BillyChip® Launches in Merthyr Tydfil
County Borough Council Champion Scheme to Support Homeless

BillyChip®, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, has launched in Merthyr Tydfil with the support of the County Borough Council. The town is the second location in Wales to roll out BillyChip to help support those sleeping rough after Swansea BID launched the scheme last year.

The BillyChip scheme enables members of the public to buy a BillyChip for £2 in participating outlets. They can then gift the BillyChip to a rough sleeper, who will be able to exchange it at cafes and restaurants who have signed up to the scheme.

The scheme is initially being rolled out through The Hideout cafe and has also gathered the support of local Police Community Support Officers.

JonHope, Co-Founder at BillyChip, shared: "We're so pleased that Merthyr Tydfil has got behind BillyChip for the benefit of the town and those who are homeless or sleeping rough. The County Borough Council has been amazingly supportive, and the whole community - including the PCSOs - can see how transformative the scheme can be. We're looking forward to other cafes and restaurants in the town joining The Hideout and helping us bring compassion, connection and choice to those in need in Merthyr Tydfil and beyond."

Geraint Thomas, Leader of the Council said: "I'm delighted that local businesses withinMerthyr Tydfil are recognising the importance of the BillyChip project and proudly signing up to this innovative scheme, that will give our community members a safe, easy and simple method to support those most in need. If you'd like to help, I encourage you to purchase a BillyChip token and donate that, instead of giving money, as the token can be used safely at places like The Hideout and redeemed for a hot drink or snack."

Natasha Price, owner of the Hideout added: "We were approached by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and invited to take part in the BillyChip project. It's something we thought was outstanding and wanted to be part of. I think it's great for the community to be able to give something back to the homeless, without having to worry about giving cash directly, and you know they are eating and having a warm drink by gifting them with a BillyChip. I think it's fantastic for our community."

-ends-

For information, photography or interviews please contact:

Emma Cooper - T. 01243 214175, M: 07909 867347, E.emma@recenseo.co.uk

About BillyChip®
BillyChip is a social enterprise platform which aims to empower rough sleepers. The platform allows people 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. 

BillyChip was set up in 2018 to continue the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope, a 20 year old ambulance driver from Bristol. After helping support the homeless, Billy felt disheartened at how little the general public gave to local homeless people. Although many make regular charitable donations, Billy was surprised at the small percentage of donations given directly to people living rough for fear of the money being used for drugs or alcohol. The BillyChip offers a solution, delivering kindness, compassion and food and drink to homeless people in the UK.

The BillyChip Foundation was established as a registered charity by Meg Abernethy-Hope, Billy's sister, and Jon Hope, Billy's father. In 2021, Meg was awarded the Diana Award for her charitable work. 

Website │Twitter │Facebook │Instagram