A leading social enterprise spreading kindness and compassion through a safe and secure currency for the homeless

BillyChip® CIC is a leading social enterprise that provides a safe and secure currency for the homeless – the first scheme of its type in the UK. Some people can feel hesitant about giving money to a rough sleeper, concerned that it could be misused for drugs or alcohol, but the BillyChip overcomes these obstacles, ensuring that any exchange is only for food and drink.  

Using a BillyChip means that you can still enjoy human interaction and the choice to help them, without the worry that you might be contributing to a habit.  

The BillyChip was created by Billy Abernethy-Hope, a 20-year-old ambulance driver from Bristol. Billy always felt disheartened about the lack of support and donations and how small the percentage of these donations were given directly to homeless people, living rough on our streets. Tragically in March 2018, whilst travelling in Thailand, he died in a motorbike accident so never got to see the BillyChip in action. In his memory dad and daughter duo Jon and Meg brought his idea to life and are now changing the homeless scene.  

Since establishing BillyChip we’ve enjoyed lots of support from celebrities including Russell Brand, Paul Weller, Tyson Fury, Russell Howard, Professor Green, Tom Kerridge, Example and more. They all love Billy’s simple and effective idea, how it works and what a difference it makes to the community and to people’s lives.  

As an organisation, we’ve enjoyed many defining moments. We have been selected as finalists for several awards including the Bristol Life Awards, National Start-Up Awards, and the Great British Entrepreneurship awards. We have also appeared on many television and radio shows – both in the UK and overseas. In the past 12 months, Jon and Meg have been invited to talk about BillyChip on BBC Breakfast, Sunday Morning Live and across our local BBC radio stations in the South-west. We’ve been featured in many well-known newspapers and magazines including The Times, Country Life, Bristol Life and Bath Life.   

Over the last three years, we have learnt so much about community and the generosity of others and wouldn’t be here today without our incredible supporters. We are very proud to have been named Headline Charity Partner for the Fortum Expo and are grateful to showcase what we do at such a significant event filled with so many amazing businesses and keynote speakers.  

We aim to spread kindness and compassion to the homeless community and ensure that the BillyChip is available on every high street across the UK.  

Find out more about our work at www.billychip.com