I work with adults, some from a deprived background. Many are living in poverty. Today I took them on a day out in the city for a walk around.
At one attraction there are lockers which need a £1 to lock and the £1 is then refunded after use. When one lady opened her locker, the £1 spat out and rolled under a fixture. This lady said that going on the bus was a rare treat because it's expensive and she never buys a drink whilst out from the shop as it's too expensive, so she is living with very little money and none for luxuries. I could tell she was upset she had lost the £1 but she didn't let on.
I know that that £1 could've bought her a loaf of bread or a few tins of soup, so I handed her a £1 coin I had found on the pavement on my way to meet the group. I am now worrying that I have done wrong and that I will get in trouble at work for giving her this. My work have very strict rules regarding giving/receiving gifts from people who use our service, but it was £1! Am I being ridiculous?