http://www.oxpat.org

The Oxford Poverty Action Trust (OxPAT) was set up in 1996 by a committee including representatives of the City, University, police, churches and concerned citizens to meet the challenge of visible poverty in the streets and invisible poverty in hostels, bed-and-breakfast accommodation etc. Inspired by successful "Diverted Giving" schemes in Winchester and elsewhere, the aim was to establish an umbrella fund to receive donations from the public, including tourists, and distribute them to the existing agencies working to alleviate poverty. One of its aims was to help reduce street begging by persuading the public not to give directly to beggars, and thus fuel dependency on alcohol or drugs; and to provide a means whereby their generosity could be channeled more productively.

registered charity number 1070645