Beggars

[BertiWooster]

There have been instances where ' beggars ' have spent the day begging , and then at the end of the day go back to their nice car parked a few streets away , change their clothes and go home to their nice home, in a nice area

When you see a beggar - what is you normal response

- Give them money

- Offer to buy them a cup of tea and a bun

- Walk past

- other

[daffy654]

I've actually been homeless.... sleeping in bus shelters/doorways/phone boxes etc. I never begged though. I don't give to beggars because I know from experience they have no need to beg. They do get benefits, they have to sign on and get a 'personal issue' giro. The money they get from begging goes to buy drugs or alcohol (or both).

[acoupleleft]

If you are sleeping in bus shelters/doorways/phone boxes i think drugs and drink would help you get through the night.

[cazzz1975]

I have known people who have been offered accommodation but did not want to have to pay bills because they used the money for drink/drugs.

you cant help people unless they help themselves

[jomifl]

usually give money to people who are obviously homeless but not begging, give to big issue sellers but don't take the big issue, aggressive begging I ignore. It is difficult to imagine how miserable and hopeless life is for some people and if i give some money to someone who doesn't deserve it, well does it really matter, but if it helps someone then it is worthwhile. I have never had a free meal refused.

[lindylou16]

This is what my brother done when walking by some so-called beggars,He was made the subject of a joke, but he chickened out of a fight , and crossed the road to get away.

[Infomaniac]

The best way to help is to contribute to one of the charities which help the homeless such as the Salvation Army and St Mungoes.

[saxy_jag]

If it's a Big Issue seller (i.e. not begging), then I usually give a bit extra for my copy and perhaps a bar of chocolate if I have one in my bag. I'll often stop and have a bit of a chat with them, too.

The others, I will always speak to, even if it's only to explain why I can't give them any money. I once worked with a man who had been homeless, and he said it feels far worse when people refuse to even acknowledge your presence than it does if they don't give you anything.

[andy-hughes]

I always give to a woman, and tpo anyone if they seem genuine.

I usually give a couple of pounds to a BI seller, and let them re-sell my copy.

I bought a meal for a beggar in Birmingham - I walked past him, and went to get a Macdonalds, and felt guilty, thinking that i could have it, and he couldn;t so I bought him what I had. He was really grateful.

[pastafreak]

As some of you may know,I work for a homeless charity (local to the west country) as a cook. Our aim is to help those who come to us to become independent through practical help and training. We start with getting them whatever benefits they may be entitled to,and a roof over their heads. Our policy is never to give money to our clients when we see them on the street...and TBH,not that many of them beg. Many are known to blow their money on whatever they are addicted to...in fact-a few are so dependent on alcohol,that to not drink would seriously endanger their survival......it is no-win for some of these guys...and very sad to see.

[anneasquith]

who told you that ,bertie ?

[ladyalex]

I usually buy a Big Issue and give a bit extra.
Other beggars, sometimes I give, sometimes not...I do often think'how bad must your life be, to be reduced to this' .
I have never encountered 'aggressive' begging, but wouldl never give anything in that situation. (Unless they really frightened me.)

[daffy654]

///If you are sleeping in bus shelters/doorways/phone boxes i think drugs and drink would help you get through the night. ///

I managed without either when I was homeless, I wasn't even tempted. You actually need your wits about you when you sleep rough. You'd be surprised how many people see you as an easy target. I was almost raped on one occasion, if it weren't for a couple of homeless men who I had met in the homeless nightshelter coming to my aid I would have been!

[sandyRoe]

I give a little to 'Crisis'. It's a charity that helps homeless people get back on their feet. That's probably the best way to help them.

[welshlibranr]

I will happily buy them a sandwich and a drink, and if they have a dog ( most do here!) Then I will also give dog food, but I will never, ever give them money!............

[Lizzzy]

I don't usually give, but I was in the car with my son the other week and stopped at some traffic lights. There was an old man sitting on the pavement outside a row of shops with his cap on the floor in front of him playing a recorder. He was looking up at the passers-by and I have no idea why but the pleading look in his eyes reduced me to tears, literally. I pulled over and gave my son some money to give to him. I have no idea what it was about him that upset me so much, but I still wonder what his story was...

[society]

There was a connection there, Lizzy. It's good to follow our conscience.

[ludwig]

I buy the Big Issue. It seems like the 'safest' policy, and I think their efforts should be supported.

[ludwig]

..I'd never buy a BI and then give it back to the seller as some people have said though. That strikes me as a bit patronising.
They're trying to earn an honest crust without resorting to begging, so I think you should do them courtesy of allowing them to do that.

[Tizzi24]

I usually walk past, but when I worked, I used to pass a guy with his dog (Boo - also in Manchester). The man always said hello to me with a smile and if it was raining the little dog always used to be inside the man's coat and if someone brought the man a sausage roll or something, he always gave half to the dog. After I saw that, I started giving him money, cigarettes or buy him a coffee because he obviously wasn't a drug addict and cared about his dog.

[nextqueen]

what is inside the Big Issue? i often wonder as i walk past sellers, i may be more tempted to know if it was something of interest to me.