NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

8th April 2012

Trustees:      Sheila, Carl

Volunteers:   Wendy, Richard, Tony

Visitors:        Jim, Ruth

Attendance:  49

 

The kitchen was very noisy this week with a lot of new faces, mainly young men. As it was Easter Sunday we gave them all a treat (and the helpers) in a creme - egg!

 

Tiny (who is almost 6 foot) had slipped on the wet paths and fallen during the week. He was bruised and sore but still managing to get around with the aid of his stick. He has been coming to the kitchen for a while and is a very quiet gentleman.

 

Tom and Kiera turned up this week on bikes. They had used their benefit money to buy the second hand bikes to save them money on bus fares. I asked how they would manage until  they got their next benefit cheque and they just shrugged their shoulders. This couple needs assistance in managing their finances and diaries, tasks we take for granted.

 

Keith was getting married in June but the wedding is now off. They have had a few problems and he will need help over the next few months getting himself sorted. He is also letting others use his flat which will possibly end up causing him more problems.

 

It was great to see Sarah back at the kitchen. She has not been for many months and you may remember that we had heard rumours that she had died. She is not in a good way and is suffering from alcohol dependency. Her boyfriend is in Durham and she has been left with his dog. It is sad to see the relapse she has had when she was doing so well. She has a flat in Heaton but is also hoping to go for detox to Cardiff but we doubt this will happen.

 

During the week I contacted Age UK Newcastle about Errol but they could only refer me to Newcastle Council Housing. I tried them and am still waiting for a return call. I did find out a lot about their homeless policy and hope to follow this up with them when they contact me (after my holiday).

 

This week Carl, Rebecca and I will be at Spring Harvest so Wendy and Richard have very kindly offered to do the food etc. and run the kitchen for us. I am sure they will value your prayers. We are really appreciative to our volunteers who enable us to have the occasional Sunday off.

 

As always your prayers are greatly appreciated for the work.

 

 

Sheila Heron