@iamdan not sure if you’re on this year mate but did my first of 3 shifts today
Probably the best story of the day was that the centre was able to find temporary accommodation for a young woman who had been living in a car with a 2 month old.
Back in 2mo and Thurs eve so hope to share some more positive stories with you all
@iamdan not sure if you’re on this year mate but did my first of 3 shifts today
Probably the best story of the day was that the centre was able to find temporary accommodation for a young woman who had been living in a car with a 2 month old.
Back in 2mo and Thurs eve so hope to share some more positive stories with you all
You are a saint mate. Have a great Christmas and thank goodness there are people like you.
@iamdan not sure if you’re on this year mate but did my first of 3 shifts today
Probably the best story of the day was that the centre was able to find temporary accommodation for a young woman who had been living in a car with a 2 month old.
Back in 2mo and Thurs eve so hope to share some more positive stories with you all
Please allow me to buy you pint next time we meet up. Your a star...... I'm not paying for Katies drink though, you can poke that .
Cheers both. To be honest it’s only 3 days out of my year and some of the people that do the coordination and running of the centres have been doing it for many many years and they give up the whole of their Xmas which I think is very impressive
They all said at the end of the shift that there is this thing called NHS pathway which has calculated that because of all the centres across london, it knocks off waiting times in a&e down by quite a bit throughout Xmas, new year and into Feb
£28.18 will sponsor a place for someone. However her involvement is more with support services which can hopefully help those people back onto their feet.
@cabbles yes bud, starting later this evening. Also doing part of Christmas and Boxing day this year. Should be humbling as usual! If you’re around on these days give me a shout.
£28.18 will sponsor a place for someone. However her involvement is more with support services which can hopefully help those people back onto their feet.
@cabbles yes bud, starting later this evening. Also doing part of Christmas and Boxing day this year. Should be humbling as usual! If you’re around on these days give me a shout.
Top man, pleased you’re doing it again
I’m down the road this year at the Day centre. I didn’t pick it purposefully just saw Bermondsey and forgot they have 2
@cabbles yes bud, starting later this evening. Also doing part of Christmas and Boxing day this year. Should be humbling as usual! If you’re around on these days give me a shout.
@cabbles yes bud, starting later this evening. Also doing part of Christmas and Boxing day this year. Should be humbling as usual! If you’re around on these days give me a shout.
Top man, pleased you’re doing it again
I’m down the road this year at the Day centre. I didn’t pick it purposefully just saw Bermondsey and forgot they have 2
I have donated but we need to fix this as a nation not just as individuals. I am currently in Brussels and was shocked to see homeless families (with young children). It is not acceptable to say it could be even worse but seeing what I have seen, it could be. I suspect the families here are asylum seekers, That doesn't let us off the hook though, I see no reason why we can't eradicate it if we want to.
Well done to all those volunteers though. Proud of you all.
Used to manage a scheme for homeless families.. As for now I still work meeting homeless folks most days. Our resources are such that there aren't enough beds in the homeless hostels. The sad reality is that for now the department won't provide anything for the current rough sleepers until it goes below freezing for three consecutive days. Then they are permitted to give out a one man tent and sleeping bag, yes that's what I said. It is the Cold Weather Policy. I will often tell people to find a corner in the A& E waiting area, just to keep the elements at bay for a few hours until they get kicked out in the morning.
Christmas truly is a time to consider how fortunate those of us are that live in any place we can call home.
@iamdan not sure if you’re on this year mate but did my first of 3 shifts today
Probably the best story of the day was that the centre was able to find temporary accommodation for a young woman who had been living in a car with a 2 month old.
Back in 2mo and Thurs eve so hope to share some more positive stories with you all
Not sure how something like this can even happen as she would have a priority need due to the child so the local authority would have sufficient reason to believe to have an interim duty to provide accommodation while dealing with a homeless application.
Well done @cabbles and @iamdan. My lady applied for us to do the same here I Perth but the centres had an excess of applicants and we were denied. Seemed a bit odd to me for the charity to knock back free help but I guess it’s nice to know so many over here are willing to help out. I hope your shifts go well gents. Merry Christmas to you both.
@iamdan not sure if you’re on this year mate but did my first of 3 shifts today
Probably the best story of the day was that the centre was able to find temporary accommodation for a young woman who had been living in a car with a 2 month old.
Back in 2mo and Thurs eve so hope to share some more positive stories with you all
Not sure how something like this can even happen as she would have a priority need due to the child so the local authority would have sufficient reason to believe to have an interim duty to provide accommodation while dealing with a homeless application.
I have no idea re: the mechanics of the situation mate. I know that they said women with with children get priority which is why the centres are full of single males
I’m just in the middle of my 2nd shift. Hopefully will have some positive stuff to share at the end with you all
It proper hit me a bit today if I’m honest. Didn’t get much sleep and I know I’m always a bit emotional when I’m tired. It was manning the clothing queue and seeing everyone queue up patiently waiting for things I just take forgranted every day. It can be like that and they warn of how emotional it can leave you
The good news stories that they shared at the end of the day were a mother and son who came in in the morning who had been evicted last week and spent last night wandering the streets. They were in the process of speaking with the housing association about accommodation. Another family who were in a similar situation were referred to the centre down the road and I believe they’re going to be staying there for the duration of the week whilst crisis in on, up until the 30th.
On a lighter note, 35 haircuts, 8 health assessments and a few other bits and bobs they said at the end of the brief I didn’t catch
Not back in till Thursday, so @iamdan good luck for the rest of your shifts mate, hope you’re hearing of some similar achievements :-)
It proper hit me a bit today if I’m honest. Didn’t get much sleep and I know I’m always a bit emotional when I’m tired. It was manning the clothing queue and seeing everyone queue up patiently waiting for things I just take forgranted every day. It can be like that and they warn of how emotional it can leave you
The good news stories that they shared at the end of the day were a mother and son who came in in the morning who had been evicted last week and spent last night wandering the streets. They were in the process of speaking with the housing association about accommodation. Another family who were in a similar situation were referred to the centre down the road and I believe they’re going to be staying there for the duration of the week whilst crisis in on, up until the 30th.
On a lighter note, 35 haircuts, 8 health assessments and a few other bits and bobs they said at the end of the brief I didn’t catch
Not back in till Thursday, so @iamdan good luck for the rest of your shifts mate, hope you’re hearing of some similar achievements :-)
It’s just as well there are people like you about mate. Top work.
Last shift finished up about an hour or so and that’s me done for this year.
A couple of stories. One chap who had been sleeping rough for 2 nights and was relatively new to the world of rough sleeping was very fearful of facing a 3rd night. He came into the centre (it’s a day centre), and they managed to refer him to the one down the road that is residential and he has a bed for the next few nights
Another chap who in the words of the co-ordinators has a ‘crew’ that he sleeps rough with, actually enjoyed his time during the day so much having had a haircut etc and been looked after, he decided to take a bed for the night and would be using the centre again 2mo.
According to the centre coordinators and the ones that do it every year, you can only give as much as people are willing to take, so they see anything like that as a victory
Thanks to @AFKABartram for pushing this on twitter and on here re: donating. I know @MartTheTaxi donated and I’m sure many of you have given as well. Really appreciate and really appreciate having this forum to raise awareness.
Appreciate Xmas is a time for families and I know many of you have full schedules at this time of year, but if any of you do fancy it next year, they usually open up for volunteering around Oct time. If you can spare a few days you’d be making a massive difference. Seems the subject has gained a lot of traction this year which obviously bad, but hopefully a raised awareness will help bring about more of a solution
Again thanks for all your kind words and support
If any of you want to know more about it, just PM me
Last shift finished up about an hour or so and that’s me done for this year.
A couple of stories. One chap who had been sleeping rough for 2 nights and was relatively new to the world of rough sleeping was very fearful of facing a 3rd night. He came into the centre (it’s a day centre), and they managed to refer him to the one down the road that is residential and he has a bed for the next few nights
Another chap who in the words of the co-ordinators has a ‘crew’ that he sleeps rough with, actually enjoyed his time during the day so much having had a haircut etc and been looked after, he decided to take a bed for the night and would be using the centre again 2mo.
According to the centre coordinators and the ones that do it every year, you can only give as much as people are willing to take, so they see anything like that as a victory
Thanks to @AFKABartram for pushing this on twitter and on here re: donating. I know @MartTheTaxi donated and I’m sure many of you have given as well. Really appreciate and really appreciate having this forum to raise awareness.
Appreciate Xmas is a time for families and I know many of you have full schedules at this time of year, but if any of you do fancy it next year, they usually open up for volunteering around Oct time. If you can spare a few days you’d be making a massive difference. Seems the subject has gained a lot of traction this year which obviously bad, but hopefully a raised awareness will help bring about more of a solution
Again thanks for all your kind words and support
If any of you want to know more about it, just PM me
Cracking work @cabbles. Good lad. Always good to hear other volunteer experiences.
Just clocked off on my second shift at the Bermondsey centre. It was a cold one but everyone seemed in decent spirits. This is my third year now and I honestly can't see any other way to spend Christmas going forward. It's been tough to fit my shifts in around work and other festive commitments this year but I was determined to make it work and so glad I did.
It can definitely be hard going at times but I would wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go if you get the chance.
Last shift finished up about an hour or so and that’s me done for this year.
A couple of stories. One chap who had been sleeping rough for 2 nights and was relatively new to the world of rough sleeping was very fearful of facing a 3rd night. He came into the centre (it’s a day centre), and they managed to refer him to the one down the road that is residential and he has a bed for the next few nights
Another chap who in the words of the co-ordinators has a ‘crew’ that he sleeps rough with, actually enjoyed his time during the day so much having had a haircut etc and been looked after, he decided to take a bed for the night and would be using the centre again 2mo.
According to the centre coordinators and the ones that do it every year, you can only give as much as people are willing to take, so they see anything like that as a victory
Thanks to @AFKABartram for pushing this on twitter and on here re: donating. I know @MartTheTaxi donated and I’m sure many of you have given as well. Really appreciate and really appreciate having this forum to raise awareness.
Appreciate Xmas is a time for families and I know many of you have full schedules at this time of year, but if any of you do fancy it next year, they usually open up for volunteering around Oct time. If you can spare a few days you’d be making a massive difference. Seems the subject has gained a lot of traction this year which obviously bad, but hopefully a raised awareness will help bring about more of a solution
Again thanks for all your kind words and support
If any of you want to know more about it, just PM me
Cracking work @cabbles. Good lad. Always good to hear other volunteer experiences.
Just clocked off on my second shift at the Bermondsey centre. It was a cold one but everyone seemed in decent spirits. This is my third year now and I honestly can't see any other way to spend Christmas going forward. It's been tough to fit my shifts in around work and other festive commitments this year but I was determined to make it work and so glad I did.
It can definitely be hard going at times but I would wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go if you get the chance.
Top work mate and glad to read of another lifer doing it. It does seem to be something you stick with if you have the time and fair play to committing to it around work and family. I’m lucky enough to have Xmas off so it is feasible for me
Comments
Probably the best story of the day was that the centre was able to find temporary accommodation for a young woman who had been living in a car with a 2 month old.
Back in 2mo and Thurs eve so hope to share some more positive stories with you all
I'm not paying for Katies drink though, you can poke that .
They all said at the end of the shift that there is this thing called NHS pathway which has calculated that because of all the centres across london, it knocks off waiting times in a&e down by quite a bit throughout Xmas, new year and into Feb
£28.18 will sponsor a place for someone. However her involvement is more with support services which can hopefully help those people back onto their feet.
https://www.crisis.org.uk/
If you’re around on these days give me a shout.
Top man, pleased you’re doing it again
I’m down the road this year at the Day centre. I didn’t pick it purposefully just saw Bermondsey and forgot they have 2
Hope it goes well
Well done to all those volunteers though. Proud of you all.
Used to manage a scheme for homeless families.. As for now I still work meeting homeless folks most days. Our resources are such that there aren't enough beds in the homeless hostels. The sad reality is that for now the department won't provide anything for the current rough sleepers until it goes below freezing for three consecutive days. Then they are permitted to give out a one man tent and sleeping bag, yes that's what I said. It is the Cold Weather Policy. I will often tell people to find a corner in the A& E waiting area, just to keep the elements at bay for a few hours until they get kicked out in the morning.
Christmas truly is a time to consider how fortunate those of us are that live in any place we can call home.
I’m just in the middle of my 2nd shift. Hopefully will have some positive stuff to share at the end with you all
Thanks for all the nice messages
The good news stories that they shared at the end of the day were a mother and son who came in in the morning who had been evicted last week and spent last night wandering the streets. They were in the process of speaking with the housing association about accommodation. Another family who were in a similar situation were referred to the centre down the road and I believe they’re going to be staying there for the duration of the week whilst crisis in on, up until the 30th.
On a lighter note, 35 haircuts, 8 health assessments and a few other bits and bobs they said at the end of the brief I didn’t catch
Not back in till Thursday, so @iamdan good luck for the rest of your shifts mate, hope you’re hearing of some similar achievements :-)
I’m sure I’m not the only one reading that would like to help in a small way
Whatever anyone gives will be gratefully received
Absolutely cream crackered after the night shift, back in tomorrow from 3pm until 11, same time on Boxing Day too.
A couple of stories. One chap who had been sleeping rough for 2 nights and was relatively new to the world of rough sleeping was very fearful of facing a 3rd night. He came into the centre (it’s a day centre), and they managed to refer him to the one down the road that is residential and he has a bed for the next few nights
Another chap who in the words of the co-ordinators has a ‘crew’ that he sleeps rough with, actually enjoyed his time during the day so much having had a haircut etc and been looked after, he decided to take a bed for the night and would be using the centre again 2mo.
According to the centre coordinators and the ones that do it every year, you can only give as much as people are willing to take, so they see anything like that as a victory
Thanks to @AFKABartram for pushing this on twitter and on here re: donating. I know @MartTheTaxi donated and I’m sure many of you have given as well. Really appreciate and really appreciate having this forum to raise awareness.
Appreciate Xmas is a time for families and I know many of you have full schedules at this time of year, but if any of you do fancy it next year, they usually open up for volunteering around Oct time. If you can spare a few days you’d be making a massive difference. Seems the subject has gained a lot of traction this year which obviously bad, but hopefully a raised awareness will help bring about more of a solution
Again thanks for all your kind words and support
If any of you want to know more about it, just PM me
I’ll do a write up soon of my experiences at Harris Bermondsey.
Today i did destroy a guest 6-1 playing crossbars from 18/20 yards on the 3G pitch - made him feel really good about himself..
Just clocked off on my second shift at the Bermondsey centre. It was a cold one but everyone seemed in decent spirits. This is my third year now and I honestly can't see any other way to spend Christmas going forward. It's been tough to fit my shifts in around work and other festive commitments this year but I was determined to make it work and so glad I did.
It can definitely be hard going at times but I would wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go if you get the chance.
Great stuff
https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/reserve-a-place-at-crisis-at-christmas/