STORY: Greggs supports Bristol's homeless in trial initiative

BillyChip, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, has embarked on a local partnership with seven Greggs outlets across Bristol city centre.

The Greggs sites involved with the trial will be selling the BillyChip on a trial basis over eight weeks to help support local rough sleepers and homeless people. 

The BillyChip platform allows people to purchase a token from Greggs Bristol outlets, which can then be given to rough sleepers and homeless people as an alternative to cash. They can then redeem the BillyChip for food and drink at nearly 40 outlets across the city. 

"It's wonderful to be working with Greggs to support our local homeless population with the BillyChip," says Jon Hope, co-founder at BillyChip (pictured above). 

"By removing cash from the equation, BillyChip overcomes stigmas associated with giving to those on the streets and also adds an element of choice, enabling those receiving a Chip to decide what drink or food item to buy.

"Like everyone else in the community, rough sleepers have dietary requirements too and so choice is hugely valuable. Greggs is such a well-recognised brand, and we're hoping that this trial provides scope to roll out the BillyChip into other Greggs shops across the UK." 

Greggs already runs a number of initiatives and schemes aimed at supporting diversity and inclusivity, recognising issues including homelessness. 

The eight-week trial in Bristol began 3 March 2022.

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