There are lots of ways you can get involved in helping Barnsley's homeless rather than giving people money on the street.

Here are some ways you can help:

• volunteering with a local charity
• donating food, clothing or toiletries
• talking to those who are begging, and buying them some food or a drink
• buying a copy of The Big Issue North from street vendors
• spreading the word about Barnsley Homeless Alliance

Donations received by Barnsley Homeless Alliance are passed on to those directly supporting the people who are begging or homeless.

You can volunteer your time with local charities and other groups who help people who are homeless. Doing this will really make a difference to people's lives in the community.

You can look for volunteering opportunities on the Barnsley CVS website.

If you'd like to volunteer with Barnsley Churches Drop-In, you can get in touch with them directly either through their Facebook page, emailing bcdp@live.co.uk or by calling (01226) 321877.

You can donate food, clothing and toiletries for us to pass on to help those in need. You can drop these off on the second floor in Wellington House on Wellington Street, Barnsley, S70 1WA.

We're currently in need of:

• food: cereal and cereal bars, packet soups, biscuits, crisps, bottled water, long-life fruit juice, long-life milk, sugar, tea, coffee, tinned foods (preferably ring-pull opening)
• toiletries: face wipes, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hair brushes, sanitary products 
• clothing: hats, scarves, gloves, coats and new underwear
• sleeping bags

Barnsley Churches Drop-In are also in need of the following items. You can donate to them at Temperance House on Pitt Street on Mondays between 10am and 12pm, and Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 2pm:

• food: coffee and tea bags, tins of baked beans, chopped tomatoes, potatoes and carrots, gravy granules, cheese
• toiletries: shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, roll-on deodorant
• clothing - t-shirts, new underwear and socks

Talk to the person and encourage them to access local support services. If you're not sure what to say, just ask if they're alright. Treat the person as you'd like to be treated.

Rather than money, you could also give some food or a drink.

Vendors buy copies of Big Issue North and sell them on to their customers.

Buying a copy of the magazine supports people as it means they can earn an income, rather than begging.

Vendors can also access housing, health and financial advice to help support them in their daily lives.