OR WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY DOING FOR THE STREET PEOPLE AT THIS TERRIBLE TIME?
ALERT: WONDERFUL NEWS JOHN BOY JUST GOT A PLACING AT ST. BARNABAS. I WAS AMAZED WHEN NICKIE AIKEN OUR MP, RESPONDED TO MY EMAIL AND NOW I’M CRYING I’M SO RELIEVED.
In the very lucid interview below John boy explains all. It makes for a very disturbing story of how they are being failed yet again and at a time when they are more vulnerable than ever. I’ve lived in Soho for 33 years now so have most of our local street people on my radar. Some are very far gone on alcohol and drugs and others wander ranting lost in their own worlds. John boy will represent them for me in his very solemn way.
Living on the street is hell on earth at the best of times but it would seem that now more indignity is being loaded on their already frail shoulders. He speaks of his deep shame in having to defaecate into plastic bags, tying them up and binning them much like a dog has a poo bag.
To my horror he explains that now the place he used to go to for a shower and shave is also closed and he’s taken to go wash in Trafalgar Square fountains in the night. When a security guard saw him he approached and realized he was not taking coins but trying to clean himself so said he wouldn’t call the police.
Most of the people on the street around here suffer mental health issues. John Boy also refers to the fact he is a paranoid schizophrenic so needs medication every day and an injection every two weeks. This is being maintained. Apart from that (which he has to have under the Mental Health Act) he cannot get the shelter that Boris promised. He says there is even inequality on that front.
He even was told if he suggested he had symptoms he would be taken in and he wants no part of this lie citing his mum who died of cancer last year so wouldn’t want to abuse the NHS who cared for her. He is an honest man with certain strong principles.
He always wants to be fair and mentions the food handouts. He doesn’t want to be ungrateful but says crisps cake and sandwiches don’t make for a healthy diet. He normally would have one hot meal a day from the chippy. Either some chips or a meat pie if he had the money. If he didn’t they would give him a freebie. He also yearns hot drinks as at night its very cold and he can’t heat up on the inside. ( I took him half my Sunday lunch after as I felt such shame)
John Boy Daniels just wants me to say “thanks for listening”
Alert: 10 minutes ago being “moved on or arrested” by the police.
Old Bird Travels Solo! 