NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

1st July 2012

Trustees:         Carl, Sheila, Elizabeth

Volunteers:      Wendy, Richard,

Visitors:           Jim, David

 Attendance:    64

 

We were short on volunteers this week as Phil is on holiday and Rebecca is still recovering from her tonsillectomy, but it was good to have Elizabeth with us again.

 

It was another busy kitchen, again with a lot of new faces. It is a concern the number of new faces we are seeing each week, many of which are living on the streets.

 

Emma and her boyfriend Lee arrived late to the kitchen. Emma had a miscarriage two weeks ago and is not healthy. She is an alcoholic who drinks now to stop the shakes. She was complaining of pain around her rib area so we advised her to go to the hospital to get checked out. She is also in court today so is going to ask if she can go on an alcohol programme.

 

There were a few with arms strapped up this week. One was a gulf war veteran who is having problems with some shrapnel that was never removed. The other was a guy who fell onto glass and cut all of his tendons. The big problem they have with wounds like this is keeping them clean, so they are always prone to infection.

 

It was noted that many of our guests are coming with swollen black hands. We have not seen this as much until recently and it could well be some of the drugs or solvents they are using.

 

Keith has been kicked out of his flat and is now staying with a friend. The downside of being helpful and letting people who were homeless use his flat.

 

We have heard that Greg has moved on with some gypsies, he is believed to have gone to Sweden or Amsterdam. Hopefully he may find a way off the streets in whichever country he ends up. It will be difficult for him though as he has no passport or identity papers.

 

 

As always your prayers are greatly appreciated.

 

Sheila Heron