Southampton homeless: Beggars tell of tough time over Christmas

Rough sleepers can be seen all over the city centre, and with the arrival of the cold season, living on the streets is a lot more difficult.

In the last few weeks, temperatures hit levels as low as -5C, and forecasts show they will stay below 10C for at least the next two weeks.

“It is cold, my hands and back are freezing,” said David, who marked turning 21 on Friday by begging outside Nationwide.

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Originally from Romania, David - who did not want the Echo to use his full name - travelled with his family to the United Kingdom as a teenager, motivated by money issues.

For him, Christmas is just like any other day.

“I will just be roaming the streets during Christmas Eve," David said.

“People don’t treat me differently at this time of the year, and no one has offered me any kind of assistance.”

David shares the streets with nine members of his family, who all live along Below Bar.

A homeless person among shoppers in Southampton

“My brother is just down the road," he added.

Nearby, Jason Criddle, 43, is facing a similar reality.

“I’ve been homeless for a couple of months now," he said.

“Christmas time is very difficult for me on the streets.”

Despite being homeless, Jason still has some plans for this Christmas period.

“Luckily, I’ve been invited over by some mates for Christmas Day to have dinner, so hopefully that will be good.”

Just like everyone else, Jason has his wish to Santa.

“My dream Christmas present would be to win the lottery so I can buy whatever I want and leave the streets,” he said.

Charities in the city are offering support for people living on the streets this Christmas.

The Street Support Network is running an event with hot meals and games during Christmas and Boxing Day at the Community Café, based in Central Hall.

Volunteers are needed, anyone willing to help please contact communitycafe@newcommunity.org.uk