Poverty?

I have often reflected, sitting in a drop-in centre for the homeless and vulnerable (and I am sitting in one - The Gap - as I write) how there is no real poverty in Britain.

By this I mean what I would refer to as 'absolute material poverty' (sounds clever!) This, I suggest, is where someone hasn't the means to feed either themselves or their families. Close to 100% of service users in drop-in centres, who are I suppose amongst the 'poorest' folk in Britain, receive benefits that are ample to feed them. Meaning that they not only get to eat for free (with table service in some establishments) but get food to take home, clothing, free washing machines and driers, art groups etc and so can spend the government's cash on luxuries. So in these terms I question whether anyone really is poor in these sceptered isles.

But poverty extends further than the simple (though essential!) matters of food and bellies. Firstly there are the other aspects of our material wellbeing; clothing, shelter and physical safety. Centres such as the Gatehouse* provide a free clothing service, temporary shelter from the elements and at least aim to protect their charges from harm.

In this day and age, homelessness is still a real issue of poverty that afflicts people in the world's wealthiest countries. Here we come to an interesting point in the examination of our subject. Whereas certain countries may be practically free of material poverty, these same places are increasingly blighted by a lack of the mental, intellectual, psychological, emotional, social and creative wealth (and one could say love) that is man's birthright.

In these areas, both materially 'rich' and 'poor' alike (in the western world) are affected. The remit of places like the Gatehouse* extends to providing a social, emotional, mental and other aspects of care, which is so important to a truly wealthy life.

This type of wealth may indeed be much more prevalent in the countries which lack the material bounty of others. Also there may be an element of community support and mutual interest which I have personally experienced and seen amongst the supposedly 'low' or 'poor' people which society looks down on. Certainly, all is not as it seems and perhaps all that glisters is in fact not gold.

I would like to suggest that if we as a species and as individuals, realised that true wealth lies in a balance of many different elements (not least of which, care for our fellow creatures) then we wouldn't see the massive gaps in life quality, opportunity, health and happiness that blight the modern landscape. Maybe then we could focus on something other than chasing more money, cars, women, drugs and guns.

Just maybe.

(I apologise for the sudden dramatic and puritanical departure this article took towards the end. I was rushing to finish and in my usual attempt to end the piece on a thoughtful and thought provoking note, I slipped on my own pomposity. Now there's an image)

Kemlyn

* To learn more about the Gatehouse Centre mentioned above visit their website www.Homeless.me.uk