A branch of the building society Nationwide has introduced a novel new way to donate to a homelessness charity – ‘contactless posters’.

Located in Bath, Somerset, the pilot project has seen a poster embedded with contactless technology placed next to an ATM.

This novel initiative aims to enable people to donate to charities easily and safely. The ‘Good Start Tap to Donate’ scheme, which is managed by the local homeless charity Julian House, was developed with Nationwide and Bath Business Improvement District.

All money raised will go towards the Julian House Good Start Fund, which will help improve and eradicate homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset.

‘At a time when many people don’t have spare change or may not wish to hand it directly to someone who is homeless, having a contactless point in the window of the branch has bridged the gap,’ said branch manager Stephanie Pritchard.

‘As a branch we are very much here for the community. This novel way of raising money for a fantastic cause is a great example of how technology is playing a role in helping society one tap at a time.’

Allison Herbert, chief executive of Bath BID, said: ‘Many businesses express concern at the level of rough sleeping in the city centre and Good Start will be an additional way for people to help tackle one of our most pressing issues.’

Roanne Wootten, operations director for Julian House, said: ‘Tapping could fund welcome packs, which include toiletries and sanitary products in crisis accommodation, new bedding and essentials when moving into supported housing, a birth certificate, a passport or a driving licence. Fundamentally it is about the person and what they need to help them to come off the streets – it will be different for everyone.’

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