The numbers of young men and women sleeping rough on the streets of our major cities have been increasing rapidly. Someone on a TV documentary on the problem said that we are just one paycheque away from the streets. I a world where social services look to help those in need – can this really be true? Many of those sleeping rough do seem to have mental health issues – It just seems possible to fall out of the system and once out it looks very hard to get back in. I spoke with some of the homeless and it makes depressing listening. I was told by Jane that benefits for a single person are £150 a fortnight but a hostel place costs £22 a night. To get benefits yo have to attend meetings but if you don’t have a computer or an address you don’t get the letters.
Jimmy told me he had taken to the streets after his wife had died. On the streets he can get the cash for some food and the bevvies to blot everything out for a while.. I have watched beggars on the street. Some ask for cash others sit silently and the world seems to walk past.
Richard Ryder - Gaelic Artist 