Chuggers

Oxford Street is another place where they stop you. Apparently a lot of them are ex drama college students who can't find work. They can be persistent.

I used to get approached in central London a lot, especially on Kingsway, when I was working as a strategic fundraiser for a national body. I used to say 'I'm a fundraiser and I'm immune' - they always gave up at that point.

They are not working directly for charities. The same faces stop me every week in our town asking for a different cause each week. They work for an agency and are paid commission.
Our town only allows them to work on certain days.

I have been asked if I like children, animals etc. I always say that I don't.

Ellie Anne, I always interrupt them, early on, saying I don't want them wasting their time. I support several charities already - and I'm out of work at the moment (well, I am - being retired).

This form of solicitation should be banned in my opinion.

I just smile and walk on. The only charities I support are childrens ones as it's impossible to give to everyone. It must be quite soul destroying trying to stop people all the time.

I just say no and keep on walking. I have a few small local charities I support, so I refuse to be bullied into supporting these ones.

They knock on doors here; I simply ask if they are chuggers, they affect ignorance, and I say thank you and goodbye.

nexus - aren’t you lucky to be living in the West End ! Your house is probably worth a fortune !

i have two direct debits that go to charity, but living on a busy west end road i am always being stopped, i now just say i am so sorry but i am bankrupt and can't sign up for anything.

I refuse to be accosted in the street. I just say no thanks and keep walking. A few years ago it was almost impossible to walk in the high street without being stopped every few yards. I think that it's poor practice.

I think the trick is to stop them before they launch into their script, then it becomes difficult if like me you are polite and looking for a polite exit. I always say (truthfully) I have covenants for other charities and have no spare income. I am not sure I find them threatening, because they are representing charities, just a bit annoying.