Make Change Count – Update from BWS

The Make Change Count 2025–26 campaign is now well underway across Brighton & Hove, and our SIG Equinox Brighton Women’s Service (BWS) team is proud to be actively raising vital funds to support service residents and the beneficiaries of the campaign’s seven partner charities.

Running since 2016, Make Change Count is the city’s annual fundraising campaign supporting organisations that prevent and relieve homelessness. This year, the campaign’s bright yellow stickers are appearing in shop windows, cafés and community venues across Brighton & Hove, raising awareness and encouraging donations through the city’s coordinated homelessness fund.

Make Change Count gives people a meaningful alternative to giving money on the street, ensuring every donation goes directly to trusted frontline services providing food, clothing, healthcare, emergency accommodation, and long-term support. Importantly, every penny donated goes straight to frontline delivery, with no funding used for administration.

This year, the campaign is also receiving enthusiastic support from well-known comedian and TV presenter Zoe Lyons, who highlights the power of the city coming together and the real difference Make Change Count makes.

“As a Brighton and Hove local, I know this city has a big heart. Make Change Count is about doing what we do best, pulling together to help each other. This campaign means your donation goes directly to services that can make a real difference. Eight fantastic charities, one powerful mission – let’s make real change together.”  – Zoe Lyons

Impact at BWS

Thanks to the generosity of donors so far, BWS has been able to provide a wide range of practical and wellbeing-focused items and experiences that make daily life safer, more comfortable, and more connected for service residents. Donations have supported:

  • A punching bag to promote physical activity and confidence
  • Swim passes encouraging routine, health and wellbeing
  • A new TV, creating a warm and welcoming communal lounge
  • A bowling group outing to support social connection
  • Moving costs to help residents take a positive next step
  • Pregnancy and baby essentials for families
  • Travel support for appointments, education and groups
  • New phones for vulnerable residents, improving safety
  • Memorable days out

 

Funds from previous years also helped create our therapeutic outdoor space, which remains one of the most valued areas of the service, providing a calm, restorative environment where residents can relax and reconnect with nature.

Stay Connected

The campaign now has its own Instagram page, @makechangecount, where BWS recently shared an introduction to our service. Following, liking, and sharing help raise awareness and strengthen the collective impact we can make as a city.

To learn more about Make Change Count or to donate, please visit the campaign’s JustGiving page  Make Change Count 2025/2026 Just Giving

Thank you to everyone who continues to support this vital work.