Tired of the performative beggars and alcoholics this time of year

Scammers, sigh.

The homeless services in my part of London are bloody good. Most clients are men, illegal immigrants.

We get bussed in Big Issue con artists.

And the freelancers - gentlemen junks and drunks thieving and assaulting women, lovely.

Every £1 you give funds organised crime.

Yes, best bring back the workhouses - can shove all the poor and disadvantaged in there, off the streets 🙄

Quite - and if and when you and your daughter are approached, with aggression, or made to feel intimidated by someone begging on the streets, I'm sure you will have another lovely conversation then.

Honestly, if you don't understand, you don't. No harm done but leave off being so patronising to other posters who've experienced differently to you.

I've had a conversation with my 6YO this year about how Christmas is a lovely time for lots of people but for many who don't have family/friends/money it is a very sad and lonely time. She seemed to understand and respect this. Is it such a difficult concept for a grown adult? If these people aren't doing you any significant harm then ignore and be thankful that for whatever reason you're in a better position than they are.

There are multiple posts on here relaying incidents where people were intimidated. I’m not the strongest person but I’m an able bodied woman who is fast on my feet and I still have felt (and been) threatened.

How about a bit of compassion for those who may have impaired mobility and/or with children that may feel more trapped?

My friend volunteered for a long time with women's aid (and is a DA survivor). She also gives to charities via her work and children’s school. That doesn’t mean she can’t feel worried about men approaching her and asking (sometimes aggressively) for money when she’s with her small kids.

I saw this comment further down and will quote @Fluufer as it describes I think how many feel:

It is possible to both have sympathy, and not feel obliged to solve everyone else's problems whilst tolerating intimidating behaviour.

I don't want to go into all of the terrible scenarios that lead people to these lifestyles OP. People do not choose to addictions and homelessness for a laugh. You likely grew with parents that loved you and kept you safe, you will be surrounded by people that look out for you. When you left school you had a home address to apply for jobs, you likely don't need to block out memories of violent abuse, murder or rape. And that is your privilege, you are a very fortune person. Be greatful for that rather than judging others for not having your luck.

I work in homelessness. I’ve helped around 400 street homeless people this year. In my town I was say 70 percent of the beggars are in fact not street homeless, but rather gathering funds for their addictions. The remaining 30 percent are desperately mentally unwell but also have addictions so MH services can’t help and SMS services can’t help either.
if you do wish to donate I’d highly recommend donating to your local food bank / mental health charity / salvo army rather than giving them your money directly

The OP clearly said performative not the genuine cases so not sure why some in this thread are upset.

I’m sure many of the people agreeing with OP on here also talk about Christmas losing it true meaning while also moaning about those less fortunate than them ruining the vibe of their favourite Christmas market 😒

When I look at the Big Issue website, none our registered in my town to sell it. Why is that? I therefore never buy the big issue.

I saw a lady giving a homeless man £5 outside of M&S. He said she had a £20 and he would rather have that and took it from her purse.

There has to be a element of keeping yourself street safe especially as a woman. People see us as easy targets.

I completely agree it's mh issues and being let down but when you need the help ( at school from the start ) there is f all to be had. Camhs is a shit show. Absolute shit show. National disgrace.

But to think there isn't a large number of professional beggers that ho home to their nice warm home is silly.

Money needs to go into children's and adolescent services. When you try to get help for your kids SEN or MH you are vilified by school and the other parents at school.

I agree about Manchester. The numbers ramp up considerably and most won’t be homeless. They beg all day and then go home. I read an article once from a fella who tried it in Wolverhampton one day at Christmas and he made £600.

Manchester is an absolute shithole nowadays.

Not all addict/alcoholics beg, in fact most don't... it is a lifestyle choice to sit on the street all day and beg.

well, hopefully you never will be in such a position, or indeed, your own sons

Homeless people can access benefits and have enough money to eat.

Only people who have nowt genuine to add to the conversation.

It seems some still do. So odd and cringeworthy.

I get your point OP. They're becoming increasingly aggressive in our town. Following you down the street, addressing our children, swearing if you say no or ignore them.
The number of street homeless is actually pretty small (though growing) - most beggars are "professional" beggars or addicts who can't or won't be helped.
It is possible to both have sympathy, and not feel obliged to solve everyone else's problems whilst tolerating intimidating behaviour.
It's far better to support organisations that keep people off the streets in the first place.

The homeless in my area exist but are invisible. They are not begging on the street. One of them is a barista at a local cafe. Zero hours contract. Is sofa surfing, currently with a friend, living near his workplace. Until the friend gets tired of sharing his space, or his landlord finds out.

He’s good at his job, reliable, he needs a better contract but there’s nothing going locally. As he’s young he will probably move away and find a more stable place to live, but not everyone can.

Wow, do people still say that?

You first, MoneyFairy. Yes, of course you would...

Edited to reference correct poster, edited again as I was right the first time, ffs.

I've been on the bus out of Bath city centre when some of the beggars with dogs have got on and gone home or back to their hostel. I do think it is better to give money to charities to distribute than to individuals.

"On the other hand, it is not helpful to those people to come on here and take the piss out of anyone who points out that, as well as this group, there are organised begging gangs exist too."

Please re-read OP's posts and tell me where she makes the distinction between homeless people and organised crime gangs. Clue: she doesn't. She simply refers to the "homeless" (her quote marks because she's made it clear she doesn't believe they are) as "addicts", "alcoholics" and "performative beggars".
Had OP positioned her initial complaint in the way you say, she might have had a more sympathetic hearing.

Or maybe your friend and the PP could explain to their children that sometimes life can get really, really hard and people find themselves in situations where they end up living on the streets and asking people for money because it might be the only way they'll get to eat that day. Teach them some compassion rather than turning the other cheek.

I live opposite a Single Homeless Project house and daily see the same five housed men leaving the building to beg on the local high street and nick parcels. I work in a related field so I have a real sympathy for people at the sharp end of poverty - but these aren’t them.

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