The terrible shame of shame!

As far as I can recall, the whole issue of “shameful poverty” began being aired by the media in 2007. Since then, it has grown exponentially. In the helter-skelter of daily life we all hear and see people who’ve become more and more demoralised. With the (new) austerity measures penalising particularly those who’re already facing crisis situations, the whole problem has become a vicious circle. Money isn’t circulating – businesses are closing – unemployment is growing

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And so people have developed a “culture of ostentation” – a distorted, vapid vision of society where everyone wants to be judged by what he or she can “show off” (and the more one can show people, the better).

It’s become so bad (and so “false”) that certain people have gone to seek help from institutions like Cáritas in dark glasses and hats, so that they’re not recognised by any of their neighbours! They’re ashamed to expose the desperate situation they’re living through – particularly to anyone they may know. And thus, beyond the material suffering that they have to endure, they’re isolated in a form of sorrow and desperation that can have serious consequences on their health – particularly mental health

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One good bit of news, is that until the end of this week, a chain of national supermarkets will be distributing €50 vouchers to people in need - to be exchanged for foods at any of their outlets.

The Algarve is benefitting from this initiative – as the consensus is that it’s here that there are the most people in need

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Already, almost all the vouchers are spoken for, and Portimão is town where the bulk will be distributed. The plan will bring immediate relief with no cause for shame for the “shameful”, as everything’s distributed in secret.

Added to this, Easter will see extra money chanelled into the Cáritas fund, destined to help those who have rents in arrears, or lapsed mortgage payments.

There are also other forms of help available, depending on certain criteria (for example, the EU programme of distributing excess food from those who don’t require it to those who need it).

In the end, there is no need for shame… Stealing could be classified as shameful. Asking for help? Certainly not!