A MULTI-agency campaign has been set up in aid of homelessness.

Real Change Wigan and Leigh has been launched to help people living on the streets with practical items such as saving up for a home deposit, a training course enrolment or for clothes to go to an interview.

Riverside, The Brick, Jigsaw Housing, Helping the Homeless and Wigan Council have teamed up for the scheme, which relies on donations from businesses and the public.

Chair of the Real Change campaign and Riverside area manager for Wigan and Leigh, Jenny Morris, said: "The fund provides an effective way for people to create real change for people who are homeless, and the partnership works by everyone pitching in together.

“The fund was also set up to help the hidden homeless such as people that are sofa-surfing, or going from place to place not knowing where they might be able to sleep that night."

The campaign forms an important part of the borough’s response to homelessness

Cllr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing and welfare at the council, said: “We’ve shown a consistent increase in the number of potential homeless cases prevented over the years and are doing lots of work across the borough with our partners through The Deal to continue to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping.

“We know residents want to do their bit to help people who are homeless too and this is a great way to get involved because your donations will go to practical items that will help someone in need.” 

Dawn French, from outreach group Helping the Homeless, said the fund will help people who are on the streets to overcome barriers.

She said: “Too often, the barrier to ending homelessness is lack of access to simple things many of us take for granted; money for a rent deposit, clothes for a job interview or a bus ticket to view accommodation.

"Real Change will be able to help fill that gap alongside support from groups like Helping the Homeless and The Brick.”

Fusion 21 has started the fund after pledging £10,000.

Social investment manager at Fusion 21 Foundation, Paul Booth, said: “We wanted to support something which can have an immediate impact to help people who are homeless, but also be assured that our donation goes to the people who need it.

"The way Real Change is set up through partners is a really effective way to give because there are assurances that your donation gets to where it’s needed, when it is needed."

A crowdfunding page has been launched in aid of the campaign.

To donate to it click here.