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Leeds
New tap-to-donate smart posters to help those sleeping on the streets in Leeds
To tackle homelessness and change the lives of those living on the streets of Leeds, new smart 'tap to donate' posters have been set up around the city centre.
Multiple 'tap-to-donate' units have being installed in Leeds city centre to raise money for those in need.
Leeds-based fundraising campaign Making Better has launched this week, with the aim of improving the lives of people in need on the streets of Leeds.
As part of the launch, 'tap-to-donate' units are being installed in the city to improve donation accessibility, as well as raising support and awareness for the new campaign.
The units will allow people to make direct donations by simply tapping their card on the machine, just as you would when making a contactless transaction in a store or restaurant.
This is an easy way to raise funds for a range of local charitable organisations operating across the city centre to support vulnerable individuals and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
The smart posters have been set up for different charities around the UK. / Image: Tap for Bristol
So far, plans to rollout four donation units have been approved at Leeds Station, Tesco Briggate and Bond Street, and Wilko sites, and all should be installed over the week.
Money raised through the 'tap-to-donate' installations will go towards providing essential everyday items to those living on the streets of Leeds and any assistance they may need.
This will be done by supporting existing local charities working hard every day to tackle homelessness and social disconnection on the streets of the city centre. By connecting resources and enabling people to donate to those in genuine need, the campaign seeks to improve lives, communities and futures.
Tap to donate at four different Leeds locations. / Image: Leeds BID
Making Better comes after the success of 2018’s Big Change Leeds campaign, which saw LeedsBID working with Safer Leeds and Leeds Community Foundation to raise almost £80,000 for people in need.
Karen Butler, Head of Place Management and Delivery at LeedsBID, the campaign organisers, said:
“Rough sleeping, homelessness and street activities are increasing issues in Leeds. Making Better gives those experiencing or at risk of a life on the street the support they need to move towards a better and safer future.
"It also helps manage the challenges these things present to those living, working and visiting the city centre. Providing additional funds to existing charities helps make sure the support goes to those who require it and is tailored to those individuals’ needs.”
Briggate and Bond Street Tescos will host the smart posters. / Image: Raella
Making Better tap to donate units can be found at:
Leeds Train Station: New Station Street, located in the window of the unit adjacent to Pret a Manger
Tesco Bond Street: inside the store, by the Community Board at the end of the tills
Tesco Briggate: located in the window facing Briggate, to the left of the entrance
Wilko, Albion Street: located in the window to the left of the main entrance
To find out more information, including how you can help the Making Better campaign, visit their website.
Feature Image- Leeds BID
Leeds
Beloved Leeds coffee brand announce opening date for ANOTHER city centre site
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Bus operator partners with Leeds hospitals to help mums-to-be make vital appointments
Clementine Hall
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
Sophie Smith -
9th December 2021 
