Cities such as Mumbai have their fair share of people flocking there hoping for a better job, a better life, only to find things are just as hard there, with no Indian government support outside of state hospitals and schools.

He also leaves Britain to look at poverty in India and then onto Nepal, both countries where life is very different to Britain. There are soup kitchens, charities and a very busy Foodbank and Foodcycle operating from churches, but is this the right way to go about helping the vulnerable? Does it cause almost as many problems as it solves? Opinions are quite sharply divided, and Matthew examines all aspects of this complex issue. Some are simply financially challenged, others have problems with addiction or mental illness.There are shelters, but not enough, and not everyone can afford the cost many do not feel comfortable there either. This is an impassioned, timely and intriguing book Matthew Small examines the many reasons how - and sometimes why - people become homeless, destitute or just are simply struggling to manage on a low income, and what can and is being done to support and help them.īath is a tourist spot, apparently affluent, yet there are substantial numbers of people who are homeless. ‘The biology of Israel/Palestine simply and beautifully revealed.’ Jon Snow, Journalist and Presenterĭown And Out: Notes From The Gutter By Matthew Small Published by Paperbooks, Oct 1st, 2015 The book is deeply troubling on many levels but at the same time it is inspiring and uplifting as difficult life stories are related with huge compassion.’ Tracy Shildrick ‘Down and Out Today illustrates very well the sheer brutality of how societies, particularly rich ones like the UK, often treat those with the least. Illuminating those corners of society which mainstream literature so often leaves in the shadows, the world needs more writers like Matthew Small: writers willing to get their hands dirty writers willing to listen, observe and document with compassion and candour.’ Charlie Carroll ‘Matthew Small has produced a text which is both enlightening and startling. A compassionate book that provides no easy answers but gives humanity to those we so often turn our backs on.’Joanna Mack ‘Through his personal journey of discovery, Matthew Small gently reveals how poverty is relative to the society in which you live in.

Down and Out Today by Matthew Small