NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

6th November 2011

Trustees:         Carl, Sheila

Volunteers:      Rebecca, Phil,

Visitors:           Jim, Wendy, Richard, David

 

Attendance:     54

                       

 

It was very cold last night and a reminder of how cold it got last winter. We hope it will not be as bad this year.

 

Pam has been coming to kitchen for a long time for company and support. She had a rented house in Newcastle but has managed to get a larger rented house outside of Newcastle for less money. Her son, who has ADHD, has moved back with her and so the extra space helps.

 

John has also been coming to the kitchen for a long time. Last year he was on the streets during the winter months and so is grateful that he is able to sleep on a friend’s sofa. He has also been doing some casual work game keeping and is hoping that this will lead to a proper job so he can get his own accommodation.

 

Doug was not at kitchen again, so he must be poorly. Keith, who lives up at Chester-le-Street has managed to sort out the buses so he can keep coming to the kitchen. He enjoys the company and the catch up with others.

 

It was good to have Ali back, she livens the kitchen up with her humour. We have been offered a settee and Carl has arranged to pick it up and take it for Ali.

 

Lee continues to do well on his course, he comes along for a hot meal and some take-away tins but is managing quite well in his flat.

 

Tom and Kiera are still having problems with their benefits but despite all that is going on they remain positive. Tom found a coat among the donated goods but when he saw someone actually homeless without one he gave them the one he had taken. It is good for us to see how the attitudes of those coming to the kitchen have changed so much over the last 18 months, when this type of gesture would never have happened.

 

This week we were given a couple of sheepskin coats which we were able to give to a couple of lads actually living on the streets. We also received clothing and bedding which always goes down well. The only problem is that I need a bigger house to store them in!

 

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

 

Sheila Heron