All over the world this Christmas Day, millions of people will be spending time at home with their families and enjoying the festive season. Unfortunatley though, for many people, home is a hostel, a friends sofa or worse, a cold, wet doorway on a windy street.
Thankfully this Christmas, there are places for vulnerable people to go for a hot meal, a drink of steaming tea and a chat with friends and caring volunteers.
The People’s Kitchen have been feeding the homeless and vulnerable of Newcastle for more than 30 years, six days a week and the charity is run entirely by volunteers, no government funding is received and no one is paid for their work.
One volunteer who will once again be working on Christmas Day has been volunteering for more than 30 years.
Beryl Wood remembers when she was one of just a handful of kind souls, including the charity’s late founder, Alison Kay, who would help the homeless on the streets of Newcastle.
She said: “Before we had The Kitchen, we would go out onto the streets and serve soup to those in need. We got to know them well and they came to rely on us, not only for food but for companionship too.”
Those early days led to the formation of The Kitchen where food and warm clothes are readily on hand thanks to donations from individuals and businesses.
“Christmas is always special at The People’s Kitchen,” said Beryl.”As well as a lovely hot meal, we also provide a safe place where people can come and feel part of a family. That can make a huge difference to people’s lives.”
Taking part in her first Christmas Day is 22 year old Katie Baverstock.
Katie started volunteering with Newcastle’s People’s Kitchen in the Autumn. She gives up her Wednesday evenings each week to serve food and chat with those less fortunate than herself.
On Christmas Day, Katie will leave her parents at home in Denton Burn and travel to the Kitchen in Newcastle. She will work from 10am to 2pm and help to serve hundreds of meals including the traditional Turkey dinner.
“It’ll be my first Christmas at The Kitchen but I’ve heard so much about it from my fellow volunteers. It’s a magical time of year for everyone but for many vulnerable people it can be just another day. We all work towards giving them a touch of normal family life with good food, a few party games and a lot of chatting and socialising in a warm and friendly atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Katie joined The People’s Kitchen team after doing some voluntary work with a local food bank. She realised that there were people who she could help simply by serving meals and spending time with them.
“I’m lucky that I can go home after my shift at the Kitchen and celebrate Christmas with my family. Giving up a few hours per week is the least I can do to help.”
To donate to The People’s Kitchen – www.peopleskitchen.co.uk/donate
Photo Shows Katie AND BERYL