City of Sanctuary

Voucher Exchange Scheme

Chester is considering developing its own Voucher Exchange Scheme. We're looking at Leicester as our inspiration, and hopefully it'll begin sometime in the near future.

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Voucher exchange scheme.

We had our third monthly exchange in Leicester in October (Our inspiration was Coventry's scheme). 49 asylum seekers came along and because some had extra vouchers for children we exchanged 66 vouchers. As he received his money one man said, "This is the first time I've handled cash for three years". Another, not yet referred, came in because he had heard of the scheme. When we told him he needed a referral he became very distressed and wept, saying "I'm really desperate". We suggested he come back at the end of the session, which he did, and we were able to help him. We are hoping that the top-up cards, due in our area from February 1st 2010, will not make it impossible for us to continue.