What is Tap for North Devon?
Tap for North Devon is a Safer Towns-funded initiative which aims to enhance support for our local homeless charities, (Encompass Southwest and The Freedom Community Alliance) through convenient, easily accessible donation points situated throughout Barnstaple town.
Each tap on a payment device with a contactless credit or debit card, takes a £3 donation which is split equally between our frontline charities who are skilled at improving the lives of our vulnerable, street attached, members of the community.
How has Tap for North Devon been funded?
Tap for North Devon has been funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ‘Safer Towns’ Funding, realised through North Devon and Torridge’s Community Safety Partnership.
Who are Encompass Southwest?
Encompass Southwest is an independent registered charity with a mission to prevent and alleviate homelessness and poverty across Northern Devon and surrounding areas through advice, support and specialist housing with a strong focus on rural/remote rural locations.
Their work focuses on three main areas:
- homelessness and rough sleeping for adults and young people
- supported housing
- financial inclusion (money and debt advice)
More information about their work can be found on Encompass's website.
Who are Freedom Community Alliance?
Freedom Community Alliance is a local, Barnstaple based charity operating across North Devon. They provide opportunities for people experiencing problems with homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, offending behaviour, poor mental health, poverty and isolation. They believe that everyone deserves to be given another chance and by working with key strategic partners, they help people access the support they need to move away from the streets, address their health issues, learn new skills and integrate into society.
The three main strands of their work are:
- day centre and outreach services for rough sleepers with a strong emphasis on partnership work
- supported accommodation for homeless men who have a history of rough sleeping
- treatment and recovery services for men in recovery from addiction
To find out more about Freedom Community Alliance please visit their website.
Who are the Enhanced Rough Sleeper Outreach team?
The team is made up of a housing specialist, a Community Psychiatric Nurse, a Physical Health Nurse, a drug and alcohol specialist and a Navigator who undertake daily outreach work and in partnership with the Freedom Community Alliance, work tirelessly to find accommodation for those rough sleepers who want to get off the streets - and to make life easier for those who don't. For those who prefer to stay on the streets or have not yet been found suitable accommodation, the team are currently offering shower facilities and a mobile phone charging service, in addition to other bespoke services.
Where are the Tap for North Devon pay points situated?
You can find window mounted pay points in Barnstaple at Boston Tea Party and Tesco on the High Street. More locations will be popping up in the town in the coming weeks. If your business or organisation would like to host a pay point please contact your Crime Prevention Officer kim.foster@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Does all of my donation go to charity?
More than 94% of your donation goes to charity. Our donation devices, displays and monthly operational costs (£12.50 per device) have been paid for out of the ‘Safer Towns’ funding from the PCC. The Community Safety Partnership have chosen Goodbox to supply the payment devices due to their competitive pricing and proven track record. They have worked with over 1,500 charities, including the National History Museum. There is a 2.5% + 10 pence fee on each donation. So, for every £3 donated, £2.825 goes to charity. More information about Goodbox can be found on the Goodbox website.
How do I know it is safe?
Contactless donating is the future of fundraising and is the safest way to give. Machines are locked to Encompass Southwest’s securely managed bank account. Each transaction is encrypted by third parties immediately, so we capture no personal data and your card details are kept safe.
Are you telling people not to give directly to people who are on the streets?
Donating to charity is a very personal matter and the method in which you choose to do it is entirely yours. Tap for North Devon is providing an alternative way to give money to help vulnerable, street attached members of the community.
Why not just give directly to Encompass Southwest and The Freedom Alliance?
You can! You can donate directly to The Freedom Community Alliance and Encompass Southwest through their websites:
The Freedom Community Alliance charity giving page
Tap for North Devon simply offers a convenient method of donating to both charities while raising public awareness of the amazing services they are providing.
I am homeless or at risk of homelessness, what should I do?
If you are in North Devon and finding yourself homeless or at risk of homelessness, please do not hesitate to apply for advice and support from us by filling out our online form. Alternatively, give Housing Options a call on 01271 388870.
If you do not have access to safe overnight accommodation, apply online but also attend Lynton House in Barnstaple or the Ilfracombe Centre to speak to a Housing Duty Officer. If it is outside office hours you can contact them out of hours on 01271 388240.
I am concerned for a rough sleeper, what should I do?
Residents are asked to use the Street Link website to report a rough sleeper they are concerned about. This will connect them with local support services.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, please email info@bpag-encompass.org.uk for refunds and receipts.