CONTACTLESS public donation terminals are to be set up in Colchester city centre this spring as part of a scheme set up to help vulnerable people.

The project, which was announced on Tuesday by the Business Improvement District (BID), will launch in March, and will allow shoppers and passers-by to donate a nominal fixed amount to Colchester’s Beacon House Ministries, one of the city’s main charities.

Steve Brown, the chief executive officer of the Crouch Street-based charity, said the donations from members of the public will help the charity continue to transform people’s lives.

He said: “Our charity has supported the city of Colchester for over 26 years.

“During that time, we’ve seen many changes – currently, our city has a positive vibe, but we must remember that we still have large numbers of people who are homeless and in desperate need.”

Colchester will be the first place in Essex to offer the scheme which has yet to be named.

Colchester BID manager said donations to Beacon House Ministries will help the charity put vulnerable people into a mechanism which will go on to improve their lives.

He said: “We are delighted to launch this exciting scheme, which offers vulnerable people access to wider specialist support at Beacon House Ministries – the BID project is designed to help make Colchester a better place to work, live and visit. 

“Our city’s fantastic shops have many loyal (and generous) patrons, who can choose to demonstrate their compassion on location, by tapping a terminal, to benefit those who need the Beacon House Ministries charity. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing the scheme-name suggestions and would encourage readers to get involved in our naming competition.”

The BID is now opening suggestions for a name to members of the public, with a £30 Colchester Gift Card to be awarded to the entrant who submits the best name.

The competition is open until the end of January, with entries to be submitted via email to hello@ourcolchester.co.uk.