Homeless charity charges up rough sleepers

A Glasgow-based homeless charity is helping rough sleepers stay connected with portable mobile phone chargers.

Simon Community street team will distribute and collect portable battery packs, in a bid to help the city’s rough sleepers keep in touch with potentially life-saving services.

Hugh Hill, director of services at Simon Community, said: “For most of us, our phone is a crucial connection to our family, friends and the outside world.

“If you’re on the street, it’s more important than that; your phone is a lifeline, security and, in some cases, it’s your only means of help.”

From today we will be charging rough sleepers in Glasgow. Find out more at https://t.co/DmDMH4PtJL pic.twitter.com/BnU1thNhdf

— Simon Community Scotland (@SimonCommScot) February 15, 2018

The new initiative is the first of its kind in the country, with each pack providing four full charges to a mobile phone before being swapped out for a fully charged pack by volunteers.

Hill added: “Our focus is always about getting people off the streets but, where that’s not possible, we want people to be safe – which is why we’re planning to issue portable phone chargers to people on the street.”

The charity reports rough sleepers are 47 times more likely to be robbed and hopes the chargers will offer a sense of security to users.

The public is being asked to donate £5 to purchase more powerpacks and top up cards. Donations can be made by texting CHRG35 to 70070.