Driving For Change

What Is Driving for Change?
 

Backed by sponsors HSBC UK, Colgate and sub-sponsor Mastercard
Driving for Change is an all-in-one direct intervention service providing those experiencing homelessness access to free GP consultations, haircuts, dental care, digital and financial literacy training, support opening a bank account where appropriate, employment support, shower facilities, therapy assessments, and essential everyday items.

Driving for Change are always looking for more sponsors. If you are interested please get in touch now!

The issue is getting worse and we must act now.

10,053 people were seen rough sleeping in London in 2022/23, which is a 21% increase compared to the total of 8,329 people seen in 2021/22, according to figures from the Greater London Authority (GLA), amid the cost-of-living crisis.

We'd like to thank our sponsors HSBC UK, Colgate and Mastercard, who have played a key part in funding the project.

Driving for Change has also been made possible by customers continuing to buy Change Please coffee, as 100% of profits from the coffee business go towards financing charitable activities.

“At Change Please we believe in sustainable approaches to ending homelessness and Driving for Change will give the most vulnerable people the opportunity to access crucial services which can guide and support them in changing their lives long-term. 

We hope to take the project nationwide and then internationally to achieve maximum impact; discussions around Paris and Los Angeles have already begun.”

Cemal Ezel, Founder of Change Please

“Without a bank account it’s extremely difficult to claim benefits, rent accommodation or receive wages, which means people who are homeless can become trapped in their current situation. Our No Fixed Address service aims to break this cycle by working with charities to provide access to a basic bank account without the need for ID or proof of address. We’re pleased to bring this service to more people in need via the Change Please Project.”
Maxine Pritchard, Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability, HSBC UK

“Oral hygiene is a critical form of healthcare and we know a healthy smile can give people affected by homelessness the confidence boost they need. At Colgate, we believe everybody deserves a future they can smile about, so we’re delighted to be a partner of Driving For Change to bring that commitment to life.”
Taylor Gordy, General Manager of Colgate Northern Europe