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Tired of the performative beggars and alcoholics this time of year

613 replies

Onand · 21/12/2024 07:54

Is anyone else sick and tired of the huge number of ‘homeless’ beggars, alcoholics and addicts that descended on the streets since the Christmas rush started this year?

Manchester is rife with them- this year there is a particularly ropey bunch of alcoholics/ addicts that are obnoxiously ‘sleeping’ or sitting with their bags pointing directly out into the street instead of being against a wall, they’re building ‘dens’ in shop doorways which stink of human faeces and piss, dealers go from spot to spot, dogs forced to sit in uncomfortable situations (often not even their dog as the same one gets passed from beggar to beggar).

It’s a self perpetuating problem because soup kitchens serving buffets set up and cater meals for them whilst they’re generally being a nuisance and making the streets look an absolute shitty mess. Why are they tolerated? People need to stop giving them money as it just encourages them to keep doing it when there are services in place to help them.

Bah humbug I know, but It’s beyond grim.

OP posts:
Onand · 21/12/2024 08:21

I knew I should have brought an 🧯 for the flames of hell. It’s not privilege it’s knowing these addicts and alcoholics are preying on the goodwill of the Christmas shoppers whilst out of their minds on god knows what new drug is on the scene (Spice seems to be back judging from the comatose states).

It annoys the hell out of me because there are plenty of families and people working full time and multiple jobs barely surviving who do not resort to this and yet are more deserving of the goodwill.

When you see day after day the same addicts in the same spots you do start to wonder if it’s their choosing.

OP posts:
Jingleberryalltheway · 21/12/2024 08:21

DandyTealSeal · 21/12/2024 08:06

Have you purposely put this up for a reaction?

I think so.

Onthefenceaboutmarmite · 21/12/2024 08:19

I would agree about the intimidating begging if that is happening, but otherwise you sound a bit like the mum on mr stink

MaryJosephandCherylnotJesus · 21/12/2024 08:16

Soontobe60 · 21/12/2024 08:11

Your DP will be very aware of the number of actual homeless people there are in our cities. Or does he ignore those ones and just tell you about the non-homeless beggars?

No, we speak about all the people he helps and donate to a homeless charity (among others), as he can be quite affected by what he sees day to day and we're very aware that the majority of people he deals with are in genuine need of help, be that for addiction, DV/DA, mental ill health, but what he can do is limited so we donate to charities who can help. That okay with you?

It's just interesting to me that other people are noticing the rise in people who are posing as homeless to make a quick buck.

KnickerlessFlannel · 21/12/2024 08:15

Yes, because people choose to live on the street for shits and giggles.

  1. check the definition of homeless as it includes sofa surfing etc
  2. many homeless people sleep in tents in less busy areas for obvious reasons but move into more crowded areas in the day. But I wouldn't want to sit out all day in Dec so yes they do have 'dens' but it's not to deceive you, it's to keep warm.
  3. if you could sleep in a city centre tent for more than a night without it impacting on your emotional wellbeing, you'd be in a minority
Soontobe60 · 21/12/2024 08:11

MaryJosephandCherylnotJesus · 21/12/2024 08:07

Many where we live aren't even homeless, and are repeatedly moved on by the police (with hundreds of pounds worth of cash in their backpacks from unsuspecting tourists - DP is a police officer and has escorted some home to their very nice apartments before!), and can become quite aggressive when challenged.
One lady begs outside our local supermarket but she's always talking on her iPhone via her airpods...then wonders why nobody stops to give her cash.

Your DP will be very aware of the number of actual homeless people there are in our cities. Or does he ignore those ones and just tell you about the non-homeless beggars?

Soontobe60 · 21/12/2024 08:09

The hyperbole is off the wall!

Fargo79 · 21/12/2024 08:08

Do you know much about "services" for homeless people, OP?

feedmefudge · 21/12/2024 08:08

I just feel sorry for them, and the dogs, especially at this time of year. Not many people would actually choose to live that way.
I don't really carry cash, but help and contribute to charity in other ways.

MaryJosephandCherylnotJesus · 21/12/2024 08:07

Many where we live aren't even homeless, and are repeatedly moved on by the police (with hundreds of pounds worth of cash in their backpacks from unsuspecting tourists - DP is a police officer and has escorted some home to their very nice apartments before!), and can become quite aggressive when challenged.
One lady begs outside our local supermarket but she's always talking on her iPhone via her airpods...then wonders why nobody stops to give her cash.

cosietea · 21/12/2024 08:07

Check your privilege

DandyTealSeal · 21/12/2024 08:06

Have you purposely put this up for a reaction?

FungusTap · 21/12/2024 08:03

I was struck by that too. Also seemingly normal blokes muttering “spare any change” when just walking past me in the street. It all felt a bit aggressive and out of control.

I made an online donation to the Salvation Army when I got home.