There are many Big Issue sellers in Swansea and I regularly buy an copy from one of them. Over the last year or two the quality of the journalism has improved and now the magazine approaches issues that are only rarely reported upon in the main press. There are many reasons why a person may become homeless and the work that The Big Issue does in providing work, routine and a returning sense of self esteem can be a huge step in a homeless person’s life. I don’t know if you will be able to see this, but currently on Monday evenings there is a programme on BBC1 Wales about homelessness in Swansea. Catch it if you can.
This photo is of Niko, his pitch was on a small path between the Tesco store and town. ‘Not a good place’, was Niko’s verdict. He believed that the most lucrative pitch in Swansea is outside M&S in the centre of town, his friend Gelu was there on this day. Both Gelu and Niko are from Romania. Niko has 6 children in Romania and 2 in the UK. He has been here for 7 months and makes about £7 or £8 per day. Just about enough for the day’s food.
