Make a pledge

City’s new digital giving points set to help make donating quick and easy.

A cooker, a bike, a passport, and a new suit. Relatively small value items can make a big difference to the life of someone experiencing homelessness. This St David’s Day sees the launch of the Small Things Make a Big DIFFerence campaign, with the opening of six new donation points across Cardiff city centre to help tackle homelessness in the Welsh capital.

The campaign is part of the relaunch of Give DIFFerently’s partnership approach to tackling homelessness in Cardiff between FOR Cardiff and existing homeless charities and organisations.

First launched in 2018, Give DIFFerently has since raised over £12,000 and issued 32 grants to Cardiff based organisations and charities working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Six new donation points across Cardiff city centre will allow people to use their smartphones to scan a QR code and make a quick and easy payment directly to the Give DIFFerently fund knowing that 100 per cent of their donation will go directly towards supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The Give DIFFerently fund is managed by Community Foundation Wales, an independent non-profit organisation who support charities and community groups with funding to strengthen communities across Wales. Cardiff based charities and organisations can apply for grants of between £25 - £2,000 through Community Foundation Wales to purchase essential items and vocational training to support people in their journey away from homelessness.

Now for the first time Cardiff Council’s Housing and Communities team can apply for funding through Give Differently, meaning that more people will benefit from the fund.

During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, the Small Things Make a Big DIFFerence campaign aims to show that ‘doing the little things’ matters - a core philosophy of the Welsh patron saint. Small donations to the Give DIFFerently fund all add up to make a difference to the lives of those experiencing homelessness and grants as little as £75 to purchase ID can help change people's lives and reduce homelessness in Cardiff.

By donating to Give DIFFerently, you are helping people like Mark* who was homeless for three months following a breakdown in family relations. He was referred to the Wallich who successfully rehoused him and he is managing the tenancy well. The Wallich applied for a grant to purchase a gas cooker for his new home, meaning he can make home-cooked food for his daughter, instead of relying on costly microwave meals.

Another person to benefit from Give DIFFerently is Isabella, who was at risk of criminal exploitation and suffered mental health issues. Llamau received a grant from Give DIFFerently to purchase a bike for her to allow her to travel to job interviews and help to lessen her anxiety through a more active lifestyle. Sam who has faced housing challenges since the age of 17 has also been helped by the Give DIFFerently fund. The Wallich received a grant to purchase tools for Sam to start a gardening and tree surgeon business, allowing him to become self-employed and financially independent.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said:

“People in Cardiff have a tremendous amount of compassion for those they see sleeping rough, or those experiencing homelessness and we know they want to help.

Continuing, she said: “Give DIFFerently is a really positive way to support vulnerable people. Donations made via the scheme will help those supported by homelessness services in the city to get their lives back on track. We very much welcome the relaunch of the scheme and encourage residents and visitors to contribute via the new donation points, including at Central Library Hub and across the city centre.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Wales, said:

"We are proud to be working with FOR Cardiff to provide support to those experiencing homelessness in Cardiff. We know that what seems like a small donation can actually have a big impact and help provide a stepping stone for positive change.

Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director (Interim)at FOR Cardiff, said:

“We know that people in Cardiff are hugely generous, despite continued financial pressure, and really keen to help those experiencing homelessness in the city centre. This campaign shows that even small donations can make such a big impact in helping change people’s lives and Give DIFFerently’s new QR code donation points will make it quicker and easier to make a donation, knowing that 100 per cent is going directly to supporting people in their journey away from homelessness.”

There are several ways to donate, whether that be scanning the QR codes at donation points in the city centre, visiting the Give DIFFerently website, or texting DIFF3 to 70331 to donate £3.

The current city centre donation point locations are:
• Cardiff Central Library
• The Hayes/Morgan Quarter – next to TK Maxx
• Cardiff Market (w/c 4th March)
• The Bike Lock, Windsor Place (w/c 4th March)
• Mc Donalds Queen Street
• Mc Donalds St Mary Street

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

Llamau received funding from Give DIFFerently to support Sally* in purchasing bus tickets. This will allow Sally to travel to their college where they are completing a course in Complimentary Therapies.

After completing this course, Sally will have the necessary qualifications to enable them to work and become financially independent. This increased income will safeguard Sally and their young daughters' home.

Thanks to your support, Sally is moving away from homelessness for good.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

The Huggard Centre received funding from Give DIFFerently to support Ann* by purchasing second-hand furniture for their new accommodation.

Without funding, Ann would be forced to give up their accommodation and return to homeless services as they are unable to live in this new accommodation with no bed, white goods or kitchen equipment.

In the long run, Ann will be able to live a more stable life as they will no longer be bounced between various accommodations.

Thanks to your donations, Ann is moving away from homelessness for good.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

Following a relationship breakdown, Jack* became homeless for 3 months, sleeping on floor space and staying temporary accommodation.

The Wallich received a £75 grant from Give DIFFerently to support Jack by purchasing documents of identification. Securing ID documents will allow Jack to apply for secure private rented accommodation.

This is essential for establishing Jack back into the community and providing a safe space where their daughter can visit.

Thanks to your donations, Jack is moving away from homelessness for good.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

Following a breakdown in family relations, Mark* was homeless for 3 months, sleeping on floor space and staying in temporary accommodation. He was referred to The Wallich who was able to rehouse him.

Mark is engaging with support services and managing his tenancy well, despite lacking some essential provisions and furniture for the house.

The Wallich received a Give DIFFerently grant to purchase a gas cooker for Mark's house. This gas cooker allows Mark to cook for his daughter, instead of relying on costly microwave meals.

It not only saves Mark a lot of money but it also allows him to become self-reliant and live comfortably in his new home.

Thanks to your donations, Mark is moving away from homelessness for good.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

Lily* was made homeless following a relationship breakdown. They were sleeping on floorspace in Cardiff before moving into The Wallich Nightshelter, where they were referred to The Wallich solutions team.

The Wallich were able to place her into a shared house and she is now claiming Universal Credit. However, their poor financial situation means they live extremely frugally to make rent and therefore are at high risk of going into rent arrears and losing their accommodation.

The Wallich received a grant from Give DIFFerently to support Lily by funding a rail refresher safety course.

Lily already has a valid track induction license and other rail qualifications, and so, this refresher course would allow them to return to employment and reduce their risk of becoming homeless again.

A stable job and routine would also be beneficial for Lily's mental health and would make a long-lasting change to their life.

Thanks to your donations, Lily is moving away from homelessness for good.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

Ben* became homeless after a relationship breakdown. They have no issues with drugs or alcohol and have consistently engaged with The Wallich's reconnections and solutions team.

Ben is currently being supported to sustain a tenancy at a shared property but due to their financial situation and lack of a support network they are at risk of homelessness.

The Wallich received funding from Give DIFFerently to support Ben by funding a forklift training course.

Gaining a forklift license would be a huge step towards secure employment and financial independence.

Thanks to your donations, Ben is moving away from homelessness for good.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

Jane* became homeless after leaving a violent long-term relationship in which children were involved. She sought support from The Cardiff YMCA for support and is currently awaiting a housing placement from the local authority.

The Cardiff YMCA received funding from Give DIFFerently to support Jane by purchasing interview clothing and a bicycle to travel to work and access local amenities.

These items will not only help her to gain employment but they will also help increase her confidence and improve her physical and mental health.

If Jane gains employment, it will be easier for them to find permanent accommodation and become independent.

Thanks to your donations, Jane is moving away from homelessness for good.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

Sam* has faced housing challenges since leaving care at the age of 17. He struggled financially and sofa-surfed with family members for a number of years before seeking help from the local authority.

Sam was doing well in temporary accommodation but unfortunately there was then an incident which caused Sam to be arrested and sentenced for 14 months imprisonment. In prison, Sam completed GCSE's and vocational courses with the goal of becoming self-employed.

To support Sam in his journey away from homelessness, The Wallich received funding from Give DIFFerently to purchase gardening equipment, allowing them to offer garden and tree surgeon services.

This funding means that Sam can start their business in early summer when demand is highest, establishing a reputation and building a customer base. Sam has also started working with Gofal and their employment service to gain a chainsaw licence which will allow him to complete larger jobs.

Thanks to your support, Sam is moving toward self-employment and financial stability.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity

Isabella* was at risk of criminal exploitation and was experiencing safeguarding issues in their community. They were also experiencing mental health and anxiety issues.

Llamau received funding from Give DIFFerently to support Isabella by purchasing them a bicycle.

This bicycle allows Isabella to travel to interviews and appointments, widening their career prospects and helping them to access local amenities.

Being active and exploring the local area will do wonders for Isabella's wellbeing and help them to overcome their anxiety.

Thanks to your support, Isabella's quality of life is significantly improved.

*alternative names have been used to protect their identity.