Funding Addictions: Cash donations often fund drug or alcohol addictions, which only deepens the individual's crisis and increases the risk to their well-being.

Professional Support: By donating to official alternative giving schemes, the money is used by professionals to provide housing, mental health support, and addiction services that address the root causes of homelessness.

Avoiding Harm: Well-meaning actions with direct cash can delay access to vital long-term support and sometimes unintentionally support organised begging networks that exploit vulnerable people.

Public Safety: Begging, particularly when aggressive or at busy traffic junctions, can be intimidating for the public and poses a safety risk to the individuals involved and motorists. 

Donate Online: Contribute via the official alternative giving schemes, such as Change into Action (for Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, etc.) or Alternative Giving CIO (for Wolverhampton). Funds are managed by charities and street teams to pay for specific needs like rent deposits, ID, or travel to appointments.

Use Contactless Points: Many city centres have secure "Tap to Donate" terminals at locations like bus and train stations.

Report Rough Sleepers: If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, you can alert local outreach teams via the national StreetLink website or call 0300 500 0914 (for England and Wales, over 18s only).

Report Aggressive Begging: For aggressive or intimidating behaviour, contact West Midlands Police via their Live Chat feature on their website or call 101. In an emergency, always call 99

Avoid Direct Cash: WMP notes that direct donations can unintentionally enable substance misuse and may discourage individuals from engaging with professional support services already available to them.

Use "Alternative Giving": The force encourages directing generosity through the Alternative Giving CIO. This charity coordinates with local agencies to provide stable housing, mental health support, and essential items.

Tap to Donate: In 2026, you can find secure contactless donation points at 

Wolverhampton Bus Station

and the train station.

Be Aware of "Professional" Begging: Recent investigations by local authorities found that some individuals begging in the city have existing accommodation and are "begging for resources" rather than out of genuine homelessness. 

"While giving money directly to someone on the street may feel right, it can often delay their access to the long-term support they need. We urge you to consider 'Alternative Giving.' Your small change can make a big change when directed to Alternative Giving CIO, where 100% of donations go directly to local charities providing shelter and recovery services. Let’s work together to make Wolverhampton safer and more supportive for everyone". 

Report Rough Sleeping: If you see someone in need of shelter, notify the outreach teams via StreetLink.

Report Aggressive Begging: In January 2026, the council is consulting on new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to further tackle aggressive begging and anti-social behaviour in the city centre. If you experience intimidating behaviour, report it via the West Midlands Police Live Chat or call 101.

Donate Online: You can contribute directly to the city's support fund through the Alternative Giving JustGiving page.