I used to read the Argus opinion page as an insight into human nature on a grander scale. I try not to any more.

People write about problems with rubbish, seagulls or that they do not want to have a rehabilitation centre in their area.

But what about the pain and tragedy we read about in the paper itself? We live in a society where every day we come into contact with people who are suffering. We see them everywhere, walking the streets, asking for money, drinking and drugging themselves into oblivion.

We all suffer or have suffered in our own lives. Thankfully most of us can cope with most of what life throws at us. But some cannot.

All around us people are dying lonely deaths. To be part of society means we are part of a bigger picture.

People make up society and every person has feelings and feel hurt and pain. Are our hearts open to them?

Treat people as you would like to be treated. People may be dirty or suffering from mental illness but they have emotions, as we do. We cannot ignore the things we are uncomfortable. We need to have compassion.

-Natalie Leck, Portland Road, Hove