Cambridge City Council has installed two contactless donation terminals, where members of the public can donate to Cambridge Street Aid – a charitable fund for the homeless in the city.

Passers-by can donate using contactless debit or credit cards, or smartphones – 24 hours a day at one terminal, or any time during the Visitor Information Centre’s regular opening hours.

The initiative has been rolled out to give people an alternative to handing over cash directly. Studies by leading charities including Thames Reach suggest that giving cash to people on the street directly can significantly reduce the chances of getting them off the street permanently.

Kevin Price, executive councillor for housing at Cambridge City Council, said: “Introducing contactless giving terminals is another innovative way we are working with our partners to encourage more people to give to the Cambridge Street Aid fund, to help reduce and prevent rough sleeping and the threat of homelessness.”

Ian Sandison, chief executive of Cambridge Business Improvement District, added: “The contactless terminals are an excellent idea, making it quicker and easier for people to donate to the fund and help vulnerable people. This very worthwhile project ensures the public’s generosity is properly directed and makes a genuine difference to the lives of rough sleepers in the city.”

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