Unfortunately many of our clients have experienced Domestic Abuse or sometimes trying to hide from an abuser. It is important for someone to be able to contact someone who can potentially help.

A few new people came in who have found themselves homeless. They are all aware that the weather is changing and that is frightening for many. Some people have COPD, which will be challenging during the winter months living outside.

People who inject drugs can develop infections. Medical consequences of chronic injection use include scarred and/or collapsed veins, bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves, abscesses (boils), and other soft-tissue infections.

Cuckooing is a practice where people take over a person’s home and use the property to facilitate exploitation. The most common form of cuckooing is where drug dealers take over a person’s home and use it to store or distribute drugs.

Some people who sleep rough find it difficult to live anywhere other than in a place on their own that they can call home. One of our homeless said to us this week "I would rather die on the streets than go into a hostel"

This was a particularly full on session this week. We had 47 people through the door, 7 haircuts and one chiropody appointment.  We knew it was going to be a difficult session, we could hear people across the river who were waiting to come in when we opened. As it was a warm afternoon many people[...]

We had 42 people in and Kate our volunteer hairdresser did 11 haircuts, poor Kate was so hot in the little room she works from. Unfortunately the fan had to be put into the kitchen for the volunteers. It is unusual that we have to use fans but we will make sure we have some more next time.

Many of our clients live with an alcohol addiction. Over a period of time this takes a horrific toll on the body. We are still looking for a First Aid volunteer to help support the team.

Due to the enormous success of the menu from last week we decided to continue with Ham, Egg and Chips with Baked Beans. Meryl made a Pear and Cinnamon Tart which was served with Custard. This week we explore the developing and expanding issue of homelessness.....

We build relationships over time with our clients; sometimes when they fall down and their drug use increases they are worried and upset that we will be disappointed or worried about them. This is an interesting concept; it does show that the realisation of their actions and drug usage affects others that they know.