Innovative donation tech means you can tap the window to help the homeless at Somerset building society

A Somerset branch of the Nationwide Building Society hosts the special poster, which sits next to a cashpoint, and says donations since launch have averaged around £100 per day.

Money raised through the 'Good Start Tap to Donate' scheme is going to the Julian House charity's Good Start fund, which aims to eradicate homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset.

Branch manager for Nationwide in Bath, Stephanie Pritchard, said people could simply tap to donate £3 - and tap as many times as they like.

“At a time when many people don’t have spare change or may not wish to hand it directly to someone who is homeless, having a contactless point in the window of the branch has bridged the gap," she said.

"As a branch we are very much here for the community. This novel way of raising money for a fantastic cause is a great example of how technology is playing a role in helping society one tap at a time.”

The innovative initiative was developed with Nationwide and the Bath Business Improvement District and aims to help those who frequently don't use cash, to donate.

Other charities and not-for-profit organisations, including The Big Issue, have also recently turned to contactless payments as a way of securing revenue.

And Allison Herbert, chief executive of Bath BID, said she was pleased to see the launch.

“Many businesses express concern at the level of rough sleeping in the city centre and Good Start will be an additional way for people to help tackle one of our most pressing issues,” she said.

Roanne Wootten, operations director for Julian House, said: “Tapping could fund welcome packs, which include toiletries and sanitary products in crisis accommodation, new bedding and essentials when moving into supported housing, a birth certificate, a passport or a driving licence.

"Fundamentally it is about the person and what they need to help them to come off the streets – it will be different for everyone.”