Scotland’s shame

We print – without  comment –  this powerful message from Robina Qureshi, Director of the charity, Positive Action in Housing.

CRISIS

Yesterday, in a four hour period, our Destitution Surgery saw over 200 people seeking food parcels, crisis grants, clothes, bus passes and sleeping bags. If it were not for our 10 volunteers along with 24 HNC Social Care students who turned up from Glasgow Kelvin College with their lecturer Josephine Smith, we would have been in serious trouble. The lift broke twice. A sick young woman with fibromyalgia took 30 minutes to climb six flights of stairs to claim a crisis grant of £30 to last her a fortnight.

Amongst the 60 or so countries of people, I was struck by the minority of white Scots seeking help in a crisis. Naturally, we turned no one away. They were visibly affected by the extent of poverty, desperation and serious mental and physical health problems around them. One Glaswegian in his forties, Vincent, whispered that he didn’t want to ask for a crisis grant. He had worked all his life. He said he felt “ashamed to even be asking”, but would we mind giving him some bread and tins of soup until his benefits are paid, as he had to fill his electricity meter which is costing over £30 a week to keep warm and cook meals. During this conversation, a destitute man with mental health problems became aggressive and agitated in the crowded reception area and corridors of men, women, children and babies.

So it’s come to this.As a charity, Positive Action in Housing prides itself on its reputation as a strong, independent campaigning voice on behalf of some of the most vulnerable people in society. That voice comes from seeing with our own eyes what’s wrong with social policy from the perspective and experiences of destitute, homeless and poor people from refugee and migrant communities.

Of course it’s rewarding to roll up your sleeves up and think you’re doing good and making a “difference”. But there’s no hiding from the fact that the “charity” we provide to the destitute and poor, wherever they are from, is being used to patch up the effects of unjust government policy, whether it’s the policy of enforced destitution designed to starve refugees out of this country, or the enforced poverty arising from benefit cuts/delays, payday loans, the bedroom tax, extortionately charged electricity meters or rising energy/food prices. In 2014, we are reduced to giving crisis payments and hand-outs to the “invisible poor”.I don’t know whether we will see the likes of Vincent again. But he should not be the one feeling ashamed. Those who should hang their heads are the ones in government who orchestrated this.

We need to ask ourselves whether this is the kind of Scotland we want, whatever our colour.

Robina Qureshi
DirectorEmergency Hardship Fund – Appeal for Regular Donations 
We are currently giving out a total of £2000 each month to the destitute and poor. That demand WILL rise in 2014. Presently, we are short by £600 per month. If we don’t raise this shortfall, the fund will be cut in 2014. We NEED regular payments. If you, your friends, family or colleagues wish to make a £5 a month donation (or more) then set up a standing order, or make a one off payment, or pay directly into our bank account to:

Every penny goes directly to those in crisis. Please email home@paih.org if you wish your donation to be gift aided, thus adding an extra 25% to your donation at no extra cost to you.

Alternatively, give a one off donation and leave your name (or remain anonymous) and a message of support at www.justgiving.com/winter-destitution-appeal<http://www.justgiving.com/winter-destitution-appeal>