Face-to-Face Fundraising Pilot

London

• Boots - N8 8DU
• Co-op - SE10 0GE, N16 8BJ, E2 8DP
• Starbucks - EN2 6AF, N17 9LJ
• Waitrose - NW6 1RN, NW11 0QS
• Sainsbury's - SE7 7FA, SE1 0UG, SE1 2DE, NW3 1QE, SW1W 9RB
• Tesco - NW6 1SG
• Tesco Extra - SE10 0ES
• Waterstones - SW3 3NR
• B&Q - N7 6HY, SW17 0RG
• Earth - NW5 2AE
• M&S - NW11 6XL

Leicester

• Co-op - LE7 7BP, LE4 4JU
• Sainsbury’s - LE5 1QN
• Home Bargains - LE1 1SG
• Costcutter - LE12 7LP

Stockport

• Asda - SK6 6AU

Pontefract

• Tesco - WF9 4JY

London

• Superdrug - N1 9EW
• Starbucks - NW3 4YD, EC1M 6DQ
• Co-op - EN4 8SS, N1C 4PF, SE17 1JL, N12 0LH, RM8 3NH, SE23 1HH, SE20 7UX, NW11 8AT
• Greggs - E2 0RN, SE5 8RZ
• Sainsburys - SW2 4TS, IG1 1LL, W5 2NP, N15 5BX, SE16 4RT
• Iceland - E1 2PP
• Waterstones - N12 8JY
• Waitrose - NW1 0RW

Leicester

• Sainsbury’s - LE18 1AD
• Co-op - LE11 4NE, LE8 0HS
• Tesco Express - LE10 1HH

Keighley

• Iceland - BD21 5JG

Leeds

• Sainsbury’s - LS6 2UE

London

• Sainsburys - SW1W 9RB, N16 7NY, NW6 1SG, SE6 4RE
• Iceland - NW7 3DA, SW4 0HY, SW16 4DE

Leicester

• Boots - LE2 5BB
• Co op - LE8 6LJ

Leeds and Bradford

• Co op - LS16 9GE, BD18 1HX
• Iceland – LS11 0BD

Halifax and Huddersfield

• Home Bargains - HX1 5RA
• Sainsburys - HD6 1PQ

Leicester and Kettering

• Morrisons - LE2 7LT
• Co op - LE8 5QX, LE16 7AY
• Boots- NN16 8JL

Leeds and Wakefield

• Asda - WF7 2AL
• Co op - LS16 9GE, LS25 7AB

Halifax and Huddersfield

• Co op - HX4 8AD

Leicestershire

• Co op - LE6 0DJ, LE18 2GL, LE67 4HT
• Iceland - LE8 4DJ
• Boots - LE67 3XJ

London

• Sainsburys - W9 3RU, SW11 1NG, NW6 1SG, E20 1DB, EN4 8RQ, W1W 5QQ
• Waterstones - NW3 1QP, SE10 9BL
• Starbucks - SW20 0JY
• Co-op - SW4 9NF, SW6 6BT, DA5 3HP, W9 3QA

Oakham/Rutland

• Co op - LE15 6LE

Leicestershire

• Co op - LE3 6NW
• Greggs - LE10 2FR
• Card Factory - LE2 5BF

Derby

• Co op - DE21 2HT

Pontefract

• Home Bargains - WF8 1AZ

London

• Sainsburys - NW6 6RG, W14 8NS, SW3 3DH, N8 8DU,W1T 3LA, W2 5RT, SW1W 9RB, NW5 2JT
• Waitrose - EC4R 9AN, SE1 9LQ
• Planet Organic - N1 8LR
• Budgens - W10 6LR, EC1V 9LE
• Gails - SW6 1AH
• Co Op - NW5 1AS
• Starbucks -EC2R 8HP

Leicestershire

• B&Q - LE4 0BG
• Co Op - LE6 0HF

Oakham/Rutland

• Co Op - LE15 9QL

Kettering

• Co Op - NN14 2QS

Leeds

• Co Op - LS5 1AA, LS25 6EA
• Asda - LS11 8AG

London

• Budgens - N2 8AQ
• Sainsburys - SW1P 1BT, E14 0SY, E9 5LN, SW12 9AU
• Waterstones - SW1E 5JL, SW19 1RQ, N1 2XH
• WHSmith - W4 5TA
• Iceland - N1 9ER
• Hot Chocolate - W1T 1BX
• Whole Foods - NW1 7PN
• B&Q - N7 6HT

Leicestershire

• Co op - LE14 3YD
• Harborough Market - LE16 9HB
• Iceland - LE7 2BE
• Tesco Express - LE2 8PH

Leeds

• Sainsburys - LS17 5NY

London

• Sainsburys - E15 4JF, SW2 4TS, SE6 4RE, WC2H 9NE, EC4M 7RA , EC4V 6BJ
• Boots - N8 8DU
• B&Q - SW17 0RG
• Starbucks - EN2 6AF, EC4M 7RA, SE1 9SU, EC4V 6BJ
• Waterstones - WC2E 9BA

Leicestershire

• Sainsburys - LE18 1AD
• Greggs - LE2 5BF
• Costcutter - LE12 7LP
• Iceland Food Warehouse - LE1 1SH

Wakefield

• The Ridings Shopping Centre - WF1 1DS

London

• Waitrose - N1 0RW
• Starbucks - EN2 6AF
• Starbucks - W1S 3HF
• Iceland - SW16 4DE
• Iceland - , E4 6SJ
• Iceland - SE16 3RW
• Iceland - SW4 0HY
• B&Q - N13 5TU
• B&Q - SW19 3BZ
• Sainsburys - N19 5SS
• Sainsburys - EC1R 5DJ
• Sainsburys - SE14 5UQ
• Greggs - E8 2JS

Leicestershire

• Tesco Express - LE10 1HH
• Co Op - LE8 0HS, LE4 4JU
• Boots - LE16 7DR

London

• B&Q - SE9 2TD, CR0 3JP, NW1 0LT
• Waitrose - SW1E 6QP
• Pret a Manger - WC2H 9HN
• Starbucks - EC3M 1BN
• Co op - W1U 3AA, NW2 4QR, EC3A 2DB, SW4 9NF
• Greggs - WC1V 6DR
• Iceland - SE6 4JU
• Sainsburys - W3 6UP, SW3 3DH

Leicestershire

• Co op - LE9 7ND, LE8 6LJ, LE12 9PT
• Iceland - LE13 0TR

London

• Sainsburys - NW1 3JA
• Co op - W10 6SZ, SW18 4EE, SE15 3HL, EN4 8SS
• Boots - TW11 8QZ, TW9 1HF, W15 1SR
• B&Q - EN1 1TH

Leicestershire

• Co op - LE9 6RE, LE12 9PT
• Home Bargains - LE1 1SG

Northamptonshire

• Boots - NN16 8JL

Coventry

• Iceland - CV3 1JF

London

• Starbucks - SE1 8EL, EC4N 8BN, SW20 0JY, SW12 9AX
• Sainsburys - E1 7LA, W1T 3LA, SW12 9AU, SW4 8EU, SE23 1EA, W14 8TG, SW4 8EU, SE23 1EA, N7 6BQ, NW6 4DP, E2 9DP, SW18 3NY
• Co Op - SE16 4AU, DA5 3HP, SW6 6BT
• Superdrug - NW5 2AD

Leicester

• Co Op -LE6 0DJ, LE9 6RE, LE14 3YD

Peterborough

• Co Op - PE2 5TD

Derby

• Co Op - DE12 2HT

Liverpool

• Home Bargains - L4 3QA

London

• Starbucks - NW6 5UA, N1 9LQ, EN2 6AF, NW3 4YD
• Co Op - N16 8BJ, N6 5BW, W9 3QA, NW4 4EB, WC1X 8P, HA9 0FR, SW4 9NF, BR6 9LP, SE4 2PH, N1 6SU, N8 8NB
• Sainsburys - SW1W 9RB, E9 5LN, W6 9NJ
• Greggs - NW5 2TJ

Leicestershire

• B&Q - LE4 0BG
• Greggs - LE10 2FR
• Co Op - LE3 6NW
• Boots - LE67 3XJ

Warwickshire

• Iceland - CV11 5JU

London

• Co-op - WC1H 8BD
• Starbucks - SW8 1SP
• Gails - N6 5HX, NW5 2AD, E18 2LX, NW3 4QT

Leicester

• Iceland - LE18 1AD, LE8 4DJ

Leicestershire

• Co Op - LE9 1UU, LE6 0YG, LE8 6LF
• Iceland Food Warehouse - LE7 2BE
• Costcutters - LE12 7LP

Wigan

• Co Op - WN6 0HP

Leicestershire

• Co Op - LE16 7AY, LE18 2GL
• Boots - LE12 8PY

Great Manchester/ Manchester

• Co Op - M4 6AJ, M1 2GH, M27 0FJ
• Boots - M41 0NA
• Savers - SK15 2JN

Derby

• Co Op - DE21 2HT

Coventry

• West Orchards Shopping Centre - CV1 1QX

Leicestershire

• Co Op - LE8 0HS
• Boots - LE4 4ND
• Haymarket Shopping Centre - LE1 3YH

Nottingham

• Greggs - NG9 2JQ

Manchester/Stockport

• Boots - M20 6WF
• Greggs - SK6 6AY

Bolton

• Welcome Westhoughton (Co Op) - BL5 3AN

Leicestershire

• Boots - LE4 4ND, LE12 8PY
• Iceland - LE13 0TR
• Home Bargains - LE1 1SG

Kettering

• Boots - NN16 8JL

Manchester/Stockport

• Iceland - M8 5BN
• Greggs - M13 9NG
• Budgens - SK7 1QS

Leicestershire

• Co Op - LE12 9PT, LE9 6RE, LE8 6LF
• Boots - LE16 7DR
• Abbey Sports & Leisure Centre - LE3 5AS

Manchester/Greater Manchester

• Greggs - SK13 8AZ, M13 9AB
• Iceland - M38 0EA

Manchester/Stockport

• Iceland - SK6 67AA, M14 6FS
• Co Op - M21 9AN

Q: Why are you using face-to-face fundraising? Isn’t it old-fashioned or annoying?
A: Face-to-face fundraising is still one of the most effective ways to reach people and secure regular donations that fund our work. We are running a carefully monitored pilot to test this approach and ensure it’s right for us.

Q: Why are you targeting people in public when some people can’t afford to give?
A: Our fundraisers are trained to only approach those who they believe can afford to give, to avoid people who appear vulnerable, and to respect anyone who says no. We also provide clear information so people can make their own decision.

Q: Why aren’t you focusing on corporate donations or grants instead?
A: We pursue all types of funding — including grants, partnerships, and corporate support — but regular gifts from the public are a crucial, sustainable part of how we fund our work too.

Q: Why are you using paid agencies instead of volunteers?
A: Recruiting new regular givers at scale requires professional fundraisers who work full time. This approach complements, not replaces, the vital work done by our volunteers. Our current volunteers do an incredible job of supporting people struggling to cope. They answer calls for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and our priority is to ensure that service continues.

ABOUT THE FUNDRAISERS

Q: How do I know if the fundraiser is genuine?
A: Our fundraisers wear branded clothing, carry official ID, and work only in approved locations. If you’re unsure, you can contact our Supporter Care team (contact details below) to check.

Q: Why are they so persistent or following people?
A: Fundraisers are trained to engage politely and respect people’s right to say no. If you see or experience concerning behaviour, please report it to our Supporter Care team (contact details below) — we take all feedback seriously.

Q: Are these fundraisers paid on commission?
A: No. Our fundraisers are paid fairly, and they are not paid based on how many sign-ups they get. We ensure ethical payment practices in line with the Fundraising Regulator’s standards.

Q: Why do they need my bank details? Is it safe?
A: Regular gifts are set up by Direct Debit, which requires bank details. Fundraisers use secure systems that comply with all GDPR and banking standards, and no cash is taken. Fundraisers do not handle your bank details but instead will allow you to enter your details safely and discreetly.

Q: I don’t agree with ‘chuggers’, why would Samaritans do this?
A: We know face-to-face fundraising has a mixed reputation, and we’re being really clear that we’re doing things differently. The negative reputation of “chuggers” comes from experiences where people felt pressured or misled, and that’s the opposite of what we’re setting out to do.

Our approach is rooted in meaningful conversations. We’re working with carefully selected agencies whose fundraisers are trained by Samaritans to reflect our values — listening, empathy, and respect. The aim is for people to walk away feeling heard, not hassled — and if they choose to give, it’s because the conversation genuinely resonated with them.

To make sure standards stay high, we’ll have regular shadowing, clear ways to give feedback, and we’ll be inviting staff and volunteers to help with mystery shopping as part of our quality checks. Our aim is to attract supporters that stay with us for the long term and the only way we’ll do that is by ensuring people donate because they genuinely want to.

ABOUT SAFEGUARDING AND ETHICS

Q: What are you doing to protect vulnerable people?
A: We take this very seriously. Fundraisers are trained to spot signs of vulnerability and not to continue fundraising. We monitor and audit fundraising activity, and we act on any concerns raised. Fundraisers are equipped with printed materials on how to contact Samaritans helpline services if needed.

Q: What if I feel uncomfortable or harassed by a fundraiser?
A: Please let us know via our Supporter Care team (contact details below). We need feedback to ensure fundraisers meet our high standards and adjust anything that isn’t working.

Q: Isn’t face to face fundraising damaging your reputation?
A: We understand some people have concerns, which is why we are running a small, time-limited pilot with strict controls and monitoring. Our priority is to raise funds ethically and responsibly. We believe that the power of conversations helps us to build committed and long lasting relationships with potential new supporters.

ABOUT DONATIONS AND IMPACT

Q: How much of the money goes to the charity versus the fundraising agency?
A: The agency is paid a fair fee for delivering the campaign, but over time, the vast majority of the funds raised go to supporting our services. Regular giving is a long-term investment in our future. For every £1 raised through fundraising, almost 80p goes directly on our services and just over 20p is invested in raising the next £1.

Q: Can I give a one-off donation instead?
A: Absolutely — you can give in many ways, including online or through our Supporter Care team. The purpose of this fundraising campaign is specifically to recruit long-term supporters, but one-off gifts are always welcome. Our trained fundraisers are equipped with printed materials for supporters to take away and donate one off if preferable.

Q: Why are you spending money on fundraising when you could use that money to help people?
A: Fundraising is an investment: without it, we can’t raise the income needed to fund our services. Every pound spent on fundraising helps bring in more funds over time to support our mission. For every £1 raised through fundraising, almost 80p goes directly on our services and just over 20p is invested in raising the next £1.