In my previous role, working in social housing I would come across the work of the Big Issue, and its sellers. From time to time I would even buy a copy, although very rarely.
It now seems to me that many of its sellers are immigrants - three permanent pitches around our way are all taken by foreigners - 1 from Romania, 1 from Jamaica, 1 from Eastern Europe.
None of these seem to have issues, drugs, mental health, alcohol etc.. (although I could be wrong)
Anyway - what about our indigenous people who are in need of the Issue - it seems to me that it is going to be more difficult for them to get magazines to sell, when more 'motivated' foreigners are claiming all the pitches.
This will mean that OUR people who are in need of the Issue, and have issues like drugs, alcohol and mental health will be (indirectly) excluded from the Big Issue and the specialist services it provides in house or can refer people onto.
Nice to know that we as a society treat the least well off with such compassion.
It is worth remembering that many homeless people are made up of ex service men and care leavers, and amongst its services are rehousing schemes and advice.
No comments:
Post a Comment