Jollyes has announced it has begun supplying and exchanging BillyChip in its UK stores.

The retailer has become BillyChip’s first partner outside of the food and services sector to offer this innovative street currency.

Offering a safe and secure scheme for the homeless, buying and giving a BillyChip overcomes some of the concerns people have about giving to those who are homeless and offers choice to the person using it.

This partnership with the Bristol-based social enterprise will see Jollyes offer BillyChip in its 98 stores. Costing £2, BillyChip can then be exchanged for cans of dog food for those who are homeless and have a pet.

BillyChips can also be given by customers to homeless people so they can exchange them in participating cafes and restaurants to meet other basic needs, such as a hot drink or meal.

While customers can purchase BillyChip and donate themselves to those living on the streets, they will also be able to deposit it in a special box at the counter.

Each quarter beginning in March 2024, BillyChip and Jollyes will donate dog food using both the value of the BillyChip tokens purchased by customers with Jollyes doubling the size of the donation.

BillyChip is rapidly growing beyond its south-west base, with 500 outlets in the UK, and plans to take the scheme nationwide. The ability to deposit the BillyChip at the counter, safely knowing it will help the homeless with pets, will be especially valuable in those areas where the social enterprise is still building its network of businesses that accept the street currency.

Jon Hope, co-founder of BillyChip, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with the Jollyes team, and providing support for those with a pet who are homeless or sleeping rough.

“Our aim is to ensure that BillyChip is available in every area of the UK, and partnering with Jollyes is a fantastic step in reaching those in need to offer compassion, connection and choice.”