Iconic Music Venue Helps People Involved in Begging

Published: 13 July 2023

King Tut's is one of five new Best Bar None Glasgow venues signing up to support vulnerable people involved in street begging.

The iconic live music venue has pledged to display QR codes on their premises which enable customers to donate to Street Change Glasgow. Maki & Ramen, The Crystal Palace, Boteco Group and The Ark Glasgow are also getting on board to support the scheme. Street Change Glasgow (SCG) is the city's alternative giving scheme which enables people to quickly and easily donate to help those involved  in, or at risk of street begging. It is part of Glasgow's Begging Strategy created by the city council in partnership with a wide range of other organisations.

The fund is managed by Simon Community Scotland and administered by a number of frontline organisations - providing grants to help vulnerable people make positive changes to their lives. Examples of how it has been used so far, are to provide a gluten-free food pack and travel passes to attend hospital appointments and recovery meetings as well as to buy clothes.

Scott Dorman, Bar Manager of King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, said: "We greatly value the work that Simon Community Scotland does in supporting society's most vulnerable people including those involved in street begging in Glasgow. The Street Change Glasgow initiative gives people the opportunity to make a contribution to a very worthy cause from the ease of their phone, so keep an eye out for the posters in King Tut's and give the QR code a scan to donate what you can."

Scott is pictured at King Tut's with Kieran Turner, Street Change co-ordinator at Simon Community Scotland, who thanked all BBN Glasgow venues for supporting the alternative giving scheme.

Kieran said: "We are incredibly grateful for the support of the BBN venues who have recently started supporting Street Change Glasgow by displaying QR codes on their premises. I regularly hear from our support workers just how impactful generous donations from the public are to the lives of the people we support, reducing the need to street beg, and to move on to more positive destinations.

"We are particularly appreciative of donations being made during this current economic crisis, as we are acutely aware of how many people are struggling financially. If any other venues in Glasgow would like to support Street Change, we would love to hear from you."

Best Bar None Glasgow is a long standing supporter of SCG and recently encouraged more of its members to get involved at the launch of its own annual awards scheme.

Lise Fisher of Glasgow City Council which faciliates Best Bar None in the city, said: "We're delighted that more members of BBN Glasgow are helping to promote this very worthy initiative. It demonstrates their commitment to social responsibility and empathy for people who are struggling in society.

"We hope customers will use the QR codes to donate to Street Change Glasgow in the knowledge that they are helping people in need."

Several BBN Glasgow members already support SCG including Howlin Wolf in Bath Street. The QR codes are also on display in Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life buildings to enable staff and visitors to donate. Locations include Glasgow City Chambers, city libraries and sports centres.