Ihavebeen notperfect
As report highlights people’s attitudes to the homeless, two men talk about their time living rough THOUSANDS of Scots say they are scared of people who sleep rough, according to research.
The shock findings of a report on Scotland’s attitudes to homelessness also found that 66 per cent have never stopped to talk to someone who is living on the streets
And a third of the population dismiss homelessness as self-inflicted.
According to Street Soccer Scotland, who commissioned the research, 41 per cent say they are “fearful” of stopping to speak to rough sleepers.
The research shows that those aged 16-24 are least likely to chat to those forced to sleep on the streets, with only a quarter saying they would do so. Meanwhile, 48 per cent of that age group said they were fearful of speaking to rough sleepers.
Last year, 9187 homelessness applications in Scotland were from people aged 16-24.
Meanwhile, 38 per cent of 55-64 years olds said they were fearful of speaking to rough sleepers. The figure was 43 per cent for over 65s.
David Duke, founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “I’ve been homeless. I know some people choose not to stop and talk to people who are homeless. I’m shocked though at the number who say they’re actually scared.
“Instead of sympathy, they’re feeling fear and we have to ask why, and how we can change their perceptions.”
David was homeless for three years. He went on to play and manage the Scotland team in the Homeless World Cup and set up Street Soccer Scotland, a social enterprise using football inspired training and personal development to help homeless men and women.
Davie Clarke, 40, from Glasgow, is homeless and attends the coaching sessions.
He was 19 when he left the care system. He’d never lived alone and never had to pay bills or fend for himself. After getting his first flat, things spiralled out of control.
Davie said: “I remember being handed a set of keys and that was it. I had my own place. I