BillyChip scheme launches in Swansea to support homeless by breaking down barriers

A new scheme from registered charity and social enterprise platform, BillyChip® has launched in Swansea that aims to empower rough sleepers in the city.

The scheme allows members of the public to purchase a BillyChip token from participating food and drink 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, drink and other products.

The charity, set up in 2018, continues the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope, a twenty-year-old ambulance driver from Bristol who was the inspiration and idea behind the BillyChip.

The scheme allows members of the public to purchase a BillyChip token from participating food and drink 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, drink and other products.

It’s been brought to the city by the Swansea BID team, who say they are thrilled that Swansea is the first city in Wales to partner with the BillyChip® scheme. 

Matthew’s House, who are one of the first venues to sign up to the scheme in Swansea, are excited about being part of what the charity can bring to the city.

A spokesperson for Matthew’s House said: “We love to be able to support people who need us in Swansea, and we recognise that Billy Chip is a way that the public can reach out to those struggling around them too. People can be directed to Matthew’s House so that we can do our best to help them through their difficult moments.”

Meg Abernethy-Hope, co-founder of BillyChip®, is extremely proud of the charity’s presence in Swansea: “I am super excited that BillyChip® will be launching in Swansea town centre.

“As the first place in Wales to welcome the scheme, it shows the kindness and compassion of the community and their determination to support everyone who resides in the town. We can’t wait to see how the scheme will flourish with the support of residents and those visiting Swansea.

“It is imperative that we look after each and every person, no matter their hardships and the BillyChip is a wonderful way to keep reminding one another just how easy it is to be kind when we have the tools. I think Billy would be so proud!”

Buying a BillyChip goes beyond just a free hot drink for our rough sleepers, it provides choice, hope and a sense of community. The scheme is gaining in popularity across the UK and is also supported by celebrities such as Russell Howard, Paul Weller, Russell Brand, Sean Paul and Tom Grennan.

You can purchase a BillyChip from Coffi Glas, Social Dice, Jacks Kitchena and Matthew’s House, with more venues said to follow.

Andrew Douglas, Operations Manager of Swansea BID, is looking forward to the scheme making its mark in the city centre: “For Swansea to be the first Welsh city that BillyChip has been introduced to, not only shows the effort the BID team put into empowering the homeless and rough sleepers of our city but also shows we believe in the generosity and friendliness of the general public.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more BID businesses sign up to the scheme, and for BillyChip to positively inspire engagement between the public, businesses that are signed up and the homeless.”