NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

25th March 2012

Trustees:         Carl, Sheila

Volunteers:      Phil, Rebecca, Wendy, Richard, Tony

Visitors:           Jim, Philipa, Keira

Attendance:     57

 

It was a lovely warm night and this helped lift the mood of our friends.

 

Errol was not at the kitchen so our initial response was that he had received a prison sentence. We later found out that he had received 12 months probation and was back on the streets. He asked Jim about being referred to Betel but as he wasn’t there last night we will have to wait until he resurfaces.

 

I had a good chat with Tommy, who is 73. He lives on his own in Gosforth and his daughter keeps an eye on him. He is going to Yorkshire to see his other daughter and granddaughter over the Easter period and they are taking him on holiday to the Norfolk Broads in the summer. He comes along to the kitchen mainly for company as he very rarely has any food, just a hot drink.

 

Joseph has been moved to the Freeman hospital. He is still in a bad way and the effects of alcohol abuse on his body are not helping the healing process. Greg is going to pass on our best wishes and ask if he would like a visit.

 

Rob has also been in hospital in a critical condition this week after accidentally overdosing on paracetamol for a toothache. Fortunately he went to the dental hospital and they spotted his condition and moved him straight to the main hospital. He was glad to be out and on the road to recovery.

 

Robbie, who does not come often, is going into the Freeman this week for an operation for gastroenteritis. He came to get some toiletries. Jim is going to see him during the week as he has no family.

 

It was great to see Sean at the kitchen looking so well. He went to live with some of his extended family before Christmas and has just come back into the area. He is staying with a cousin-in-law and health wise is better than we have seen him in a long time. He still drinks during the day but stays off it after 6pm. He knows he has a problem and would like to get it sorted but is taking one step at a time. He came back to the area as he has to report to the police station today for a crime he didn’t commit. He is hoping he doesn’t get another prison sentence as he will not be able to cope with this.

 

Ali was at the kitchen and has the ability to cheer everyone up. She and Michael have settled well into their home and are getting a washing machine this week. The only thing they need now is a fridge freezer. As a family they have come along way and whilst they no longer depend on the kitchen support come along to help.

 

As always your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Sheila Heron