Belfast Streets of Shame This is NOT a Positive Video

Описание: I try to make positive videos about what I see/find/explore in round Belfast and beyond. I'm sorry but I need to make this video,. It is not a positive video. The situation for many Belfast folk is horrendous when they find that their drug/drink addicted, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, relatives, friends, are sleeping on the streets of our city often in filth and and danger.

Earlier this month, outreach workers in Belfast reported over 50 overdoses in a one week period in the city as drug deaths continue to increase year on year.
In 2021 there were 212 drug deaths in Northern Ireland, an increase of 130% from the 92 recorded in 2010, with outreach workers saying that this is likely under-reported.

Rev Brian Stewart of St George's Church
Rev Brian Stewart has been rector of the landmark church St Georges on the city's High Street since 1994, said,
"There were always a few homeless people around back in the 90s but it has got a lot worse and the resources for tackling it don't seem to be adequate. "My understanding from talking to people working with these various homeless charities is that there are sufficient beds in Belfast, generally speaking, but the prevalence and availability of drugs has increased. However there are individuals who seem to choose to sleep out and gather with others to take drugs and drink in and around the city centre, particularly in the milder summer months."

"We have had a long association working with and supporting The Welcome Organisation, the food bank of Belfast City Vineyard Church along with various other city centre charities that work with the homeless.

Who offers hope in such frightening long term family situations?
We are constantly told that there is no money for early intervention education, hospitals, mental health services, counselling services, mental health units, hostel accommodation, policing. It's always about the money.
Who offers hope in such frightening long term family situations?
Just how many people are going to have to die each weekend on our streets before someone in authority declares it to be a 'pandemic'?????????? and funds helping services properly so that lives are being saved?
One, Two Three, Four, Five Six, Seven, Eight, Nine Ten .....
How many?