Homelessness and street begging Reviews

I was never really affected by the homeless, living in a town that saw one homless man in the 11 years I was there. However, I recently moved to Leeds, where you cannot even put out the rubbish without being offered a Big Issue. I bought a Big Issue once but usually do not give money to the homeless. I prefer to buy them a cup of tea or coffee, ...

Two summers ago, I did some research into homelessness in Oxford for my dissertation (part of a BSc (hons) in Geography). I had noticed that there was a huge rise in the number of visible homeless on the streets in Oxford during the winter months compared with the summer. This is surprising considering the better weather and longer days. ...

I work in Kendal’s, which is in Deansgate, which is nice area, and quite posh, so there will be rich people which means there will be plenty of big issue sellers. Honestly there are about 6 big issue sellers in a radius of 1/2 mile. Quite frankly I find them annoying, as you can't walk to work without being asked for a big issue. I never ...

..I know, I haven't been there myself (luckily, although I have come close) but I have worked as a Council re-housing Officer and also had some friends experience homelessness and hostels. NO - they are NOT all criminals, alcoholics, liars, drug addicts or mentally ill. Though being homeless for any length of time can lead ...

How come devolution involves shifting most of the Scottish population into selling the Big Issue on English streets. I cant think of a worse way to start the day with some drop out bawling that name in my lugs on the high street. No one wants to buy the mag as you guys just spend it on drugs and Eight Ace. Didnt the same government ...

Until I moved to Manchester I had never bought the Big Issue as I had been told that the organisation took money from those who sold it to make profit. I decided to give it a chance after I saw a woman about my mothers age selling near Picadilly. She looked normal and if she had not have been selling the Big Issue you wouldn't have guessed ...

Homelessness and street begging are not necessarily hand in hand topics. Now as with most “issues” controversy surrounds both sides of the argument about both of these high profile topics, and no “easy” solution can be found to offer an instant cure. “Let me take you by the hand and lead you through ...

This it is about my current family situation and how my step brother could be spending Christmas on the streets. Now you may think "How awful?" but most of my family believe it is a situation entirely created by himself. What would you do? Please comment if you have any advice. 10 years ago my parents divorced, and it was for ...

I feel sorry for beggars begging but it’s what they do best. They often have no other qualifications, are addicted to drugs and smell badly. They have a dog for company even though there are thousands of them and they make our streets look a mess. That’s the sad truth about how most of us feel about the poor guys and often our ...

Homelessness isn't an issue I usually pay attention to much, but after reading the book 'Stone Cold' it brought my attention to the issue. Homelessnes is something which is becoming worse every year, when I walk past a homeless person in the street I will give them my change if they have a look, some people obviously aren't really ...

How many of us pass by the homeless on the street. Lots, most, are not genuinely in need, they are just drug addicts and alcoholics, "they only want the money to buy cheap cider and smack so why should I help them?" Well you could be right. People are homeless for many reasons, more reasons than I can discuss here at any rate. ...

I do not think that begging in the street should be allowed. I think that nobody today should need to beg for money, it should be down to the goverment to help them, not the general public. I go to my local town shopping and I am nearly always stopped and asked for money. I always refuse to give them anything. I know some of them are ...

After making a few comments on earlier op's highlighting the problem of being homeless, I felt inclined to write an opinon. I have always given money to people on the street, and if I have a few mins to spare I try to talk to them as well, I have found that spending some time with someone who feel's like the whole world is against ...

Firstly, a Few Things To Declare: 1. I'm not homeless. 2. I'm actually quite well off, which I do genuinely appreciate. 3. I don't begrudge giving money away. 4. I don't read the Big Issue, but I do occasionally buy it. So, I was in Ipswich town centre yesterday. Tootling along, munching on me sarnie - ...

Yesterday I got off the train with my girlfriend just after 11pm. Feeling a little insecure in the small empty station I grabbed her hand and made sure she was close to me, I guess it was partly for my own security although naturally I shall claim it was to protect her. I was just beginning to relax, walking down the station stairs ...

I honestly believe that not everyone can actually help being homeless....I know where I live for example that there are a few homeless hostels round and although they are meant to be short term they turn into long term placements as the housing associations and local council just do not have the accomodation readily available for people. ...

I watched a comedian do a sketch on beggars recently, and although a bit below the belt - he did have a point. He said he hated the way beggars laid in wait under cashpoints. He said more often or not he was overdrawn - and at times he'd really love to pick them up by the parker, show them how much he owed and shout "SEE THAT! AT LEAST ...

Beggars! Lazy, good-for-nothing freeloaders the lot of them! I don't know why we put up with them in this country. It was different in my day you know. If you didn't have a home when I was a lad you'd get a job and pay for one. And if you didn't want a job you'd stay at home with mater and pater. I really don't know what ...

I live in Birmingham and this issue is a big one for me as every time I go into town I am confronted by people begging for money. I have nothing against anyone and try not to judge, but as we all do I can't help but notice certain trends. There are several people who are now familiar to me as always being in Town and I know where ...

I could not believe that official figures released on Friday say that there are only 14 homeless people in Birmingham.Now we know this government can spin a few tales, but that is just unbelievable and blatant lying. I was in the Midlands capital city last week and counted at least 20 bums milling around the cash machines and museums.I know ...