NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

27th November 2011

Trustees:         Carl, Sheila

Volunteers:      Wendy, Richard, Phil, Norma

Visitors:           Jim, Sonny, Ruth

Attendance:     45

 

It was a quiet kitchen with many of the regulars missing. The weather is turning really cold now and the need for warm clothing and blankets increasing. We are so grateful to all who have donated bedding and clothing for us to take to the kitchens.

 

This week Tom had a new photograph of Darren, who has just turned one. They are still battling to get Kiera’s mam as the appointed guardian but it seems to be taking ages for anything to happen. They still see Darren every Thursday and they have completed a number of parenting courses. The good news is that their benefits have at last been sorted out.

 

Steve is new to the kitchen. He is just passing through on his way to Edinburgh. He has lived on the streets for many years because he prefers this lifestyle. For three months of the year he lives with his children and the remainder he lives in different cities. He has no addictions and has never been in prison, he just feels more comfortable on the streets.

 

Steve who has come for many years is finding it hard busking now. He usually has his guitar but has stopped playing and instead just taken to begging as he is finding that the beggars (who are not homeless and just earning money) are  having more success.

 

Kirsty is only 22 and came to the kitchen intent on committing suicide when she left. Her partner Kelly who is 21 took a tablet on Friday, thought to be “dodgy” vallium, and has ended up on life support in the RVI. She only has a 10% chance of survival. In her short life she has been in and out of rehabilitation but with little success. Jim and I talked to Kirsty and as she left the kitchen she said she would not do anything but would ask for help if she was struggling. Please remember Kirsty and Kelly in your prayers.

 

Mark was at the kitchen this week and was in a bad way. He has been in hospital for 2 weeks while they tried to sort out his medication. He has had a couple of fits but was discharged to his own flat. He struggles to remember which medication to take and often mixes them up. He was very confused but still remembered who we all were which was an improvement on his last visit to the kitchen.

 

Carl took Doug to buy a bed on Saturday and it will be delivered on Tuesday. He is so grateful for what we offered to do for him.

 

 

As always your prayers are greatly valued and needed.

 

 

Sheila Heron