raise awareness of our on-going campaign at this time of year.

People in Northampton can donate to NAASH or even drop off food and supplies such as soup and beans to the Oasis house shelft to help the homeless in Northampton.