A man living in Formby has been called out after posting about an elderly man "begging" in the village.
At around 4pm yesterday (Monday), the man posted in a neighbourhood app, saying: "I have just been approached by a fairly well dressed elderly man who asked 'can you spare 20p for a cup of coffee?'
"This was near the closed Barclays bank/Specsavers in Formby village."
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What would you have done in the circumstances? Let us know in the comments below
The post was titled "Begging", and many people were quick to comment.
One woman wrote: "Did you speak with him and try and find out how he has ended up in such a position that he needs to ask strangers for 20p?"
Another said: "I hope you gave him some money. God help him."
A third said: "Hardly begging is it? Hope somebody nice actually got him a cup of coffee."
One man said: "Oh no we can't have begging in Formby... heaven forbid!"
Defending himself, the original poster said he had given the man some money but he was shocked as he had never seen "that" [begging] in Formby before.
He also said he considered the man's well-being, as he used to work for the NHS.
Worried about a rough sleeper?
If you are worried about someone who is sleeping rough, call our 24-hour ‘Always Help Available’ helpline on 0300 123 2041. You can also make an online referral.
Support for rough sleepers
The following support is available for rough sleepers.
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Whitechapel outreach service - a street-based service that helps rough sleepers into accommodation and access other support.
- Housing support from Housing Options - based in St John’s Market in the city centre. This service offers advice and support on how to find a new home. (Face-to-face services not operating at the moment. Please phone or email HousingOptionsService@liverpool.gov.uk or call 233 3044 or https://liverpool.gov.uk/housing/homeless-or-at-risk/at-risk-of-becoming-homeless/)
