NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

23rd October 2011

Trustees:         Sheila

Volunteers:      Rebecca, Phil

Visitors:           Jim, Sonny, Wendy, Richard

 

Attendance:     45

                       

Not so long ago we would have  thought 45 at the kitchen was a large number but with the high numbers we have had recently it felt like the kitchen was very small and quiet.

 

We were missing a lot of regulars but still new faces appear.

 

James has been coming on and off for the past few months. He sofa hops but has a very positive attitude. He is currently staying at a friends house who works in housing and is hoping that he will help him to get a flat soon.

 

Terry and Brian were at the kitchen for the first time. Brian has just come out of prison where he has served a two year prison sentence. He says he has spent most of his life behind bars (he is only in his twenties) and wants to make a new start. He is finding it very difficult staying out of trouble when he is living on the streets. He is hoping that his parole officer will help get him into a hostel.

 

Tom and Kiera have been coming to the kitchen the last few weeks as their benefits have still not been reinstated. On the positive front, Kiera is confident her mam will be given a residency order so that she can look after the baby and this means that in the future there is the possibility that Tom & Kiera will get their baby back.

 

Tina has started to come back to the kitchen. She keeps herself to herself as has had a lot of problems, in the past, with others on the street. She is still living with her son but doesn’t have a happy life.

 

Doug has his flat virtually sorted but is still sleeping on a mattress on the floor. We were able to give him a quilt to help him out. Doug comes along and helps set the tables up every week and never asks for anything.

 

Keith asked last week if we could get him some XXL T shirts. We went through the clothing that had been provided during the week but didn’t have any, so we purchased him a couple from Asda. He was very appreciative.

 

Phil brought a box of pears that had been given by the Peoples Kitchen for us to use. They went down very well. There were some left which will be blanched and frozen for use in the future.

 

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

 

Sheila Heron