Winterwatch Hostel

Dear Friends,

The Winterwatch Hostel is running very well and is always full. We have managed to move a few people on into more permanent accommodation thanks to the very hard working staff led by Steven and Monica. Some of you may have met either of them or Lisa, Andrea and Meryn. We also have Kate working on a part time basis as an outreach worker. With a high staffing level it is possible - though more expensive! - to keep the hostel open during the day which is proving beneficial as you will see below.
However, we have lost some volunteers - two in hospital and three with unexpected family commitments which prevent them being involved as much year - two were invaluable sleepover vols.! We have also altered the rota system which has provided a more popular slot of 4pm-7pm which sometimes means that we have gaps on the 6-10pm slot. Although we have several new and excellent volunteers, we'd love to have some more! We are just managing on the sleepover slot - more volunteers would be welcomed. Please ring me or the hostel - 891900. Volunteer quote -" I wasn't sure that I'd enjoy this, but I really do!"

If you are kindly putting out a box for items for the hostel please could you ask for automatic washing powder, cling film, peanut butter, shaving cream/foam, 60 watt light bulbs and multi vitamin tablets. Does someone know an inexpensive source where we could purchase these?

If you are passing perhaps you could drop in your previous day's newspaper.

Does anyone have a guitar surplus to requirements which could be donated?

We are also appealing for artists who would like to come in during the day and take a class. Pens, pencils and paper would be another valuable donation. There is also a poetry writing group who would appreciate paper and pens.

Please make any cheques payable to First Base for the Homeless.

And lastly, we are continuing to make progress towards the permanent hostel. Nasir Virji will report on this at the next CTF meeting.
Yours ever,

If you can offer help PLEASE : e-mail with your details and you will be contacted.