Investigating begging on the streets of Newcastle

In this video I hit the streets and explore Newcastle’s homeless problem. I interview homeless people and get a sense of what life is like for them as they survive the streets of Newcastle.

[@mickpalmer3521]

As a Sainsbury's truck driver I deliver to the Northumberland Street store and have to unload the truck right next to these ' street sleepers' . I try to keep the noise down whilst unloading and give them a little respect . We have lot to be thankful for , that could me or you in that situation . Unfortunately a lot of these people have never had the privilege of a safe and secure family life , they never stood a chance from the beginning .

[@TynesideLife]

Thanks for sharing Mick 👍🏻

[@jennieguy8625]

At least you've got a heart m8

[@jimfell7147]

@@jennieguy8625 Follow him regularly and find out his heart is as big as all outdoors, true example to everyone.

[@jennieguy8625]

@@jimfell7147 thanks Jim we need as many good men as we can get decent men know what I mean ,he's trying to highlight a problem 👏👏

[@gregjackson3651]

As a homeless person thank you for your respect and humility.. I wish others could see us the way you do

[@TheWiseJames]

Sometimes you can become homeless through no fault of your own. I took an apprenticeship when David Cameron said to the whole uk it was a good idea, previously i was working in call centres but wanted a career not a dead end trap so got a great apprenticeship at a great company. 3-5 months later George Osbourne changed housing benefit and did not include apprenticeships as being entitled as in the tory words (Peoples moms and dads will help with the rent). It took a further 6 months before apprenticeships became entitled and it made 1000s of people jobless and homeless. So i had to find a new home urgently as nowhere to stay and i could not afford rent because i was on an apprentice getting like 200 a month meaning i had been made homeless and unemployed by listening to the tory government. Luckily i had friends help me so i did not have to sleep on the streets. What i learned from this? never trust a conservative politician ever. Great video mate keep up the good work.

[@megamega362]

Well said tragic but true I personally never trust any Tory full stop they are morally bankrupt scum of the earth either voter or politician.

[@TheWiseJames]

@@megamega362 I hate the party, not the members.

[@lea24457]

Tories are utter 💩 bags never been for us working class especially northern working class

[@hadleigh55]

if you think the conservatives are bad..wait until the Labour get in...it will transport this country back to the 70's......they only ever rinse the country dry of money...just remember BLIAR..BROWN and 2 JAGS PRESCOTT....

[@renny656]

Absolutely tragic and heartbreaking that we can't do more as a society to help. This could be anyone of us. Thank you for raising awareness. This really reinforces the fact to be kind, always and to be grateful for what we have ❤️

[@TynesideLife]

Definitely 👍🏻

[@chrisdawson6156]

Hi Renny are you alright

[@Mookiethedog]

These peeps often have addictions or mental illness OR had horrific childhoods.....judging them is a terrible “ solution “. Many of these lost souls need and deserve compassion. Thanks for an excellent video Eddy. I agree with your opinion and also that the topic isn’t simple. You’re a good man

[@Mookiethedog]

@@Justlookin958 I have no idea the % that fit that description but there is a wide spectrum of people with various issues.

[@Mookiethedog]

@@Justlookin958 Cheers bud

[@grahambell9831]

Thank you Eddy for highlighting the homeless situation in Newcastle. Homelessness has no place in todays society. As you rightly point out there are a number of excellent organisations who provide practical help & support for the homeless in Newcastle & surrounding areas.

[@TynesideLife]

Well said

[@aandnfishing496]

professional beggars,all day!!! the true homeless are too busy trying to get their lives back together than to sit on their arses with their hands out….they’re like rats and need treated accordingly.

[@philwalker9216]

Honestly breaks my heart seeing people on the streets .When ever I pop into Greg's, most of the time there is always a homeless person outside ,I always buy them a sausage roll of hot drink .Great video Eddie ,keep going mate .

[@christinenewton8129]

It breaks my heart to see this as the government have a lot to answer for. People deserve to have somewhere to sleep but some people don't want to be in a hostel because of their pride 😢 I know it's hard for some to deal with not all homeless are drug addicts or alcoholics. Instead of walking past speak to the homeless and hear their stories. Nice work Eddy mate

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

I imagine this type of video, one that has genuine sensitive, and human interaction has more impact than ten slick media organisation productions to fill the occasional five minute segment on local news. Well done Eddy.

[@TynesideLife]

🙏

[@johnking6475]

I am a housing support worker and the stories and the reasons why people are on the streets breaks your heart. I was homeless in 2020 at the start of the pandemic and it pains me to see more and more people sleeping in doorways and cardboard boxes and some passers by just look at these people as if they are not human and when I listen to each person's story of how they become homeless I can't help but feel I want to help each and every one of these people and bring some positivity and hope for a better tomorrow. The UK sends aid to other countries but should be really focusing on the homeless issues we face. I love what I do and seeing a homeless person smile when they have a home to go to is the most rewarding feeling that no amount of money can ever buy. Thank you Eddie for your video

[@lindamcharie1264]

That's right enough charity begins at home...the government should stop sending money abroad...

[@DavidLayfield]

Powerful video Eddy, years ago I worked in Leeds with a homeless team. Helping people get their lives back on track. The stories you hear when you give people time are a privilege. Well done for making this hidden issue more visible

[@antd6993]

Thanks for highlighting this tragic issue Eddy, I worked with charities in Edinburgh for over a decade with homeless commuties and it always surprised me how many talented people who had landed on hard times on the streets! Keep the videos coming mate👍

[@TynesideLife]

🙏

[@Qoonutz]

I am watching this video a year after your upload. I visited the UK for a holiday in October 2022. Before my visit, I never knew that there will be so many beggars in the streets. I was in Newcastle for our home game against Everton. By the time the game ended, I was walking back to my hotel with my family. We were shocked by the number of them on the streets. It was cold and raining. Terrible.

[@Steph-wq9it]

Credit where credit’s due, for highlighting a very complex situation. The answers & solutions aren’t an easy fix. 😢

[@Game-clips1]

I’m from morpeth(Northumberland)and I understand that these people are in need of a little help and I’ll often buy them a sandwich or something like that as we all need to be a little kinder to people these days ❤❤❤

[@iananderson2677]

Love that you are back doing really informative videos Eddy 👍

[@geordiehousemafia]

Great informative video as usual mate. Good to see you back 👍🏼

[@katebrason8137]

everyone should have a home these days

[@robinmackie2840]

I'm a "half Geordie", Glaswegian and visit the Toon several times a year. New Bridge Street Hotel in the city centre... 🤬. Jam packed full of young fit men...."not from these shores" you know! I used to stay at that hotel...I am no longer allowed to. "Not open to the public". Right across the road in the evening there is a soup kitchen dishing out to "our own" poor souls.. New Bridge Street Hotel....? The "guests"... warm and comfortable, lovely cozy clean crisp sheets, three meals a day..... 🤬🤬 OUR people should be in these hotels! Many of us are RAGING at this situation!!

[@TynesideLife]

I don’t disagree with the seriousness of the migrant problem of people turning up on our shores and what to do with them. It’s a huge drain on our finances and infrastructure. I don’t agree with your observation that we should just be putting homeless people in hotels. Many of these individuals have drug and alcohol addictions, are involved with criminality and domestic abuse and have significant MH issues. They have pressed their own self destruct buttons for various reasons. Their lives are chaotic, dysfunctional and traumatic. You can’t just put them in a hotel, just like you can’t just put them in a council house. Through an organisation called Street Zone and other organisations, there is no need for any homeless person to sleep on the streets of Newcastle, as clean and safe accommodation is available for them all. Homelessness is complex and multi layered and I fiercely disagree with points like this as not all migrants staying hotels aren’t illegal. Some of them are refugees fleeing civil war and humanitarian disasters. Some of which the UK has caused. Even if they were all fit young men who are here illegally, they are completely different problems with completely different solutions snd the two shouldn’t be conflated

[@thebritexiteer7956]

I remember 10 years ago seeing rough sleepers on the door steps of the city baths in sub zero temperatures while the council are living it up in the civic centre, patting them selves on the back, while they are having a knees up. The council is the cause of a lot of Newcastle's problems.

[@Donna.M]

Glad to see a video like this the homeless problem is bad here. Byker is really bad there are so many people on the streets struggling. I take food for them and hot drinks. It's so tragic we have homelessness in this country at all. Apparently one of the richest countries so sad really. There is no help for them really. Thankyou for this one. Stay safe. ❤️🙏

[@TynesideLife]

Thank you Donna

[@THEPete_]

Many beggars in Newcastle aren't actually homeless. I used to work opposite central station, on a match day a gang would fight the geniune homeless for the prime begging spots - one of which is outside Greggs on the corner of pink lane, where away supporters would walk past on their way to St James. They would get picked up later in a Mercedes around 7pm. Companies reported them and after many months they were prosecuted, one of their conditions was to do with sitting on the floor within an area around the station, so they got a wheelchair and sat in that instead. Unbelievable honestly.

[@rossgeorge245]

The ex soldier who was in Afghanistan is a very good friend of mine. First met him when he was sat outside the junction pub and we took up conversation. I try my best when I'm in the city to ask how the homeless are and if there's anything I can do for example get them a bite to eat or a drink. My good friend on the video fought a war and put his life on the line for us so if u do see him in the city please stop and say thank you to him for his service.

[@craigstorey1856]

Another great insight into our city...

[@RushfanUK]

I worked in Manchester and Liverpool during the 80's and into the 90's in hotel management, I would often cover holidays for the night management team and saw firsthand homeless people as they often tried to use the porticos of the hotels to sleep in, this is a complex problem and you get some people who are transitory homeless as they will get out of the situation and then there are the ones who for many different reasons can't get out of the situation, drugs and alcohol dependency play a role in this for some as do issues of mental health but there are no simple reasons or answers. There are some 2000 plus charities working in the homeless sector last time I tried to quantify this with revenues from £500,000 to over a £100 million, what kind of annoys me is that some, not all obviously, seem to be more concerned with lobbying, information dissemination and fund raising rather than direct action to try and alleviate the situation that these people are in.

[@TynesideLife]

Great message

[@richardcardwell8882]

I was homeless/sleeping rough in Newcastle City centre 2011 2012 over the Xmas and am very appreciative of people's generosity as I had fallen asleep in the doorway of a hairdressers across the road from haymarket bus station and when I woke up the cardboard cup I had drunk some hot chocolate out of was full of coins probs about 9 or 10pound, so some people can be caring and thoughtful but others can be downright disgusting and nasty, as some of abuse I got was downright disgusting they jst look at u an think ur a druggie or an alcoholic, which I was neither I had worked for asda for nearly 8 years as a warehouse operative/forklift truck driver and had been kicked out by my parents, but my experiences have shaped me into the person I am now

[@richardcardwell8882]

I then went on to spend a wasteful 8 an a half years with my ex who as soon as she got some backdated money from the government to the tune of £16,500 she kicked me out of hers June 2020 which made me homeless again, I've got my own place now have had it nearly 2 1/2 years but I am still struggling with life but in the last 18 months I have lost a friend who hung himself in Durham prison and have lost my older sister to Neurofibromatosis on 13th April 2022 she was 43 years an 7 months old, I still haven't cried or gotten over her dying

[@TynesideLife]

Thanks for sharing Richard and it sounds to me like you’re a strong fella 🤛🏻

[@frankdux5693]

​@@richardcardwell8882 what's the common denominator?

[@guineagirl5078]

God bless you Eddie, this video made me cry. So heartbreaking 💔. My heart aches for them all.

[@TynesideLife]

🙏

[@michaelfairclough6039]

Interesting video thanku. I subscribed and noticed your a Newcastle Utd channel. However your fans are nice people. Merry Christmas Newcastle 🎅🍺⚒👍

[@TynesideLife]

Thank you 👊🏻

[@willtoon88cat]

Really touching video Eddie. Breaks my heart this. Pray for everyone of these people 😔

[@ianbedwell8795]

Great video on a very tough topic with no easy solution. Not on my present walk with Canada Post, but in the past I've done walks that have crossed areas with homeless people. Alway's tried to make an effort to acknowledge anyone so unfortunate and make sure they were ok. As mentioned below, we should keep in mind how easy it could be to end up in the same situation. Will look forward to your next video. Cheers.

[@tonycarter9720]

I was a homeless housing officer for 5 years at Gateshead Council saw some sights and stories both good and bad.

[@TynesideLife]

I bet!

[@frankdux5693]

My wife did a similar job. She has plenty of stories and 99% of these people are their own worst enemy and it's all their fault, and the vast majority are not interested in doing anything about it or working and sorting themselves out. They want others to do everything for them and give excuses. They talk complete shite and I have no time for them They drag the appearance of the city down being there.

[@amyditchburn7052]

Great Eddie for actually sitting down talking with the homeless, you can’t judge what they have been through, I often buy them a cuppa

[@relaxreflect5888]

Wow Eddie! What an amazing video to make! Awww how nice was Ben, bless him 😢

[@eddiehowesblacknwhitearmy]

Great to see you highlighting the real issues on Tyneside Eddy. It's sad to think that we are supposed to be living in the 21st century but we have problems like homelessness and the heavily use of food banks continuously growing and growing up and down the country. It's about time something changed! Keep up the excellent content Eddy all the very best

[@TynesideLife]

🤛🏻

[@100PCTMAGS]

Great Video Eddy Mate Every time My Family See's Someone Who Is homeless We Go Into Greggs Or Somewhere Like That Even KFC & We Get Them food & A Drink but If We Don't Have Enough To Do That Then We Make sure To Get Them A Drink & Give Them A Few £ But It's Always Get Them Food & A Drink Like A Can Of Pop Or Bottle Of Pop First As It's The Right Thing To Do To look Out For Each Other In Life Not All Homeless Are There Because Of Drink Or drugs Thanks for Making This Video Mate & Bringing Eye's To This Going On In Our World

[@andrewfield8562]

I usually buy them a coffee or something from Greggs rather than give money

[@Flukey_1970]

It is heartbreaking mate. They say everyone is 2 or 3 bad decisions away from being homeless. Most peoples lives are built like a house of cards it just takes a few things to crumble and the lot comes down. that could be loss of health, loss of job marriage break down. I did see a video on KZbin and it said exactly that donate to the charity. They say there is always somewhere to get help. Yes i have bought coffee or food and stopped doing xmas cards a few years ago now the money goes to give the homeless a dinner on xmas day.

[@TynesideLife]

Well said Martin

[@houmark4791]

Glad to see you back Eddy

[@johnnypocketrocket]

Spot on video, well summed up at the end.

[@stevedaniels8127]

Hiya Eddy, good to see you back, my only issue is nowadays you don't know who's genuinely on the streets or not, i do tend give the odd quid on occasions but i do tend to think, if that's the right thing. It's spread out all over Newcastle i was on the bus going through Jesmond the other day & noticed a couple people on the streets as well as here in the west end where i live. Keep the videos coming mate 😁

[@anndale6216]

Not to sound mean by my post but exactly what I'm trying to say I know one in that video who says he was in the army wasn't and the one with the dog has a home and begs just for money to spend how do we know who to help or if we help them they cud kill them selves with drugs

[@SUSIEPIP]

The 6th richest country in the world..... What an utter disgrace that these poor buggers are left with nothing and have to beg for enough money to have somewhere to stay... Its just heartbreaking, Brilliantly raising awareness about homelessness Eddie.

[@frankdux5693]

Own fault. No time or respect.

[@SUSIEPIP]

@@frankdux5693 That is just an utterly repugnant comment to make about vulnerable people.

[@frankdux5693]

@@SUSIEPIP well take a couple of the lazy gets in if you care so much. Don't cry when they rob your house blind for smack and back on the streets with their begging bowl next day.

[@healthwealthgurus]

Hey our fella. What do you use for your thumbnail? Photoshop? Curious to find out the filter you use on the face matey, for that light, pale look?

[@TynesideLife]

Hi. I use Snapseed initially to tinker with the photo and then put it into Canva to design the thumbnail etc 👍🏻

[@kipp1231]

I was forced to sofa surf for almost 4 years and couldn't be with my kids because of the ridiculous amount of people waiting for a house, it is utterly soul destroying. There isn't enough services out there to help everybody, the system is falling apart and nobody sees it until they have to live it. It kills me seeing people living this way there are empty shops everywhere the council could at least open them up its a shambles.

[@pauljames77777]

Thanks Eddie top video , it sad that these people are homeless and you see people comming across the channel to be put up in hotels , my views is look after our own first , when you hear of ex servicemen on the streets that have done service for the country and how the government treat them its a poor state of affairs. I Just pray these guys in the video get a break in life to change their lives around

[@TynesideLife]

As I say at the beginning Paul, the causes and solutions are complex and muti layered. Those ending up in the street are invariably embroiled in chaotic , dysfunctional lifestyles, compounded by drug snd alcohol issues, severe MH issues and sometimes perpetrators of domestic abuse. Simply providing a home is not an option. It’s difficult to know what to do with illegal immigrants as we simply can’t return them to France. I’m sure the government don’t want to put some up in hotels but we don’t at the moment have the infrastructure to hold them safely 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@B400]

There is a guy in the city centre who claims to be homeless. He approached me asking for money, and when i refused, he became agitated. The following day, he passed me in the city centre, so i decided to follow him to see how he operated. The majority of people he approached were females and elderly people, and the majority of them looked frightened by him as he's a large man. When he noticed me watching him, he stormed over to me, claiming he was going to £%^& me up. He was extremely aggressive but full of wind and piss as he backed straight down when i confronted him. Keep an eye out for him.. Head shaved at the sides... extremely overweight(not a sign of being homeless)and normally has a yellow cover over his rucksack. He is a prime example of why the genuine homeless are looked down on...his behaviour reflects on the genuine homeless. I'm pretty sure that he's one of those parasites who benefit financially from people's good nature.

[@TynesideLife]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@lindamcharie1264]

It's difficult to tell who is homeless and who isn't?.. I'm often in Newcastle early morning before work..when it's raining l see people sleeping in door ways sleeping bags soaking wet sometimes with a dog's next to them..l am sure these people are genuinely homeless...l was in a taxi once and the driver told me he collected a group of people leaving a house in Gateshead all equipped with sleeping bags..he heard one of them say he'd made £500 at the Haymarket bus station in the last couple of days... obviously pretending to be homeless..so it can be difficult to know who is genuinely homeless or not...there are so many of them about these days..

[@TynesideLife]

@@lindamcharie1264 it’s best to donate to local homeless charities Linda 👍🏻

[@richardjoyce0610]

Life just gets ontop of you sometimes, as you mentioned the peoples kitchen is a very worthy cause for those that can help.

[@richardcardwell8882]

The peolles kitchen is an amazing place, been there many times myself, me and my ex we lived in a tent on littlehaven beach south shields an I used to travel from there to Newcastle to go to the soup kitchen, but as I was a victim of serious assault in South shields thelad who did it went to prison but the very last time I went to the soup kitchen he was there and ended up having another confrontation with him an that's when I stopped going

[@sashamusgravetravers30]

Thanks for highlighting the problems of homelessness.

[@spssy]

One thing that I really love this city is that you can often see people talking to these poor people, asking if they are alright and buy food for them.

[@glennrickelton4093]

Shame on the Labour and Conservative parties for decades of neglecting the British public. Time for a change in our political landscape

[@TynesideLife]

This isn’t a British problem, or a particular political party. It’s the neo liberal capitalist society we all sign up to. All similar societies have the same problem. We’re all obliged to carry those who get left behind and it WILL get worse

[@glennrickelton4093]

@@TynesideLife I agree - although I do blame past governments for a lot of our problems.

[@TynesideLife]

@@seandrew7837 I agree that we are all a product of our decisions in life. We have a society that provides free schooling and health care and the opportunities to build a healthy life. 👍🏻

[@derekoetting4245]

Well done eddie. Whenever I'm in the toon shopping i always give me change to someone. I hate the way people walk past as if they are not human.

[@nickseccombe1357]

That was very interesting, I always wondered what their back stories were. Thanks!

[@TynesideLife]

👍🏻

[@siddey4]

I lived in Newcastle from 2019 to 2021 during my studies. I miss every single day there now that I am back home. I used to do my wee bit by buying the homeless some food or a cuppa if they wanted. They were always still quite kind. I’ve said this to my friends there many times, if ever I am in a good financial position in the future, I will surely give back to the city that gave me everything. I’ll do something for the homeless there ❤ I still recognise John, always sat outside Greggs.

[@TynesideLife]

🤛🏻

[@jimfell7147]

There but for the grace of, as an atheist I wont finish the saying, but in todays climate a lot of people are living close to the edge. You have shone a light on homelessness as only you can do. We have the same problems here in Canada and its getting worse, unfortunately the hostel system seems to be similar to with them being less safe than the streets. There are attempts to build mini huts here where a person can have shelter and security while trying to get back on their feet but maybe someday it'll be controlled as I dont think there is a fix. Brilliant stuff as always.

[@TynesideLife]

I love hearing your balanced thoughts Jim

[@jimfell7147]

@@TynesideLife Many thanks Eddie, just think how the homeless cope here in the winter -15 and up regular, we have warming centers such as churches etc. but never enough and deaths from freezing too common. Seems to me as long as they spend 200 million per year in places like Toronto its become a business instead of a goal, unfortunately.

[@shauncorless8965]

There's a big hostel in Newcastle but full of afgans ,,😮

[@markbowers4241]

It is the same down here in Australia. It is a travesty that In a rich nation people are living on the streets, in their cars and in tents.

[@dougreed2257]

I will always help genuine people in need,sadly on the streets of Newcastle there are tricksters,spoiling it for the people whoDO NEED help!!! chase these fraudsters,and lets up the help of the homeless😊

[@mark10505]

Extremely sad indeed. Its a world wide problem in most major cities. The likes of LA, SF, Seattle (I live ) and Vancouver are to be honest a lot worse. The Fentanyl issue is really terrible. To say the government is at fault is a very complicated matter. Some say we need to create free housing, create more affordable living and the other side to get tough and imprison these people. It requires a multi faceted approach. I wish I had the answer.

[@ianbedwell8795]

I live in Vancouver and it is awful. Maple Ridge where actually live was home to one of the biggest tent cities. It has since been dismantled and the homeless moved along to nowhere in particular. Not the solution at all, it is very sad with no easy fix.

[@steve-gv7yn]

I live in Newcastle and see most of the people in the video daily. A lot of them have got thinner and thinner. Most people just pass by and don't give homeless people any eye contact. I always give something when I can in the hope they'll get a room for the night. Room tax and Universal Credit have pushed more and more people onto the streets. It's absolutely heartbreaking 😥

[@jesusislord-ht1nj]

I have worked with street people and I found half of them are addicts with places to live but they pretend & go on the street begging for drugs/alcohol the real ones who need help are there in the early hours of the morning when no one is around to hand out cash.

[@TynesideLife]

👍🏻

[@senrioflove]

I've been homeless a few times and it's really hard with some of the organisations but I did live in accommodation with AKT and Praxis. Praxis was a bit difficult for me because I'd been taken in suddenly by them because Homegroup, my landlord (they took over my akt housing), moved in this man who had been living in the Tyneside foyer and he stole all my kitchen knives and Hannibal DVDs and bust my door in while using spice. It was like 3am and I slept in the park in fenham with my work uniform in a plastic bag and then I slept at my coworkers house for 2 days and then Homegroup offered me a room in the Foyer, but it had no locks and I wasn't allowed to cook in the "£40,000" kitchen they kept boasting about. I stayed there for 3 days and then praxis took me in, but I kept getting in trouble because it was accommodation for recovering addicts and I'd never used, but I have autism and a few of the staff thought I was using because of my personality. I also don't really like to give out money, but if I have some spare I do like to try and buy coffees and teas

[@TynesideLife]

Thanks for sharing Raziel. I’d love to hear more about your story if you wouldn’t mind emailing me at [e-mail] Many thanks

[@Northumberlandgeordie]

I don't always give to homeless people but when I have in the past I walk to a shop with them and let them pick a drink and something to eat. It gives you that peace of mind that they're fed and watered without worrying about the money being wasted on drink or drugs, not saying that's what they would do by the way I just wouldn't be comfortable feeding someone's addiction

[@galegrazutis964]

Britain is an EXCEEDINGLY generous country when it comes to welfare. Whatcaee they doing with their welfar money!!??

[@pedrostokoe1980]

i dont think she'll be sleeping homeless this time of year with no blankets or sleeping bag she'll be more likley beggig

[@stevepp7495]

You're doing a grand job. Good on you.

[@TynesideLife]

🙏

[@Valerie-nf3jl]

Thankyou

[@gazzag72]

Thanks Eddie this is criminal that our homeless arnt looked after better yet we house and feed 10s of thousands of migrants in hotels 😮

[@TynesideLife]

Hi Gazza, it’s a serious problem but the migrants have to be put somewhere whilst they’re being processed for repatriation, or assessed as a genuine refugee. This is not at the expense of neglecting homeless people. The overwhelming majority of homeless people have complex problems that aren’t easily solved. Simply providing a property for them is unworkable in many instances. I’ve tried to capture the complexities of the problem to a avoid common views that are misplaced

[@sproket168]

Love the music

[@sproket168]

🤣

[@Valerie-nf3jl]

Unreal mate.

[@stephens9566]

Sometimes as you see people their is always a reason sometimes a reason out side of drugs but even then people can just Sometimes fall through the cracks. But yes I think to it's best to give to the appropriate charity's, nothing wrong with a coffee or hot cup of chocolate.

[@BoldonBigLad]

Absolute disgrace that people still have to live like this

[@TynesideLife]

It’s the price we pay for living in a neo liberal society Keith. We’re forced to carry those who get left behind

[@Anonymous-ww8pz]

I have seen a young lad with a dog near the Bus station at Haymarket. I didn’t have any cash on me and would be hesitant to give any. Anyway, I was on my own and had a quick chat. I could see two other lads nearby he seemed to be passing on his coins to to exchange ( I’m assuming drugs ) I took no notice though as not my business. I asked him why he was there, he showed me how well behaved his lovely dog was and done some tricks, he told me it was just the situation he was in. I respected that and told him to get things sorted. He gave me a cuddle ( lots of people about if anyone wondering) and I think he just appreciated being acknowledged. He could be full of shit and going back to a hotel ( I heard one of the other lads say the hotel won’t accept his dog so he won’t leave it ) either way he has a situation and issues. It didn’t change anything but I feel better giving him the time of day. Usually I just smile at the homeless and walk on saying nothing. I hope this guy sorts his life out and comes off the drugs or whatever he is doing out there!

[@TynesideLife]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@morganm8508]

Its awful to see something like this is the north east, especially Newcastle. I have spoken to a few individuals on the streets all with their own stories of how they have gotten here. I spoke to one lady who is going to be a Grandma and the joy on her face was amazing to see. Even though these people are living on the streets and sometimes taking drugs and alcohol they are some of the most lovely people I have ever met. People walk past and treat them like gum on a shoe and its awful to see. The vast majority are not to be blamed for the current state they are in and it disgusts me that in this society, the less fortunate are still treat like this. Going back to the idea of drugs in the homeless community, yes it is an awful thing and it can be dangerous but what do most people do after a stressful day? They have a quick drink. Just like the majority of people on the streets. These people are living horrid lives and every day can be a struggle for them so sometimes that extra kick from whatever they are taking keeps them going and keeps them warm. I am a sole believe in the charities and companies that provide clean needle and sharps bins to the homeless as tackling the drug issues on the streets is a massive challenge that will never go away. Thank you for this video and an insight to show the public what life is really like being homeless. Loved the video.

[@TynesideLife]

Great message thank you Morgan 🙏

[@nymerianan4short314]

I meet a 60yo homeless man in the toon centre near Grainger market in the middle of winter he was freezing so I gavem my gloves I asked him why not go try and stay at a shelter he said the waiting lists are so long it's hard to get a room also the peoples kitchen is only open 3 nights a week too 😞

[@TynesideLife]

Hi, I can say from personal knowledge that there aren’t waiting lists for a shelter and the people’s kitchen is open every day for food. As I mentioned in my video, don’t take everything that’s said to you at face value

[@nymerianan4short314]

@@TynesideLife lol so he probably just told me a sob story then 🤦🏼‍♀️he might of had his own house for all I know. I know ppl who do that go begging they make alot of money too smh. it was my partner who said that the peoples kitchen used to only be open a few nights a week but that was a long long time ago when it was near pitt street or something 🤔

[@nymerianan4short314]

Edit when he lived in pitt Street. But he could also be mis remembering

[@kevinadamson5768]

It's a shocking indictment of our governments inability to look after our own homeless but bend over backwards to provide homes, clothing and food for illigal immigrants, something not quite right going on here. Charity begins at home, some of these poor people have addictions and mental health issues which should be given priority by our health and social services. Shame on you councils and government.

[@TynesideLife]

Illegal immigration is a serious problem but I fiercely disagree with your basic premis that the government are bending over backwards to provide homes (they don’t), they’re illegal and the government are looking after their basic needs whilst finding ways to repatriate them. You’re confusing illegal immigrants with legitimate refugees who are fleeing civil war, or humanitarian disasters. Some of which have been caused by us

[@MrsMagpie]

This is heartbreaking and the problem is only getting worse.

[@LeeStewart]

I feel so sorry for these people. I do ignore them when I walk past them because I hate to see them begging for money and there’s a little prejudice because if I give them money they’ll just buy booze. I would like to see people offering these poor people a bed and a roof over their heads for as long as they need it, so they can get back on the feet.

[@frankdux5693]

Nah, no time for them. Honestly, my wife worked with them trying to re-home them and they're a nightmare. They're not arsed about helping themselves at all. They don't want to work and do anything for themselves. There's a reason why they're on the streets and not stopping with parents, grandparents, bros, sisters, aunty, uncles, cousins, friends houses etc. Nobody wants to take them in cos they're arseholes.

[@allas1566]

Good work , i think you should give them a few quid or food whenever you can or if you have nothing , give them eye contact and a nod and say hello.

[@andyb7339]

Glad you said rather than giving to individuals give to the charities that help them because I know someone who has a flat, gets dole money and still goes out begging telling people that he is homeless

[@TynesideLife]

Aye, it’s the better way to help them in the long term 👍🏻

[@maxlowthian884]

Man has changed his content from NUFC to Vice documentaries

[@TynesideLife]

My channel is Tyneside Life. I cover History, Culture snd Football of the area 👍🏻

[@void1718]

Newcastle is a far bigger topic than NUFC alone Mate .

[@jennieguy8625]

Cos the man is diverse and cares about his city and region ffs support him ,it's called empathy you nugget!!

[@joinmeonthedarkside2]

Well done Eddie for highlighting Everything... about tyneside

[@zulfqarali905]

Well done local boy well done you keep it up you are doing a great job and having fun making some brilliant videos superstar Ali Walsall west midlands england junction 10 m6 Walsall keep it up you

[@sashamusgravetravers30]

Poor homeless people. I feel very sorry for them all

[@Marc1979nufc]

You’ve got people on the streets of every city yet they put asylum seekers etc in hotels fed and watered and warm it’s just unbelievable

[@TynesideLife]

You can’t put people in hotels with complex and dysfunctional issues Marc. Many have drug and alcohol addictions, are involved in criminality and domestic abuse and gave significant MH issues. Accommodation is available but many choose the street life. The complex issue of migrants shouldn’t be conflated with homelessness. They’re two completely different problems with different solutions

[@davidjohn6323]

Drugs must be stopped, the country must be strict on it and have serious sentences for those sharing it , such a shame people ruined their lives from being teenagers 💔 , Alcohol too must be controlled

[@stuartbey6912]

Thought provoking video about life on the streets. Why don’t the council open the the old Salvation Army hostel ? At least it’s a room over someone’s head in a secure environment.

[@TynesideLife]

There isn’t a lack of accommodation Stuart. It’s just that many don’t like sharing as they’re sharing with some with serious issues

[@stuartbey6912]

@@TynesideLife I understand that but the Salvation Army hostel was individual rooms with a locked door

[@TynesideLife]

@@stuartbey6912 there are individual rooms available too. Check out the Street Zero website to see the work they’ve been doing. Incredible stuff. Unfortunately, individuals still want to beg on the street

[@TynesideLife]

@@Justlookin958 I did record a piece about street zero and believe me mate, I know far more than most about this subject, for various reasons. I’d agree that most on the street are professional beggars and are there to feed drug and alcohol addictions. I also know that Street Zero are distorting reality. Thanks for your comments 👍🏻

[@flynnkeenan8318]

Who’s is the woman where did you find her I want to help

[@TynesideLife]

She was at the top of Northumberland St Flynn

[@jamesmcelderry7033]

How very very sad as a society that we cannot provide a roof over someones head . There but for the grace of god :(

[@lea24457]

Can anyone tell me what the guy with the red and black sleeping bag is called? Or if he’s still in Newcastle city centre has anyone seen him lately? I feel like I need to help him

[@MrsMagpie]

I think he sits next to the bakers near the Haymarket metro, I'm going in to Newcastle today I will look out for him 💓

[@lea24457]

@@MrsMagpie thank you for taking the time to reply, if you see him around today can you let me know please ?

[@MrsMagpie]

@@lea24457 You're welcome pet I will be in the town a couple of times this week so will keep a look out and let you know.

[@Andrew-ck1ob]

I offered a homeless person today a pack of 4 Griggs sausage rolls today In Newcastle I was told f off even they had s Sign saying hungry and homeless can you help , it's feels like your damned if you help or damned if you don't

[@TynesideLife]

That’s a bit off Andrew. Doesn’t do them any favours

[@paulhope-sg5lr]

Heart breaking

[@chrisdawson6156]

I agree

[@Dougie_Northumberland]

💔

[@alanwann9318]

You wanna investigate rumanian big issue sellers (it's a racket)

[@TynesideLife]

Can you email me with what you know Alan, with specific evidence to back up your claim. Cheers bud

[@thebyronicmann8292]

It’s heartbreaking. However good times are coming. If you know you know…

[@djdarksidejungle559]

i can imagine it been grim up there been homeless well theres no imagining to it i know people who have been and its grim and thats not the people and newcastle itself its the cold and been stuck there is the thing not much there if ya skint and not got a plan to get out of it cause lets be honest its not hard to get off the streets just have to havew a plan and know whats out there and push it pester power works its a lot harder then it used to be but its not but pester power works cause some people fill out the forms go away and think a week later their gonna ring up and say we got a place but me soon as i hand in that form i'll leave it a week and then im on phone asking if they got it and the thing with pester powewr is that your case is always on top of that pile and doesnt just get oh right cheers for that love i'll pass that to the case manager and they'll have a read of it and get back to ou they never do so get on phone and pester them and then ya case is always on top and then before you know it they offer ya somewhere it might mean living in a not so nice area or somewhere ya might not wanna live but end of day if ya quiet and not drawing attention to yaself rough areas nice areas dont come into it really but point im making is that unless you make things change they wont change and in that it is easy to get off the streets just got to read up on stuff and access everything you can and pester them till their sick of you and just give you a place so ya go away and stop bothering them kind of thing cause like i say lot of people go through the process then dont follow it up and expect them to do the follow up which never happens and if your not aware of certain things that they wont tell you and how to help yaself then its gonna be hard buit once ya in the system and just pester them on phone once a week have ya got me a place every week and then your case is always on top of the pile and dont give up cuase otherwise your case is going in a filing cabinet called dormant and there it will remain until they audit it which is probably every few yrs and even then they'll just bin it cause youve not pestered them

[@fionacoates4768]

Been there .its hard life.

[@atilllathehun1212]

These poor homeless people ought to turn up on a beach and pretend they can't speak English. They'll get money, housing cash ect ect ect thrown at them.....

[@TynesideLife]

You clearly don’t understand a lot of things… These homeless people have benefits thrown at them, a council property to stay in (at first) but most are making catastrophic life decisions, usually around drug and alcohol addictions that mean they can’t function in any meaningful way, or engage with support mechanisms in any productive way. They end up getting evicted and on the streets. The causes and solutions are very complex.

[@jimmyoconnell6167]

So sad 😞

[@robertbest4398]

What hurts me is brits sleep roads economics sleep hotel 3sqaures a day hot shower ex servicemen many problems not just drugs Tories and labour brutal wrecked country shocking ongoing

[@TynesideLife]

Most People end up in the streets due to complex issues including drug and alcohol addiction, MH issues and physical abuse. This isn’t a Tory or Labour problem. It’s happening all over the world where there is a neo liberal capitalist society that most of us want to be in.

[@bradthelad2580]

Don't do enough for owa own people

[@TynesideLife]

What would you do that you don’t think is happening now Brad?

[@sarahfellows3074]

Sonbad the homelessness has got worse and worse in tory britwin, wish fhete eas more care in our system

[@dennischarters4614]

The homeless should not be happening in this country 😢 7 million a day to accommodate the illegals 😢it’s a disgrace

[@TynesideLife]

Can you direct me to where you get the figure of £7m per day to accommodate illegal immigrants please 👍🏻

[@dennischarters4614]

@@TynesideLife 🇬🇧it’s been well reported on check GB news

[@TynesideLife]

@@dennischarters4614 then you’ll have no problem supplying a link. Cheers Dennis 👍🏻

[@joinmeonthedarkside2]

I don't know how much it costs to home those coming here for asylum But surely we can also find money for these and people like these in the same situation. On the grand scheme of things it's pennies from the billions this country pays in taxes. We can help all that need and want it and in return once they get back on their feet they can pay it back by working / taxes ..

[@TynesideLife]

@@joinmeonthedarkside2 as I mention in the video, homelessness is a complex subject with many layers. Many are unable to function on their own due to drug and alcohol abuse, criminality, and/or crippling MH issues. Many of those living on the street choose not to engage with support measure or don’t want to stay in the same shelters as those with at risk. Money is simply not the answer but I’m open to hear balanced ideas. Illegal immigrants are kept in detention centres, refugees seeking asylum from civil war or humanitarian disasters need our help. Some of these issues we have caused for them

[@jededge]

it just shows how much of a bad government we have when they allow these dear folk to sleep rough

[@TynesideLife]

I’m not a conservative voter, but I’m not sure what you mean Jed? Most of these people have complex issues causing them to press their own self destruct buttons. What would you have the government do?