Anti-poverty campaigner says he'll continue fight

An anti-poverty campaigner sleeping out in front of Glasgow’s City Chambers said his cause has been recognised by thousands of well-wishers just five days into his week-long protest.

Darren Carnegie, who along with his father runs the community group Glasgow’s Needy, pitched his tent in George Square last Wednesday to raise awareness of families living in poverty in Scotland.

From day one he has been inundated with messages of support – as well as hundreds of people signing a petition calling to end poverty for Scots families.

He told TFN: “It’s been a humbling experience, and I am truly grateful for the support.

“People from all walks of life – middle class, working class, homeless people, politicians – have made the effort to come talk to me or just shake my hand, saying they appreciate what I’m doing.”

Despite the occasional drunken reveller, Carnegie said the vast majority of people have been good natured.

It’s been a humbling experience, and I am truly grateful for the support

“The biggest problems has been the weather,” he said. “I probably picked the worst week of the year for it. It’s been difficult but I have a home to go back to. Thousands in Scotland don’t so that’s what keeps me going.”

The 25 year old campaigner’s protests is due to end on Wednesday morning but says his campaign will continue.

“I’ve been really encouraged by the number of people signing the petition and supporting me,” he said. “It makes me realise the majority of Scots are against poverty.

“I want to keep that momentum going so I’ll be stepping-up my efforts to raise awareness, not backing down.”

The campaign has also raised awareness of Carnegie’s charity which distributes food parcels to low income families in Glasgow.

“It’s been an amazing few weeks,” he said. “We’re distributing more food than ever before – helping out more and more families when they are being hit by the worst welfare cuts in history.”