London Swede Sten Lagerman: 'I Go Between Soup Kitchens'
Sten Lagerman, a Swedish man living in London, speaks about his struggles with homelessness and his experiences with the broken British welfare system.
Sten Lagerman, who has connections to the Nobel family, shared his challenging life as he navigates homelessness in East London. Having previously lived as a hippie in India, Lagerman now finds himself without electricity in a one-bedroom apartment in Dalston. He recounts that the British social safety net is fundamentally broken, which affects many people like him.
Living on the edge, Lagerman survives by obtaining food from soup kitchens and food distribution services, although the lack of electricity complicates his ability to prepare nutritious mealsβeven with a pantry full of chickpeas. The hardships he faces reflect broader societal issues, showcasing how some individuals fall through the cracks of social support systems designed to help them.
His story sheds light on the struggles of the homeless and underprivileged in London, a city often perceived as affluent. Through his experiences, Lagerman emphasizes the need for systemic change and better support for those in need, calling attention to the many untold stories of individuals grappling with poverty and disenfranchisement. His situation serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of social safety nets in contemporary society.