Jon the Hat Posted 7 January 2013 Posted 7 January 2013 It's not so much some refuse but many are too proud to ask for help or do not know where to go. Our magazine is trying to recruit some of the homeless but it is difficult because a few are not fully committed due to alcohol and drug abuse. They put their name down then have a relapse. But we are getting through to some and that makes it worthwhile. Being homeless can also be sleeping on friens sofas but without a permanent address employers are reluctant to give them jonbs even though they are well turned out and hard working. Things are improving and for those that are willing to help themselcves as well as being helped there is hope. In my view, more of a problem is the lack of support for those with drug and alchohol dependecy and mental health problems. Not about being too proud to ask for help.
Trav Le Bleu Posted 7 January 2013 Posted 7 January 2013 It's more reflective on modern society that someone can die in their home and it not be noiticed for three years. People aren't so neighbourly as they used to be, in many cases they don't even try. I notice it a lot in my job. Just last week I had a parcel for a person who wasn't in so I knocked on their neighbour to ask them if they would take it and he said, "sorry, I don't really know them, I've only moved in a few days ago." To which I replied, with what I thought was a winning smile, "well this is a great chance to get to introduce yourself then." He seemed almost frightened of the prospect. "Okay then, I'll write a card out and they can come down to the depot to get it." He approved of this, but didn't close the door until he had watched me write the card, post it through and knew that he was safe from any intrusion on his private little world. It's not the only example of such either. To me such people are the true plebs - sad, faceless, mass-consuming, uncharitable, drains on society.
MooseBreath Posted 7 January 2013 Posted 7 January 2013 Think I'd probably give my postman a funny look as well if he started trying to advise me on how to conduct my social life.
Rincewind Posted 7 January 2013 Author Posted 7 January 2013 Possibly. There are many reasons. I was just highlighting one. In the Xmas DNO there is an article by someone who was in that position. He got to the stage where hecould not go 2 hours without a drink. He went onto drugs and smoking weed like fags. Eventually he was referred to a place that had not long opened. It was tough for him but he had a support worker that helped. He lost weight and suffered withdrawal symtoms. The place he visited has a gym which he used to regain fitness. He is now a mentor and helps others. He said his body was in a mess and had to learn to eat the right food to put vitemin E back.
Webbo Posted 7 January 2013 Posted 7 January 2013 The woman being found three years after she died reminded me of a very sad case one of my colleagues dealt with many years ago. A wealthy man was due to go on a world cruise and had arranged to be away for over three months. He told all his friends and family and this was in the day where normal mail was the only way of communication other than landline telephone. Consequently nobody worried about him until four months later when his family did become a little concerned. My colleague had to do the address check and after arriving soon decided to put the door in to find the decomposing body o the man next to his suit case. Turns out e had a massive heart attack as he was about to leave his house and never mad it to the front door. The scene was very disturbing but I will spare you the details. Was he anything like Ian Beale?
Trav Le Bleu Posted 7 January 2013 Posted 7 January 2013 Think I'd probably give my postman a funny look as well if he started trying to advise me on how to conduct my social life. Don't worry. I have little doubt you're a shitty neighbour.
flowwolf Posted 7 January 2013 Posted 7 January 2013 All homeless people are not like Ian Beale was portrayed in Eastenders. That was a typically stereotype to please the viewers. I have learnt a lot since being unemployed about the homeless. I am not advocating throwing money needlessly just trying to dispell some myths and raise awareness but it is hard work with some. Perhaps I should give up as I am on my own. No not on your own mate. I'ts obvious that the homeless is something you care about deeply and compared to some of the mindless threads on here it has it's merits. Even if you get negative feedback keep it up.
Rincewind Posted 7 January 2013 Author Posted 7 January 2013 Thanks. I may over react sometimes and jump to conclusions. I don't want this to be a matter of sides as there are many grey areas too so noone is right or wrong.
Guest Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 I don't know who Ian Beale is. I find it strange that the lady died surrounded by christmas presents but then no-one realised she was dead for three years. Did she buy herself the Christmas presents? Did the postman or other callers never have to knock to deliver anything? I'd like to know more about joyce and less about the purported links between these two people.
The People's Hero Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 A really filthy person asked me for £1 today 'for the bus'. He was boozing at midday. Personally, I don't believe it was for the bus. Seriously though, I miss this thread.
Zingari Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 A really filthy person asked me for £1 today 'for the bus'. He was boozing at midday. Personally, I don't believe it was for the bus. Seriously though, I miss this thread. you were right to be skeptical , buses cost much more than a quid
Guest Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 A really filthy person asked me for £1 today 'for the bus'. He was boozing at midday. Personally, I don't believe it was for the bus. Seriously though, I miss this thread. But does it matter if it was for booze or anything else? It would have made him happier with his sad lot.
Zingari Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 But does it matter if it was for booze or anything else? It would have made him happier with his sad lot. Don't worry about it FIF I didn't expect him to give me anything When his back was turned I flung some dog shit at him
Guest Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 Don't worry about it FIF I didn't expect him to give me anything When his back was turned I flung some dog shit at him Though I used to feel the same. I didn't like to give money because I thought they'd just buy drink with the cash. I even used to go and get them Sandwiches or dog food (obviously for those with dogs) with the money but then I realised that I shouldn't be deciding what they spent their money on - that's a bit condescending and demeaning. if they wanted to buy vodka instead of food - their choice. and there have been times since when I've been helped out by the winos (but that's another story).
Rincewind Posted 8 January 2013 Author Posted 8 January 2013 Even though I support and want to help I rarely give to them in the street. I am able to give advice, where to go and gwet help etc and am doing a little bit through the magazine I am involved with. I will put something in collections as the money will go to the hostels where the homeless can get help. It is not helping by giving to them direct. Although saying this there was a bloke out side Texsco on the Sunday before Xmas. I was on the way to meet my brother. I went in the shop to get abottle wine for my brother and when I come out gave the bloke some money.. Can't really remember what condition he was in just thought however shit my Xmas is going to be it cannot be worse than his. TBH the advice of charities is to give them food or things that can be useful and not money.
Carl the Llama Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 Though I used to feel the same. I didn't like to give money because I thought they'd just buy drink with the cash. I even used to go and get them Sandwiches or dog food (obviously for those with dogs) with the money but then I realised that I shouldn't be deciding what they spent their money on - that's a bit condescending and demeaning. if they wanted to buy vodka instead of food - their choice. and there have been times since when I've been helped out by the winos (but that's another story). First handy?
Out Foxed Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 A really filthy person asked me for £1 today 'for the bus'. He was boozing at midday. Personally, I don't believe it was for the bus. Seriously though, I miss this thread. i had a guy shout and follow me all they way across viccy park to the london road. just to ask me that. he used to hang round that area a lot with the same story. would be around 03-07
Guest Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 It is not helping by giving to them direct. TBH the advice of charities is to give them food or things that can be useful and not money. What gives us the right to decide how they should spend the money. It's our choice to give or not. We are not their God.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 8 January 2013 Posted 8 January 2013 (Purpleronnie) True but Britain is supposed to be a civilised nation and as shown in many threads on here there are those that choose to ignore the plight of others and have perceptions that suit their NIMBY attitude. It's also a nation of what 60million or around there, this sort of thing is going to happen from time to time.
Rincewind Posted 8 January 2013 Author Posted 8 January 2013 I was thinking more as where the money would be put to better use for the good of a person that may have an habit but yes if they are in possession of cash given by a well meaning passer by then they can spend it as they wish.
Guest MattP Posted 9 January 2013 Posted 9 January 2013 I've just gone through this thread and a lot of it was new to me. 1. I've not seen a homeless person for years, where do they hang around? 2. I have no idea who Ian Beale is 3. Who the fcuk thinks they have the right to tell people where to send their charity?
Guest MattP Posted 9 January 2013 Posted 9 January 2013 A really filthy person asked me for £1 today 'for the bus'. He was boozing at midday. Personally, I don't believe it was for the bus. 4-5 years back something similar happened to me, I told him I didnt have any change but I asked him where he was going. After he asked why I said as I've got a weekly ten pass stamp and I'll let you use one to get home if you haven't got money. 'fcuk off mate' was his response, nice.
The People's Hero Posted 9 January 2013 Posted 9 January 2013 There are quite a lot that knock about near my office. In fact, about a year ago I got to work and there was a guy sleeping in the doorway of my office. Propped up against my door. I woke him and asked him to move on and got a tirade of abuse. I don't mind him sleeping there, but being annoyed when I want to get in to my office at around 8am in the morning is a bit rich? Anyway, Matt, if you've not seen the homeless for a while, take a walk around Maidstone town centre. They can't be very good at getting money from people though, I've seen so many asking, but yet never seen a homeless person on a bus. Odd.
Guest MattP Posted 9 January 2013 Posted 9 January 2013 I generally try and avoid city centres these days so no chance of coming all the way to Maidstone. You are well within your rights to either kick or urinate on a sleeping tramp if he is blocking your way.
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