[MargaretR]

I have been approached by a begging woman twice outside the bingo at the top of Oxford St. I think that she must consider pensioners who gamble are a 'soft touch'. Both times she said she needed bus fare to get home.
Persons who are stranded penniless away from home can contact Social Services via the police. There used to be social workers on 'standby' with a 'kitty' 24/7 to provide that type of help - probably a service that still exists.