NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

4th September 2011

Trustees:         Carl, Sheila,

Volunteers:      Rebecca, Phil, Norma

Visitors:           Jim, Sonny, Kevin, Ruth

 

Attendance:      70 +

 

It was a very hectic kitchen with few volunteers. It was good to have Norma back this week who was a great help to Phil who still has to take it easy with his wrist. We sang happy birthday to him and gave him a card from the Help Link and a cake I had baked for him.

 

There were a lot of new faces this week, mainly men in there 20’s who have alcohol and drug related problems. Most of the new faces are living on the streets and the fact that most new Jim means they have spent time in prison.

 

Lisa is going to have a look at a house in Blakelaw on Tuesday which is being refurbished. She is hoping that this will be suitable so they can get settled. She is having problems with Liam who doesn’t want to start at Senior School until they have moved, He is obviously not coping well with their housing situation. On a positive note he did go and get his uniform, which he had said he wouldn’t do. Kieran and Nicky are both looking forward to going back to school.

 

Ali was not well so was unable to come along to the kitchen. They are however getting sorted in the house and have most of the furniture that they need. Robert’s girlfriend was also sick and not able to come along.

 

Doug’s mam died during the week and her funeral is on Friday at Salisbury. His step father is arranging transport for him to be able to attend.

 

Errol (John) is recovering well from his stabbing. The hospital is pleased with the way his neck is healing after the tracheotomy. He lives on the streets but is more apprehensive now around those on drugs and alcohol in case he is attacked again.

 

Jim has been offered a truck load of sleeping bags (I believe from the rigs in Scotland). He is going to hire a truck this week and travel to Scotland on Thursday with Phil and Djdussey to collect them.  This will be a big help for the Newcastle kitchen as the proportion of those actually on the streets are increasing and the need for sleeping bags continues to grow. I wonder if it would be possible if the Help Link could fund some of the cost for the vehicle hire as Jim himself relies on support for his livelihood.

 

As always your prayers for the work in general are greatly appreciated.

 

Sheila Heron