Oh Dave, that article expresses what I have always felt deep down. My sister has always nagged me about NOT giving them any money, but as the article says, they have the right to decide what to do with it, and who are we to dictate to them about their choices? Forcing them to 'hit rock bottom' seems terribly cruel.

Those prisoners used to say that a fiver was always welcome, as a desperate need for a 'fix' causes untold suffering. However, my husband and I haven't too much spare cash, as all our resources go generally to help his huge impoverished family in Ivory Coast (His sister has now contracted TB). A coffee/sandwich isn't a lot to offer, but perhaps £2 would be a small help? I just don't know, but I have to say I have been reduced to tears by the plight of some of these poor folk. And we feel so lucky to have the blessing of a comfortable home, central heating and enough to eat...