Only look down on those you help up
I need to find somewhere to sleep, safe for the night. No money, no bedding, only the pavement. These were the thoughts going through my mind, as I watched the darkness loom, in the knowledge that tonight would be no different than the previous nights. Only cold, damp, depressing, dangerous.
I had been to the night shelter, who had informed me that there weren’t any beds available. What could I do?
The welfare net, which society throws out to catch those who are vulnerable, couldn’t stop me from hitting the pavement. The system, at least for a few months, didn’t allow me to claim any benefits. In the meantime, I had to find the way.
One morning I happened to be walking past a vendor selling a magazine. I asked him if I could do the same, and he guided me in the direction of the Bournemouth Big Issue office.
Kirsten invited me to sit down, and spoke to me about selling the magazine on the street. Within a short time, I was being shown a training pitch by Liam, where I could attempt to sell.
Succeed I did, and being out everyday making an income and being proactive, helped me to regain my lost confidence.
Self esteem is the most difficult to re-ignite when you have fallen through the net. However the Big Issue personnel are always there to morally support their vendors.
