A range of issues leads to people begging on streets - and it's not an easy life
Research into begging in Edinburgh has shown people on the streets suffer constant abuse, lifelong poverty, poor mental and physical health and often have addiction problems.
The study, published by Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership along with Shelter Scotland, is the first detailed piece of research into begging in any UK city for 20 years.
The report confirmed what has long been known: that not all rough sleepers beg and not all those begging are sleeping rough. However, the report’s authors stress that this should never be interpreted as people having access to a safe, warm or even furnished home.
It found that 89% of people begging were Edinburgh and UK nationals, with 73% having a local connection of accommodation or last settled address being in Edinburgh.
Fiona King of Shelter Scotland, said: “Behind these statistics are real people who have often survived significant trauma and hardship and they need a compassionate response. Most of them are suffering from ill-health often including addictions. What gives us room for optimism is the evidence that support services, especially those with kind, empathetic staff and volunteers, offer people the best chance to move on from begging.”
Interviews were conducted with more than 50 people who were begging in Edinburgh, shedding light into the reasons behind their begging, what their lives are like and the struggle to move on from begging.
People used the money made from begging for food, heating, and accommodation and while some said they needed to beg to feed addiction they also reported resorting to begging for things like children’s clothing. The findings did not support the idea that those begging were bringing in high incomes to support a high standard of living and found most were barely sustaining themselves.
Of those interviewed, more than 80% reported that they had mental health issues including anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. More than 62% had physical health problems. More than half suffered from both. Almost 80% said they were taking either drugs, alcohol or both. Half were in treatment.
Roddy Smith, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh, which represents businesses in the city, said: “This research is the first step towards forming a strategy but it cannot be done in isolation. Only by working together can local government, law enforcement, expert third sector partners and the local business community make a significant difference.”
