Tesco to raise money for the homeless helpline in more than 500 stores

The supermarket giant’s fundraising efforts will include workers in fancy dress encouraging shoppers to donate

Money is being raised for the homeless helpline in more than 500 Tesco stores (AFP)

Tesco has begun a major fundraising drive across its London stores to support The Independent and Centrepoint’s Homeless Helpline Appeal.

From Thursday, in the four days leading up to the launch of the Centrepoint Young and Homeless Helpline on Monday February 13, the supermarket giant’s staff will raise money at more than 500 of its Tesco Express, Metro and Super stores.

Workers in fancy dress or wearing Centrepoint T-shirts and jackets will be in different stores across the capital each day, encouraging shoppers to put donations into branded buckets.

Our appeal has already brought in more than £3m to start the helpline, the first nationwide Freephone number and web support service for people aged 16 to 25 facing homelessness.

Its logo will be displayed on posters in Tesco stores in the run-up to the launch.

The Tesco fundraising will help ensure the long-term future of the helpline and support other vital support services for young people living in Centrepoint accommodation.

Martin Smith, the supermarket’s London Convenience Director, said: “We’re always looking at ways to support communities and we’re delighted to pledge our support to the Homeless Helpline campaign.

“Over 500 of our stores in London will be fundraising over the weekend and we’d like to thank customers and colleagues for their support.

“The campaign builds on work we are doing to provide surplus food from our stores to help those in need and I am confident the helpline can offer vital support to help prevent homelessness.”

Adrian Connell, area manager for central London, said: “Working in central London, you can’t miss the extent of the homelessness problems, and I believe there are more and more young people each year. We are glad to help.”

Singer-songwriter Nicola Hogg, 25, who won best song at the Gigs busking competition organised by the Mayor of London last year, will be performing at Tesco Metros in Regent Street, Soho and Covent Garden over the weekend to help bring in crowds.

She said: “I busk a lot on the Underground, and in central London you can see every day how serious the issue of homelessness is. I’m really pleased to be raising awareness of the issue and the difference the helpline will make.”

Charlotte Surman, Corporate Development Manager at Centrepoint said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have Tesco behind our campaign and we thank everyone who is going to donate. Having Tesco help promote the helpline in the run-up to the launch is also invaluable.”

Tesco is the latest high level supporter of the Young and Homeless Helpline.

Companies to give their backing include ASOS and Deliveroo, while Prime Minister Theresa May, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, singer Ellie Goulding and model Kate Moss have all given their support.

The helpline is being launched to combat the growing youth homelessness crisis nationwide.

Each year, more than 1500,000 young people ask local authorities for help with homelessness; of these at least 30,000 are turned away with no advice.

Amid cuts to local authority funding ,increased pressure on housing and a postcode lottery in the support that young people receive, the Centrepoint Young and Homeless Helpline will give callers access to the best support, advice and expertise to give them the best chance of avoiding homelessness.

With Centrepoint working on the helpline alongside staff and volunteers from charity The Mix, callers will also get support on the complex issues behind homelessness, such as mental health or family breakdown, to help prevent people ending up on the streets at all.