July, August and September …….

I have still been scouring the streets for homeless people over these last few months but due to work and issues at home I have not had the time to go on the computer and log all that I have seen.

I have has Liam, Harriet and James out with me, obviously not all at the same time.

There has been many new homeless people that I have met of which most I do not think are homeless, just begging on the streets hoping for people to give them money. This is not good for the genuine guys.

I have seen many of the regulars but have seen more just one off beggars. The real rough sleepers are suffering through this as passers by give to only one or two beggars and they are usually the ones that can be seen clearly by the public.

The police know who the genuine ones are and move them on but if it is just one off beggars then the police probably don’t know them and they can just pick up there few bits and move before the police see them and blend into the crowd.

The winter is coming and my blanket, duvet and clothing storage is getting bigger which is a good thing, just need to start collecting more soup and non perishable foods.

Throughout this year since Christmas I have been buying most of the food stocks but I cant keep doing this as I am suffering financially too the same as most people. If you or any one you know can spare a tin of soup or bag of crisps then please let me know, everything is a help. Thankfully I have a local bakery that helps me out with bread whenever I go out and that is a great help and very much appreciated by myself and the homeless guys.

As the winter draws in I will be going out a couple times a week and hope to keep this diary going on a regular basis.

TUESDAY 26^TH JUNE 2012. Tonight we see TINNY, JIM, PAUL, IAN and his brother MARK and SEAN.

I was in a rush to get out this evening as I finished work later so I never had time to butter the rolls and make up a flask of soup so I just filled the flasks with hot water and took out cuppa soups and we buttered the rolls as we went along.

I picked up Courtney and we went to meet Jim at the end of the Eastern road, he came in my car.

We headed straight for Portsmouth Harbour where we spoke with Tinny and Jim. Jim said last week that he and his friend Kevin were hoping to go back to Liverpool but unfortunately they didn’t have the money. Jim said that they haven’t received any benefits and that was the money they were relying on to go back. We gave Jim a coffee and food then he moved on. Tinny was in his usual place so we went over and spoke with him. He has got himself in a bit of bother with 2 woman who he likes a lot, the story was quite funny I must say.

We moved on to see Paul in Osborne road, he was in good spirits, he said that when he is on his feet he hopes to have a woman like me by his side, this was very sweet but he said also I was like a mother to him ha ha. He also said he would like to take me to dinner when he has sorted himself out, so sweet.

As we were talking to Paul, Ian came along with his brother in tow. I have heard a lot about him but never met him so it was good to put a name to a face.

We moved onto Albert road to see Sean, we had a chat and gave him some food. He told us that he has lost the spot where he could have had his caravan put. Looks like it will be staying up north for a while yet.

Eventually we headed home.

TUESDAY 19^th JUNE 2012. Tonight we see JIM, TINNY, PAUL, JIM (from palmeston road), FRANKIE and a new lad called GRANT.

Again I met up with my friend Jim, He really enjoyed coming out last week and wants to come out when he can, I am happy with this as he had a very gentle approach to people and the guys seemed to take to him as well which is always a plus as we need these guys to gain our trust. They get a lot of abuse being on the streets, as I said in previous weeks so it is nice for them to have a friend who they can trust and talk to.

We went to the hostel first and dropped off the left over bread then went to Portsmouth harbour to see Tinny and Jim. Jim was saying that he and kevin were hoping to go back to Liverpool to find work next Monday so we may not see them again, hopefully they will have a better chance in Liverpool.

When we finished with these two we drove around for a while then we went to Osborne road where we found Paul. He was looking quite well considering and he was pleased to see us as I haven’t seen him around for a few weeks.

We moved on to Elm grove and stopped to see Frankie, she was very sweet to us , she thought Jim and I were a couple but we set her straight telling her we have our own partners. Frankie kept wanting to kiss Jim, think she has a soft spot for him. As we were giving her food a friend of hers came along to take her somewhere else, Frankie got up and started hurling a load of abuse at a security guard in the co-op and also the shop staff. Jim and I decided to move on as we didn’t want to get involved with this sort of thing, we did try to ease her away but she wasn’t having any of it so we went on.

We went to Albert road where we see the other Jim, we have seen him a few times before, he was in the Marines for many years then ended up on the streets as he could get a job in the civvy world, absolutely terrible. He didn’t look too good but I suppose rough living does this to you. We also spoke with a new guy called Grant, he occasionally stays with his mother but spends most of his days and night on the streets. When we finished chatting with these guys I took Jim along the seafront so we could get an ice cream, we parked up by the fun fair got an ice cream and walked towards old Portsmouth to see if we could find anyone else.

We headed for home after that

TUESDAY 12^TH JUNE. Tonight we see JIM, IAN, SEAN, TINNY, CHRIS and met a new homeless woman called Frankie.

Tonight I had a good friend called Jim come out with me, we met at the end of the Eastern road where he left his car and jumped in with me.

Jim has not done this sort of thing and really enjoyed the evening, he said it was an eye opener and didn’t know what to expect.

We headed straight to the hostel where we delivered the rest of the bread and rolls that I had left over from the bakers. A local bakery give me bread whenever I go out and they have started giving me savouries such as quiche, sausage rolls and pies etc.. At the end of the bakeries working day they throw away the stuff that is left over so I take it off their hands and put it to good use. There is nothing wrong with the food but the bakery by law cannot sell it the next day. Still this is still very generous of them so if you are reading this thank you so very much from me and the homeless guys, we really appreciate it.

When we delivered the bread to the hostel we went to Portsmouth harbour where we see Tinny, Jim and Chris. We gave them soup, bread and butter, cake, pie and coffee etc and I introduced them to my friend Jim. They all were very polite and chatty. The homeless guy Jim was trying his hardest to understand our conversation but did have slight difficulty as he is from Hungary and doesn’t know much of the English language. We managed to find out where he and his friend Kevin were sleeping, (Tesco’s car park). They have both managed to get some bedding so they never required anything I brought out for them. They were both down the job centre and library every day trying to find work but no success at all.

When we finished with these lads we moved onto the hot walls, along the sea front and around a few other roads but found no one about unfortunately, we even went down Palmeston road and Osborne road to find no one about.

We went to Elm Grove and found a lady called Frankie, she is a self-harmer, she had cuts all up her arms bless her and she told us that she has been homeless for 5 years. We asked her if she had seen Ian or any of the others but she said no. She was a bit wary of us at first as she has had a lot of people verbally and physically abusing her when she is sitting around on the streets. She told us that she had somewhere to heat food if she needed to so we gave her a few bits to eat now and for later.

We went down Albert road and see Ian and Sean, we gave them a few bits and had a nice chat.

Sean tells me that he has found somewhere for his caravan to go if he can get it down here from up North, problem is Sean can’t drive bless him.

We headed back to Jims car then went home. Jim apologised for being a bit quiet, he said it affected him more than he expected. 

TUESDAY 5^TH JUNE 2012. Tonight we found 3 new homeless men, GARETH, JIM, KEVIN and we also see Tinny.

The weather was awful this evening, windy and very wet but we carried on regardless. At the end of the day we are only in the wet and wind for literally minutes at a time, not like the poor homeless guys who have to sleep in it !!

I picked Courtney up then we headed to the Hard interchange, we sat with Tinny for a short while, even though it was raining, he was feeling a bit low this evening, think it was the miserable weather ! We gave tinny some meat rolls, crisps, cakes and coffee etc and had a little chat with him, trying to cheer him up. I asked Tinny about the big building that was opposite him as it was empty and would be ideal for the homeless guys to do up, he said it was privately owned and had security guards there all the time. I told him I would look into it but couldn’t promise anything. Courtney and I carried on round in the car to the Gosport ferry end to see if the other regulars were about but they weren’t. There was a young guy who we got out to speak to, he was soaking wet, been begging most of the day and had nothing dry to sleep in now. We gave him some hot soup and food. His name was Gareth, he used to live in Wiltshire and has been in care most of his life, he said he has had to fend for himself since he was little which I found very sad. He was a chatty person. Another guy came along to where we were chatting then Gareth said it was time for him to give the pitch to someone else now, he was moving on for the next homeless guy. This is the usual way the homeless guys work, they share a pitch to beg or sell the big issue.

Anyway, Gareth moved off then this other guy asked me if I had any food, he was foreign, his name was Jim. He didn’t look homeless but he said that he and his friend, Kevin, had only been on the streets for 1 week. They travelled down from Liverpool as they were told that they would find work down here. When speaking to him his friend came along so we fed and watered him as well. They are both from Hungry. It felt so guilty as I didn’t bring any clothes or bedding out this evening and they both were very cold and had no shelter from the rain either. I advised them to have a chat with Tinny as he may be able to point them in the right direction for a nights shelter out of the rain, I did tell them about the hot walls as it was kind of closed in…

Courtney and I carried on our usual route but found no one else apart from a very drunk homeless guy sitting in a door way, this frightened Courtney and she didn’t want me to stop the car. He was a bit of a state and had a black eye, he did look a bit dodgy so we carried on. I’ll come back and see him next week as I don’t like leaving people if they need help but I was worried about little Courtney’s feelings at the time.

END OF APRIL AND ALL OF MAY.

My apologies to everyone. I have been out several times to see the homeless but not written anything up so again I am sorry.Work has been extra busy and also I have spent a few days here and there working in Wiltshire so I have not had the time to write anything up.The times that I have been out young Courtney has been with me, we see the usual crowd and also a few new guys, one of which had only just got out of prison. He had somewhere to stay but had no money for food or anything, he approached me as I was talking to another new guy, he asked if I was the soup kitchen, this made me chuckle a little as I only got a Volkswagen polo of which I fill with sandwiches, flasks, crisps etc…. he was a nice polite lad, we fed them both, I forgot their names though as my memory is not very good ha ha.We also approached a lady, she had to be in her late 50s early 60s. She was extremely rude, Courtney and myself walked over to her and softly asked her if she would like a sandwich, she was eating a banana at the time. She stood up walked over to me and told me to f**k off and leave her alone, so we did! She picked up all her bags and walked in the opposite direction. I must admit that we have never experienced anyone like this, she was defiantly homeless as tinny said she is known around here but doesn’t talk or walk with anyone, a bit of a loner I think and probably been verbally abused by others all her street life, that could be why she had an attitude, protection. I have been on BBC Radio Solent again as a drive time guest, 17.15 Friday 1^st June, Steve Harris was the presenter, lovely guy, not bad looking either looking at his pics on BBCi Player ha ha !!!. I was talking to him about me wanting to raise money so that I can do some charity work in Morocco later this year. It is something I have always wanted to do and I can do it as soon as I raise at least £600. I’ll be going out with a group of volunteers, the money I need is £125 to secure my place, £125 a week for accommodation (at least that’s what I think it is for, the charity just gave me these figures), and £150 for return flights. It’s not too bad but now im looking for ideas to raise money so if anyone has any ideas please let me know!!! I will be working in orphanages and also working with the street children of Morocco, it will be heart breaking but knowing I can help, even if it is only for 2 weeks will be a blessing and experience.That’s all for now but I’m hoping to be able to write up tomorrow as I’m out this evening seeing the guys and girls on our streets living rough .

TUESDAY 24^TH APRIL 2012. Tonight we see CHRIS, ZOE, LEE, TINNY, JIM AND IAN.

Liam and Harriet wanted to come out this evening as they haven’t seen anyone in a while. We started at the Hard interchange as usual and see Chris, Zoe and lee. I have been unable to see them for 2 weeks as I was working in Wiltshire for a few days then went to Cornwall for a little break. Chris came straight over to the car to give me a hug, was a nice feeling to have been missed ha ha. We gave soup, sandwiches, chocolate bars, crisps etc. to all three and had a little chat. Lee was hanging around quite a bit so I couldn’t talk to Chris and Zoe properly. If you have been reading this blog then you will know that Lee has a wife, 3 children and a 3 bedroom house that he lives in, I still give him stuff so that he doesn’t take it off the others and I don’t want him knowing that I am aware of his situation in case he turns nasty on the others or us. We went over to where Tinny was sitting and fed him, he told me that he had a head ache but felt better than he had as he has been feeling poorly the last few days, poor Tinny, he always seems to pick up some illness, probably due to sleeping rough and being run down. We carried on with our round and found Jim sat outside Robert Dyas in Palmerston Road. He was not in a good way, said he was very tired, he kept falling asleep during our conversation, possibly drug induced. We gave him some food and went on our way. I drove around some new roads to find other places that homeless may hang around but no joy so we then made our way to Albert Road where we spoke with Ian. He was back to being his normal self, previously he was run down due to death of his friend so it was nice to see him lokking better. We fed him and he asked if I had any size 10 shoes, his had big holes in them.I said I bring him some down with me next week if I couldn’t get them to him the weekend. After Ian we took a drive to Mill house to give them a load of bread and rolls I had left over. The people running Mill house will dish out the bread at meal times for the homeless they have there. A local bakery give me rolls and bread when I need it, I just make a phone call and pick it up hours before I go out to the homeless so it is always fresh. I make up the rolls at home with ham, cheese or any filling I have. Whatever is left over I give to hostels. 

MONDAY 2^ND APRIL 2012. I put an empty trolley in Tescos superstore in Havant for people to donate tins and packets of food. I did this at Christmas and it was very successful and had alot of donations. The trolley had feed the homeless this easter on both sides so no one could miss it..

TUESDAY 3^RD APRIL 2012. Tonight we see TINNY, CHRIS, JAMIE, PAUL, SEAN and IAN.

This evening we are meeting up with Ben Fishwick, he is at university doing journalism. He took an interest in my blog and contacted me to ask if he could do a story. Of course I said yes as I still want to make people aware of the real world beyond our doors.

It was a pleasure meeting Ben, such a nice polite guy.

I picked Courtney up at our usual time and headed to the Hard to meet Linda, she came over by ferry tonight. Linda had some sandwiches given to her by her friend so she brought them along. Today I heated some hotdogs and put them in a food flask but I came across a problem when trying to get them out as I had forgotten to bring a fork, it was so funny but we managed with difficulty with 2 plastic spoons.

Ben met us at the Hard where we met up with Tinny and Chris. Tinny was with a lady friend, she seemed nice to talk to. We gave Tinny and Chris a couple of hotdogs in rolls and some other bits. I got paid on Friday so I was able to buy a few treats as well for them. Tinny had a little chat with Ben which will help with his story.

We all moved on to Osborne road where Ben took us all for a coffee, Paul wasn’t there at that point but when we finished our drinks he had turned up. We fed him and had a little chat with him.

We spoke to Jamie a little earlier on the phone and he asked if we would go round to the house where he has a room, he wanted to show me a while ago but I never had the time. I told him that ben was with us and Jamie said to bring him along as he would like to talk to him about how he went from the streets to his new room and he also wanted to tell him how I still help him until he gets back on his feet. We all bundled into his house and he showed us around, it was lovely, very clean and tidy. On his dressing table was a photo of his daughter, he misses her so much, she is only a toddler.

We left Ben when we finished with Jamie, I did offer to drop him home but he said he didn’t have far to go.

Courtney, Linda and myself then went to Albert road where we see and fed Sean. I was chatting with him when Ben walked past; he said that there was another homeless guy down the road a little bit so we went down there to find Ian sitting there begging. We gave him all that he needed and had a little chat with him too.

We drove Linda back to the Ferry and then went on home.

THURSDAY 5^TH APRIL 2012. Courtney and I had a photo taken at Tesco’s with our homeless trolley. Ben organised this for his story.

SATURDAY 7^TH APRIL 2012. Went to Tesco’s to pick up homeless trolley. Very embarrassing to say the least. Only 2 tins of soup (of which I put in) 1 tin salmon and packet of super noodles. Looks like im going to have to find another way of donations so I can carry on with helping these guys. Funds are very very low for me at this time but I will get what I can when I can.

THURSDAY 29^TH MARCH 2012. Only found 3 regulars tonight, JAMIE, IAN AND PAUL. R.I.P NEIL

You may have noticed that there is no write up for last week but that was because I was without a car. I had a bit of a problem with my brakes, actually that’s an understatement, the truth is that my pads and discs were badly worn , so much so that my mechanic said he has seen nothing like it in his life. I told him that I didn’t realise but I am only a mere woman after all, ha ha. I then got them sorted and was preparing to come out Tuesday (27^th). On my way home from work my car started jumping/juddering, tuned out it was my spark plugs and I needed a coil pack or something, anyway my mechanic said he would fix it by 18.30 that evening so I packed the car up with all I need for the run that evening, including flasks of hot soup ready to go when he had fixed the problem. The evening ticked by and he eventually turned up but by that time it was too late to go out. I unpacked the car, chucked away the food and went indoors and just cried, what a week !!! Expense I couldn’t afford and I felt so guilty that I hadn’t been out to see the guys. Things could only get better surely ? I kept in touch with Chris as he had a phone and he updated others for me, just wanted them to know that I wasn’t making excuses and am trying my hardest to sort things and I missed seeing them all.

Anyway, we eventually got out tonight, car working and just enough petrol, threat of petrol strike caused me a few problems too ha ha but I won’t go into that now.

I went round to pick Courtney up, half an hour earlier than usual time then we headed straight to the Hard, no sign of Tinny, Chris, Jamie or Timothy. I decided to phone chris but no reply so I tried Jamie, he answered and said he was on his way, in fact he was on the other side of the road. We had a very long chat, talked about how he is looking for work now and is trying to get his life back on track. I told him that I need a few jobs doing around my house soon as I am in the process of a fostering application and would like all the jobs done for when/if I get accepted.

Jamie is a qualified electrician and Chris was a painter and decorator, I think people forget that the homeless people did have normal lives at one point, with families and homes.

Jamie said they would love to help. Jamie phoned Chris to find out where he was and he said he was out and about with tinny and would be back later. Jamie gave me the phone as Chris and Tinny wanted to wish me a happy Easter bless em. I gave Jamie an Easter egg as well as soup and bread. Chris asked me to leave his soup and bread with Jamie so I did; I also made a couple of rolls for Tinny and left them with Jamie along with their Easter eggs.

We went down to Osborne road after and found Paul sat outside the bank. We took soup and bread over to him. I asked him if he was alright as he didn’t look good. His reply was “no, im fed up with life and everything”. I asked Courtney to go to the car to get an Easter egg for Paul to try and put a smile on his face. Paul was so sad, he said that he is angry with himself also as he feels he has been lying to me all this time. When I asked him how he has lied, he said that he has got a flat. He also said that he stays out as much as he can and does sleep rough too, he doesn’t like going home as his flat is full of drug users and drinkers, people just keep coming and going and he can’t even go to the police about it. Paul said he just wants a normal life, work, home etc. He was crying so much it broke my heart, I asked him if he wanted a cuddle, he held me so tight he took my breath away. He seemed a bit happier after and he said I was the genuine caring one, no one else cares for him. Poor little sod, I could quite easily of taken him home to look after, don’t think my old man would have been very happy though. We left Paul when he stopped crying and told him that we are always here for him.

We drove around a little to find more homeless but only see Ian. He too was in a bit of a state, he was talking to us when a guy I have fed and clothed before (Faz, 5th and 24th Jan 2012) came over and started speaking with Ian, he had a loud woman with him. This is when Ian said that Neil (last seen by me 1^st March 2012) with the dog had died about 2 weeks ago. According to Ian Neil’s body was found in the stairwell of a block of flats, he died of an over dose, apparently he done his own heroin injection then shortly after someone else put another needle in him, this is what killed him.

Ian had slept rough with Neil for about 6 months. Neil was a lovely caring man, just because he had a heroin addiction didn’t mean he was a bad person. He always had a lot of cuddles for me and I will miss seeing him around. Ian said that Neils father was due over from south Africa to see him any time soon, what a shock he will have when he finds out about his death and the way he lived his life, poor man.

We headed home after that feeling a bit raw after a very sad evening.

TUESDAY 13^TH MARCH 2012.  We met 1 new guy tonight called PAUL. We also see CHRIS, TINNY, TIMOTHY, IAN and PAUL (our regular).

Courtney came out with me tonight, she enjoys what we do, in fact she has a favourite guy and looks forward to talking to him, Timothy is that guy, and Courtney loves his accent (American) and thinks he is sweet. Linda too came out, she met us at the hard in Portsmouth then parked her car and came out in mine.

Tinny was our first port of call, he was smiling as usual and was pleased to see us. Tinny doesn’t like soup so usually I make him extra sandwiches and bring him coffee. I am running out of soup and have now ran out of coffee, crisps, chocolate bars, sandwich filling, butter etc… the usual stuff we all take for granted, in fact the stuff I am using tonight is from my own cupboards. I have told everyone this evening that I have ran out of most foods for them but should be ok at the end of the month when I get paid. I won’t let them go without even if they only have soup and bread.

Next we spoke with Chris, he was not with Jamie which was unusual. Chris said that Jamie was sorting a few things out but may be around a bit later. We walked over and spoke with Timothy, he was with another guy called Paul. When I was speaking to Paul he was telling us that he has just got out of prison, we never asked what for as I was a little wary of him. We fed them both then moved on our way to Osborne road where we see Paul, he looked very low tonight, I asked him if he wanted to talk but he said no, he couldn’t. We gave Paul some soup and food and then drove around to find other homeless guys but we only found Ian.

Ian was in Albert road tonight, said he was hanging around there until he gets moved on of which he hopes he won’t. Ian is in desperate need of a cap as his one was lost, unfortunately I didn’t bring out any clothes tonight as I was late in from work and only had time to do the food. I told Ian that I would sort one out for next week.

We drove around a little more but found no one else so I took Linda back to her car and we all went home.

TUESDAY 6^TH MARCH 2012. We see CHRIS, TINNY, JAMIE, IAN and PAUL.

Courtney came out this evening with me so when I picked her up we went straight to the Hard interchange to meet Linda. When there we spoke with Tinny, Chris and Jamie . They were all feeling the cold this evening but all in good spirits. We gave them all some food and soup and went on our way to Palmeston road where we met up with Paul. We fed and watered him and had a nice chat.

We drove to Albert road and found Ian sat outside the Balti house, he was teaching us a bit of French, he knows 5 different languages. I mentioned to him about the conversation I had last week with Neil. Ian said that it was all lies, I told him im not here to judge him or anyone, I just want to be here as a friend and someone he can trust.

I took Linda back to her car and we headed home. Thank you Courtney and Linda for all your help !!!!

THURSDAY 1^ST MARCH 2012. Tonight we see 2 new people and TINNY, JAMIE, CHRIS, PAUL, NEIL and GARY(only met briefly once before).

This evening Liam came out with me, I had the day off work today and was able to organise myself a bit better. Usually it is a rush when working as I finish work at 5pm and am usually out on the homeless run at 6.

We started at the hard as usual and see tinny, he was just as cheery as normal, he always makes me laugh. It’s incredible that he keeps smiling considering the life and unfortunate situation that life has put him in. We fed and watered Tinny then took the car to where Chris and the others would usually be. The only person there was Zoe, I have never met her before. I asked her if she had seen anyone else and she told me that Jamie was just over by the bus shelter. As I turned around we see him walking towards us, he looked so much better.

We gave him soup and food, Zoe refused, in fact she never said a lot at all. I think she was just cautious as she never knew us which was understandable. Whilst talking with Jamie along came Chris. Zoe got straight up to speak with him, they moved away from us as I think they wanted to talk in private. Jamie tells me that Zoe is Chris’s girlfriend, Chris has spoken about her many times before. When they came back zoe was a bit more chatty, I asked her if she needed and clothes, I gave her a few women’s tops that I had in the car and told her if she ever needs anything else then to tell Chris and ill get it for her. We gave Chris some food and bits. Jamie was again in a lot of pain, he seemed fine just now but he said that he sang a few songs when busking with his guitar earlier and thinks that’s why the pain has come back. I asked Chris to text me or call me if he gets any worse and ill take him to hospital, doesn’t matter what time of day of night. We drove about50 feet when Liam noticed a guy sleeping by the benches. We got out and asked him if he wanted anything and he said no. He kept saying that the homeless guys are all dangerous and I should be careful or go home, his name was john and he has been homeless for 4 weeks. He came from London and said he is going back as it is too dangerous here??? I told him the guys here are lovely. As we walked back to the car he started shouting, they are dangerous go home before you get hurt.

We carried on our journey to see Paul, like Tuesday he was very quiet, he did tell me that he has trouble opening up to people. He had a really bad week that he can’t talk about, I offered a shoulder for him and told him I am always here if he wants to talk, and I will not and do not judge people no matter what. His response was, if he could tell me he would, he said I am probably the only person he can trust, that meant a lot to me. We gave him food etc and went on our way.

We drove around Southsea and along the seafront to see if we could see anyone else but no joy so we headed for Albert Road where we see Neil and his dog. Neil is a very cuddly man, as soon as he see me he got up and gave me a huge big cuddle and kiss on cheek. Think he was pleased to see me ha ha. We had a little chat and we gave him some food. Liam fed his dear dog and played with him for a while. I asked Neil if he had seen Ian or Sean, he said Sean was about earlier today and Ian was off getting some heroin for himself and for Neil. I asked Neil if Ian is on heroin and he answered “that’s an understatement, in fact Ian told me how to inject in the groin as my veins are collapsing”. I wasn’t totally surprised as I have been told that Ian is on drugs. I told Neil, each to their own, I won’t judge him or Ian or in fact I don’t judge any of you. All the guys I have met have been polite and honest with me and I will help those that require and want help.

We carried on down the road a little and see Gary, we first met Gary on 19^th January, he was begging a little further down the road outside the co op back then. Gary remembered us and thanked us for all that we do. We gave him food and soup and had a little chat. We then went home .

TUESDAY 28^TH FEBRUARY 2012. Tonight we see TIMOTHY, JAMIE, IAN, PAUL and JIM. We also visited Mill house. JAMIE in a lot of pain tonight.

I went round to pick Courtney up from her house and we headed straight to the Hard (Portsmouth harbour) to meet Linda for 7 pm. We passed Tinny with all intentions of going back to him in a little while. I parked the car and got out to see Linda. There was no homeless people up this end so we decided to go on our round and come back later. Linda had collected some sandwiches and apples, (kindly donated by Highbury College) and we put them in the back of my car ready for delivering this evening. We went and found a place for Linda to park her car then she came in my car with us.

We made our way to Mill house to deliver some bread (kindly donated by a local bakery) as they always give me a lot so rather than waste it, I’ll take it to the hostel to eat with their evening meal.

I introduced Linda to Mark as she may be doing my trip when I go on holiday. I introduced Linda to all of the homeless we met this evening as they will hopefully be seeing a lot more of her and again she will be filling in for me when I am away.

We continued our way to Osborne road where we met Paul, sitting in his usual place outside the bank. Paul was quiet this evening, we gave him soup, sandwiches, bread, crisps etc. and then went to Albert Road.

Jim was sitting outside the Balti house, last time we see him he was in Palmeston road. Jim sleeps rough in Palmeston Road sometimes and begs in Albert road if there is a free pitch, I say free pitch because there are usually pitches for the big issue venders. We had a nice chat with Jim, he is always so polite and thankful, such a nice man. I went back to the car to get Jim some food when a very well dressed man approached me asking if I was a soup kitchen, my reply was a definite no, I explained and so did Linda that we do this off our own backs not for the church. He asked if he could have some soup as he was hungry. I told him that he didn’t look homeless and he said that he isn’t, he explained that he lives in a bedsit but has lost his wallet and was unable to get any food. How could I refuse, I’m such a soft touch at times but if I said no to him then I would feel terrible as he may of lost his wallet.

We fed and watered Jim and made our way back to the Hard to see Tinny and the others. Tinny had gone for the night. We spoke with Timothy and gave him some food and soup, he asked if I had any hotdogs or burgers, I told him that I wasn’t a burger van, we did chuckle about this. I was disappointed about Tinny not being there as I had all intentions of coming back to feed him.

Linda went off to find a lavatory and Courtney and I stayed and spoke with Timothy. Courtney says that he is her favourite and she loves his accent. Courtney has become more confident now and speaks to the guys a lot more, she really enjoys the work we do and is a natural people person.

Linda came running back saying that she has found Jamie collapsed behind the bins, we ran straight over to him and by this time he was on his feet struggling to push his bike. I took the bike off him and Courtney locked it up for him. Jamie sat down and we gave him some food and things. Talking to him he says that he fell over a plant pot a week and a half ago and fell on his chest. He had been down the hospital all day today and had an x-ray but never stayed around to get his results. I said I would take him back down there now but he refused. Jamie asked if he could use my phone to call Chris so I let him. I took Linda back to her car then went back to pick up Jamie took him round to see Chris who was at a friend’s house as Jamie was scared of being alone in case he got any worse.

I told him I will call him tomorrow of which I did.

Courtney and I headed home.

MONDAY 27^TH FEBRUARY. I had a phone call from STEVE HARRIS, DJ on radio Solent’s drive time. He asked if I was happy to go on the show at 5.15 this afternoon to talk about how everything is going with the homeless project. I was happy to go on the show as I feel very passionate about what I do and I would like more people to be aware of the help these poor people need. I was very nervous indeed, I tend to waffle on about nothing when I’m nervous but I think it went well. Thank you Steve for taking an interest…

TUESDAY 21^ST FEBRUARY 2012. Tonight Courtney came out with me and we see TINNY, CHRIS, JAMIE, TIMOTHY and IAN. We also met up with a lovely lady with offer of help.

Very cold and windy tonight but a special kind hearted lady still came out to meet with us. Linda followed me on twitter and then we started to email each other. Linda kindly offered her help and asked what sort of help I needed, I explained that I need soup, crisp and other non perishable foods as I am running low on supplies and also clothing and blankets.

Linda and I arranged to meet at the hard as she had some food and bits and she also collected some from other people she knows, she wanted to get them to me. What a lovely lady she is, I introduced her to Tinny, Jamie, Chris and timothy, and explained to them that she is helping with raising awareness of homelessness and also helping with food supplies.

Speaking to Chris, he was telling me that some kids stole 2 bags of his belongings and burnt his sleeping bag the other day, he only went to the toilet and when he came back his sleeping bag was in ashes. Why are people so cruel ??? Tinny was telling us about his life in foster care and how much it affected him, poor sod.

I drove round to Linda’s car where she off loaded all the goodies, I was so happy knowing that I can continue to feed these people. Linda wanted to come on our rounds with us so she followed in her car as mine was full to the brim.

I took her to Palmerston road and Osborne road but we found no one about. Linda wanted to do this again with me and I am happy to have her come along, Linda is going to follow me around for a couple of weeks so she gets to know the round that I do and she said she would be happy to cover me when I go on holiday which was a great relief to me.

Linda went on her way and Courtney and I carried on, we only found Ian after that but it was a relief to see him. Haven’t seen Ian for a few weeks now so finally finding him made my day. He tells me that he has been about but we obviously keep missing each other. He said he will be around next Tuesday so I will look hard..

Looking forward to meeting up with Linda next week………

TUESDAY 14^TH FEBRUARY 2012. Only 5 about this evening, TINNY, CHRIS, JAMIE, PAUL and the American guy TIMOTHY

Tonight I picked up young Courtney and went on our travels around Portsmouth. Di was unable to come tonight but Courtney was willing.

We firstly went to Mill House to see if they wanted any bread as my local bakery gave me so much today I had no room in my freezer. Mark, who works at mill house was very appreciative and said he will give it out at the dinner table tonight. I told him that I will bring down bread regular if it helps and he said it would so I will. Mark gave me his phone number and told me to call him if I have any concerns or worries about anyone I find sleeping rough.

We went to the Hard to see Jamie, Tinny, Chris and Timothy. Jamie tells me that there is a good chance that he should have a room in a house this time next week, I told him ill sort him some bedding and stuff out as he doesn’t have anything except what he sleeps with on the streets. We gave them some soup, coffee, sandwiches, cakes, crisps etc and had a chat with them. I felt so sorry for them tonight as poor Tinny has pleurisy again and Jamie and Chris are both full of flu. When I got back in the car I phoned Mark to tell him I was worried about them, especially Tinny. Mark told me that he can’t help Tinny as he has a home, I told him that he doesn’t have a home and I could show him the places where he sleeps. Mark is going out to see him later.We went on our way to Osborne road.

Only Paul around tonight, he hasn’t seen anyone else for a couple of days, he thinks that the council van driving around is helping people find shelter in this cold weather. I hope this is the case.

Carried on driving about but no one else to be found, its becoming very quiet these days, perhaps they are in shelter…

TUESDAY 7^TH FEBRUARY 2012. Hardly no one about tonight, only see TINNY and PAUL.

Di couldn’t make it tonight so it was just myself and Courtney.

Tonight is the coldest night yet I feel, that’s probably why everyone is in hiding. Tinny wasn’t sure where anyone else would be but we looked around the streets anyway just in case there was any more rough sleepers that we haven’t found yet.

Courtney and I walked around the hot walls in old Portsmouth to see if anyone was there but there wasn’t, we also went to palmeston and Osborne road but only found Paul. We asked him if he had seen anyone but he hadn’t seen any homeless guys all day.

We continued to drive but too cold for them tonight, just hope to god they have shelter for the night……

THURSDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2012. Only see 5 of our usuals today, SEAN, TINNY, CHRIS, JAMIE and we also bumped into STEVE (20^th DECEMBER) and JIM (23^rd NOVEMBER).

I had the day off work today so I decided to go to central point down Kingston road to see if they knew anything about the whereabouts of Phil and mark. I spoke to a lady who took my phone number and said she will contact me if she here’s anything. I went back home to make a bakewell tart and some scotch eggs for the lads tonight as I promised if I had the time I would make them some. Later on I had a phone call from central point, it was the manager, Leon. He just wanted to let me know that Phil and Mark are both safe and well and also housed now, I was so relieved to here this news. Whilst talking Leon asked me what I do exactly so I explained all to him and said I was independently doing this as I enjoy it. He asked if he could email me dates for meetings and said it would be good if I could attend. I agreed as I would get to meet all that are involved ie. Wardens etc..

It is an extremely cold evening tonight so we made sure we dressed extra warm. Harriet is helping tonight as Liam is doing his college course work.

We went to the hard first to see Jamie and Chris, Tinny wasn’t about at that time, we gave them things that they needed and their food for the evening, they were very happy with the homemade stuff I made. We took out extra coats tonight as the temperature has dropped so much and we gave Jamie a thicker longer one that he was wearing, he gave us the one he had on back to us to give to someone else.

After sorting these two out we went to Osborne road but no one about, we then walked down Palmeston road and we found Jim, he was so cold he could not stop shaking, I gave him some hot soup and food. We also gave him a jumper and couple of t shirts, he said it was more about layers rather than thickness. We got back in the car but I didn’t like leaving Jim in this way so I got back out and took him a coat over which he refused before as he already had 2 on. I eventually got him to put it on, I gave him a hand as it was tight fitting due to his other coats.

Anyway we went on our way satisfied that we managed to put coat on Jim. We went to Albert road and see Sean. As we were walking towards him we noticed he was talking to Steve, a homeless guy whose mother kicked him out because he was gay. Steve remembered us and thanked us for helping him in his time of need, how sweet of him. I asked how he was doing and he told us that his mother has accepted his sexuality but they still have a little way to go to being as close as they were. Steve has now got a roof over his head and is sorting himself out, I offered him some food and soup but he said no thankyou, he wanted it to go to people that needed it as he is ok now.

I gave Sean his food and soup then we drove around for a while to see if there was anyone else around but there wasn’t so we went back to the hard to if Tinny was there. He was , so we gave him a pot noodle as he doesn’t like soup very much. We gave him other food as well and had a chat. He was very cold and said he will be going shortly to find shelter.

After seeing everyone we headed home to empty the car out, were glad to get back in the warm but couldn’t help feeling guilty as everyone tonight was so very very cold. Makes you feel extremely lucky and grateful to have a roof over your head. I hope one day I will be able to put a roof over their heads but I have a long way to go yet but that won’t stop me trying…..

TUESDAY 31^ST JANUARY. Found 1 new gentleman called TIMOTHY, we also see CHRIS, JAMIE, TINNY and SEAN

Liam came out this evening with me as Di could make it. An extremely cold night tonight, I made sure Liam put his thermals on as it was so cold.

Liam and I went back to the seafront to see if there is any sign of Phil and mark, we went to the bowling green and the war memorial. No sign of anyone at all. We walked around the memorial and stopped when we heard voices, Liam turned to his left as that was where the voices were coming from but there was no one there except a statue, this freaked him out a little, and me. I said to Liam that this was exactly the spot where Di and I heard the coughing last time, I didn’t think I could walk as fast as I did after that. I was very scared, think the place is haunted. The strange thing about it was that the spot where we heard the voices was colder, it seemed as if we walked in and then out of a freezer, very strange. Anyway we soon left there as there was no one around.

We went to the hard and asked Tinny if he had heard or seen Phil but he said he hasn’t, we gave Tinny some food and coffee, he didn’t want soup. Going around behind the coach park we stopped and gave food and soup to Jamie and Chris. I gave Jamie the guitar and he was over the moon , he kept saying it’s a fender, I don’t know the difference from one guitar to the next but Jamie does ha ha. Liam and Jamie had a little jam together whilst I spoke to Chris. There was another chap at the end of the road who we stopped and fed, his name was Timothy, and he is American. He said that his father told him to sail to England to get to know the place where he was born. His parents had him then moved to California when he was a tiny baby; they came to England every 3 years to visit family. Unfortunately for Timothy his boat sank just after he had to abandon it due to it breaking down, so now he has nothing. I asked him if his parents could get him back home but he said they have both died since and there is no way back. I told him we would be back Thursday to give him more food and soup. According to Chris and Jamie this Timothy has still got his boat and he sleeps on it at night, so I’m not sure how much was truth in what he was telling us.

We went to Osborne road where there was no one tonight then went to see Sean down Albert road, he was told by the wardens that he is not allowed to sit on the floor when selling the big issue so I gave him a crate to sit on, it just seems that they are picking on him so that he has to move. They told him that he has to be 6inches off the floor so the crate I gave him was perfect. After feeding and sorting Sean out we drove about but found no one so we went back to the hard and gave all the coffee and soup to the lads down there, we then went home.

THURSDAY 26^TH JANUARY. Another quiet evening but we did see JAMIE, CHRIS, TINNY, SEAN and MAC

This evening I took out a young lady named Courtney, her mum is a carer at Echoes, the company I work for and she asked if her daughter could come out with me as she needs to do some volunteer work to help her achieve her duke of Edinburgh award. I didn’t mind her coming out but I was worried about her age as she is only 14, so I asked my son Lewis if he could come out with us, just as a precaution in case we come across any strange behaviour on our round.

We picked Lewis up on our way to the seafront, he only lives in Fratton so it wasn’t going out of my way. Our first stop was to see if there was any sign of Phil and Mark but agin there wasn’t, we stopped at the war memorial but never walked around it, just called out for Phil and Mark by the road side, but no one there. We went along to see Tinny, Chris and Jamie and introduced them to Lewis and Courtney. They were very polite as usual and made Courtney and Lewis feel at ease. Lewis and Courtney weren’t sure on what to expect when they came out with me but they were surprised at how nice these people are, Courtney said that they are just normal people like us but with no home, she really enjoyed herself. Lewis asked Jamie if he would like another guitar as he has one in doors that he no longer needs, Jamie of course accepted as his guitar has seen better days. I told him I’d bring it to him on Tuesday.

When we finished at the hard I took them both to Osborne road to meet Mac, he introduced himself and shook hands with them both. Mac told me that he had his drug test today and it came back clear, he was so proud of himself and so am I proud of him, it takes a lot to come off drugs, especially in the poor living conditions he is in. We gave Mac soup and rolls etc then went to see if Paul was about but he wasn’t so we went to Albert road to see Sean. I introduced Courtney to Sean and explained why she was with me tonight. Sean was now selling the big issue again so that he can stay in his spot without getting moved on. If you sell the big issue in big issue marked spots then you can’t get moved on by the police, council or wardens.

We fed Sean and gave him underwear etc then drove around but found no one else about so I dropped Lewis home and then Courtney and then I went home myself.

TUESDAY 24^TH JANUARY. Tonight we found no new gentleman. We see TINNY, JAMIE, CHRIS, PAUL and FAZ.

Tonight was a very quiet evening

Di and I went firstly to the seafront to find Phil and Mark but there was no sign of them where they were staying so we went to the war memorial just along the road. Phil said that they will be there if not in the normal place. Di and I walked all the way round the memorial but no joy, then we heard someone cough. We turned around to see if it was Phil or Mark but there was no one there, sounded like the cough was right behind us, this scared us a little as there was not a soul about , so where did the cough come from?

We got back in the car and went to see Tinny, Jamie and Chris at the hard interchange, we gave them all they needed and plenty of food. The local bakery gave a lot of readymade baguettes and sandwiches today so everyone was fed well and truly tonight. These lads are all so very grateful that it makes all what I am doing so worthwhile, I actually look forward to seeing them.

Chris and Jamie are staying in a bed and breakfast for the next 2 nights. They both see an elderly lady struggling with her luggage a few days ago so they both got up to help her, they carried her luggage to her sons car. The lady asked them both what their situation was and they explained they were homeless etc., she then told them that if they could scrape together £25 then they could stay in the attic room of her bed and breakfast for 2 nights, so that’s what they done. Jamie tells me that it is Chris’s birthday tomorrow and he didn’t want him sleeping on the streets on this day, how sweet. Jamie was in need of a pair of jeans and Liam gave a pair of his to me to give to Jamie as we couldn’t find any in his size in our collection of clothing. He was very happy with these.

After a long chat with them Di and I went to Osborne road to see Paul and Faz, no sign of Mac tonight. Faz didn’t recognize me from a few weeks ago, but he and paul did look as if they had been on something, they weren’t making much sense in what they were saying and seemed to have fixed stares. We gave them food and clothing and had a little chat then headed for Albert road. There was no one around this evening. I called Sean to see if all was ok and he said that he was fine. I asked if he had seen ian around as we haven’t seen him for some time now, Sean said that he has been hanging around Elm grove so we went there to find him but no Joy. Sean said that the wardens are moving them on all the time so as soon as they find somewhere to sit/sleep they move them on, these guys have no chance.

Di and I drove around some more but found no one else so we went back to the hard to give Jamie, Chris and Tinny the rest of the food we had left as we didn’t want it to go to waste. We headed home after this.

THURSDAY 19^th JANUARY. We found 2 new homeless men this evening, SIMON and GARY, we also see TINNY, PHIL, MARK, PAUL, SEAN, CHRIS, JAMIE and MAC.

Today I spoke with a local bakery to find out if they had any bread left over at the end of the day and if so could we possibly have it to help the homeless. The lady told me to go back at 3.45 of which I did and she gave me 2 bags full of fresh bread. I put most of it in the freezer for the other days we go out and cut and buttered a couple of loaves to take tonight to give with the soup.

Went out with Liam and Harriet this evening, first stop was to see Phil and Mark, they told us that the community wardens are wanting to move them on so they have now got to find somewhere else to sleep, they told me that they will see me next at the same place, they are going to go back and wait for me, bless em. We went onto the hard when we finished with these 2 and met up with Tinny, he looked cold tonight. He was in very good spirits and made us laugh, we gave him food and soup then went to Osborne road where we found Mac and Paul. Poor Mac was talking about Jon, the chap that was found dead in his flat by Ian and his brother. Macs friend drew a picture of blu the bear from jungle book on a wall in memory of him and his homeless friends wrote in it and signed their names as a tribute to him, I was touched by this as Mac is very sincere and a real softy, he does look a bit scary when you first meet him but he is adorable, kind and has a big heart. I asked if I could take a photo and mac said yes and asked if I could print a copy for him. He also said that the picture won’t be there for long so he wanted a little reminder. We gave Mac some soup but he did say that he only wanted pot noodles, I explained that I have to pay for some of the stuff out of my own pocket and pot noodles are too expensive for me to keep buying, he didn’t realise I was doing this off my own back, he thought I was part of the church group. He and the friend he had with him said I was an angel, I just said that I want to do this as I enjoy helping people, doesn’t make me an angel ha ha. We went down to see Paul after and he needed a jumper and food. As I crouched down to speak to him, a lady at the cash point said it was a wonderful thing we were doing by helping these people, I said again that I enjoy doing it. I went to the car to get the jumper and food and when I got back to paul he asked if I could stay because the lady we were speaking to gave him £10, she said it was nice to see people care and she wanted to help too. It just goes to show that seeing someone helping another rubs off and makes people think about their own lives.

We went to Albert road after and met up with Sean, he looked a bit low tonight but soon smiled after a long chat, we gave soup, chocolate bar, crisps, ham roll, bread and butter etc. We went back to the hard to see if Jamie and the others had turned up and he was there with Chris and a new gent called Simon. We gave Jamie the thermals as promised and some food for all of them. Jamie and Chris turned up just to see us , I thought that was sweet. Simon became homeless because he left his girlfriend as she was a drug addict and she overdosed again and Simon found this hard to cope with as this wasn’t the first time. He told me that he is a recovering alcoholic, he is finding it hard to keep off the booze but he does want to improve his life and be a better man.

We headed back home and spotted a young man, Gary sat outside the co-op in Albert road, we stopped and gave him some soup and bread. We never had much time to talk as I was parking illegally and got told off by a policeman passing by in a police car, I had to move asap . We went home after that.

Mac with tribute to Jon

TUESDAY 17^th JANUARY. Tonight we met no new homeless people, we met up with PHIL, MARK, TINNY, LEE, PAUL, MAC, SEAN, CHRIS and JAMIE

Tonight I had the company of my work colleague, Tracey. She was interested in coming out with me as I told her and other people that it is good for people to see how well we do for ourselves compared to others. Tracey agreed with me.

This sort of work will not make you rich but you will feel rich within yourself for doing this. I always have an amazing feeling when out with the homeless people I meet, they all now have a lot of trust in me and pay me a lot of respect. They are also very polite and helpful, Jamie and Chris have both offered to help me sort out all of the clothes donations that I have in my garage, they feel that they want to repay for what I have done for them, such lovely lads and also Tinny has offered to come out with me in the evenings so he can protect me from unsavoury characters, how sweet.

Tinny has also said that he would sent people my way if they offer donations of food as he said I (and my helpers) do a wonderful thing and when/if he ever sorts himself out then he will be doing this kind of work himself.

I ordered 12 pairs of thermal long johns and 12 thermal t shirts, 36 pairs of boxer shorts and 12 pairs of fingerless gloves yesterday from a wholesale website on the internet and they delivered today. I had a little bit of money put aside that people had given and I put my loose change from my copper jar into the bank and was able to but all this. It was only £75.00 all together so I was very happy with the amount of stuff I had got for the little money that I had. If I had more money then I would of got more bits for the homeless but I can only just about afford to live myself due to the increasing prices of everything and no extra money coming in. Petrol is becoming a pain too.

Anyway, our first stop was the seafront to see Phil and Mark, they now have a big plastic sheet covering the shelter they are in, and in fact they both looked pretty cosy. Tracey and I stayed for a while and had a chat with them. We gave them rolls, soup and the usual stuff and also they needed more trousers and jumpers. They were over the moon with the thermals, they said they were going to wash themselves down with baby wipes then get into their new stuff. I told Phil that he had the biggest bath in the world just the other side of the road but he refused ha ha.. I was talking about the sea. We moved onto the hard and spoke with Lee and tinny.

Lee was diving in the back of my car trying to take the best pic , I have been told that he has a wife, 3 bedroom house and 3 kids and a few people have told me this. I asked him to move out of the way so I could get out the food, I didn’t want him taking things so that he could sell them. I gave Tinny new thermals and underwear and wrapped them up in a hoodie so that Lee couldn’t see.

I want these clothes to go to people that really need them, they have to sleep on the streets, and Lee can go home to his new 50 inch television that he tells everyone about. I never let Lee know that I know this about him just in case he gets aggressive. No sign of Jamie or Chris so we went down Osborne road to feed and clothe Paul and Mac, Mac was off his head alcohol/ drugs, I don’t know but he does like to talk. When we finished we went to Albert road but there was no one about. I phoned Sean to see if he was ok and he was. He was down by the hostel, we arranged to go down to see him. When we approached Sean he appeared very drunk, I have never seen him like this before.

He was very sad, just had the news today that his brother is going to have his leg amputated, (due to self-neglect), so Sean decided to get drunk, I gave him a cuddle which he said was needed. Tracey and I stayed with him a while and he had cheered up thankfully. He was actually really funny drunk, I walked him across the road as he was wobbling all over the place then we went back to the hard. We decided to go back to see if Chris and Jamie had turned up of which they did.

We had run out of food but Chris had just bought some chips, I gave Jamie £2 and asked him to go get something hot whilst I was there, and he did bless him, he was starving. We gave him a jumper and some underwear but I ran out of thermals in his size so I told him I will get him some for Thursday. We gave Chris some thermals, he too was very pleased with these. When we finished sorting these 2 out we decided to drive round a little but found no more homeless people. We then decided to call it a night so I drove Tracey home then went back to my house to unload the car. Had bath and bed… Knackered and very cold.

Tracy with Tinny

First stop this evening was on the seafront to see Phil and Mark. We filled a flask for them both at home full of tea, Phil gave me a flask on Tuesday to fill. We gave them socks and trousers and tee shirt, also rolls, crisps, cake, biscuits and soup. I must admit, they both looked pretty cosy in their new sleeping quarters. Phil was telling me that he was adopted by his mother’s sister when he was a little boy, his mother couldn’t cope .Phil hasn’t had a very good life, always felt unwanted. He also said that he is always telling people how helpful I am and how thankful he is for all that we do for him, this touched my heart as it was a lovely thing for him to say.

We moved onto the hard and found Tinny, we stopped and had a little chat with him, he is finding it difficult to find somewhere to sleep at the moment as the police keep moving him on, poor soul.         We carried onto Osborne road to see Paul, we gave him food and underwear then went onto Albert Road to find Sean and Geoff. We met Geoff on 13^th December, he was hanging around with Phil at the hard on that day, I remember so well as he didn’t look homeless as his hair was gelled back and he looked smart. Seeing him this evening, he was in a bad way, kept saying that he is killing himself with alcohol but can’t kick the habit as it is all he has. He was crying, was so heart breaking to see a man cry like that. We offered him comfort and food. He still had the big jacket on that I gave him back in December. If he wasn’t homeless back then, he is now. I tried all I could to calm him down and by the time we finished with him he had at least stopped crying.                                                      Sean seemed a bit low this evening, asked him what was wrong and he said he got into a bit of a scuffle this evening back at the hostel. Liam noticed he had a cut across his Knuckles and was bleeding, this was caused by the fight he just had. Liam went into the shop that Sean was sat outside of and bought some hand gel for Sean so his hand doesn’t get infected.

We had a text message from Jamie saying that he was staying with a friend tonight along with Chris, we met up with them both and gave them some food etc and had a lovely chat with them.                We drove around some more but found no one else so we made our way home.

Liam and Harriet came out with me tonight, and it turned out to be a busy one at that. We started at the hard interchange and met up with Jamie, he was playing his guitar. Liam gave him his Guitar pegs that he promised him, he even wrapped them up bless him. Jamie was very pleased as his ones had seen better days, he also needed more clothes and underwear, we also gave him some food. Jamie told us that it is his birthday on Sunday so I said I will try and come see him if I get a chance. Chris was not around tonight Jamie told us so we carried on round the bus station but no one else about. Just as we pass Jamie again tinny came running to the road to wave us down, we stopped and gave him some food and a jumper, he looks so much better than he did a couple of weeks ago, said he felt much better too. Once we finished chatting to tinny we headed straight to the hot walls in old Portsmouth to see Phil. As we pulled up we saw the police were there, Liam said should we stay in the car until they go and I said no just in case they were moving him on. As we walked towards Phil’s spot we noticed another 2 gentlemen, Mark and Jonathon. Mark was from Newcastle and had been homeless for several years on and off and Jonathon was just travelling around the country and sleeping where ever he could. Mark was a very well-spoken and intelligent individual. He said he doesn’t stay at hostels as you still have to pay money towards the rent and not everyone has money. The police were questioning Phil and he was getting quite upset as they were trying to move them on. I asked the policeman what the problem was and why have they got to move on, Phil and the others were in no one’s way and not causing a disturbance, the policeman said that the people living in the flats opposite have complained. He seemed to have a stinking rude matter about him to start with. He told Phil to move and Phil refused so the policeman said he would have to arrest him, Phil’s reply was “do it, I need somewhere warm to sleep tonight and if I smash the windows of the court then you will have to lock me up throughout winter, at least ill have a home then”. I went over and spoke to the policewoman, she was lovely and very understanding. Speaking with Mark, I asked if he could try talking some sense into Phil, and he did. As Phil and Mark were chatting the policeman came over and spoke with me, saying that he didn’t realise I was helping these people off my own back and he has a lot of gratitude and respect for me for doing this(he had been talking to Liam ). This was a lovely thing for him to say, then I said that Phil had so much stuff to carry, he’s no youngster, can’t he stay where he is. With that the policeman got on his radio and arranged for a police car to assist Phil, Jonathon and mark to move on by taking their belongings to the next stop. As far as I know, Mark said they were going to head for the bowling green on the seafront where there is shelter. The police turned out to be very helpful and I do understand that they were only doing their job. I gave all 3 some hot soup and a bag of sandwiches, crisps and biscuits and the police said they can finish eating first before they move on. I told Phil, Mark and Jonathon that I would look for them next week. I also asked Phil where John had gone to as he was with him last week, he said that he has gone to look after a friend of his as he was dying of cancer, how lovely of him. When we finished with them we went to Osborne road, we stopped and gave food and clothes to Mac, someone he knows stole the wheels off his bike and put old ones back on?? Think he was very drunk today as he wasn’t making much sense ha ha, bless him. We went down the road a little to find that Paul was back, he said that it didn’t work out in London so he decided to come back to Portsmouth. We fed and gave him clothes that he needed. We then went to Albert road and spoke with Ian, he was telling us that he and his brother had been staying with a friend of theirs for a few nights over the Christmas period and they woke one morning to find that their friend had died in his sleep. Ian was in shock so I asked him to tell me if he needs counselling as I will sort this out for him, he replied saying he would let me know. I had also got a coat for Ian as his last one was ruined from the tomato soup that was thrown over him the other day, he was chuffed to bits and gave me a big cuddle, such a sweet boy. We went down the road a bit once we finished dealing with Ian and met up with Sean, he had someone else with him called Faz. Faz is from Romania, he came to England after travelling around Europe and decided to settle here as he found a girlfriend, I asked why he was on the streets and he said that his 5 month pregnant girlfriend has been in prison for 6 weeks and is due out Tuesday and since she has been away he has had nowhere to live. He had nothing but the clothes he was wearing, we kitted him out with clothes, food and also a sleeping bag, he gave Liam and myself lots of kisses and cuddles, I thought this was so sweet. Sean looked fed up, think he was tiring of his company ha ha. We have now ran out of supplies so we headed home knowing that we had to bring more supplies next week.

Yet another busy evening, Di and I headed straight for the Hard but we decided to go along the seafront first to see if there was any sign of Phil and his friends. We parked up outside the bowling green and walked about towards the tennis courts which are situated just behind the green. I heard music so we followed the sounds and there we found Phil and Mark in one of the shelters beside the green. They both looked comfortable considering the weather and their homeless situation. They both wanted coffee, soup, food and clothes, Di and I went to the car to fetch all that they needed. Phil was telling us that the policeman last week bought him some tobacco and walked with him to where they are now to ensure he got there ok. Phil was so surprised to of had this kindness from someone in authority. Phil and Mark were saying that they need some kind of plastic sheeting to keep the rain off as they weren’t completely covered from the rain, they said if it rains they have to shelter down by the war memorial across the other side of the green. Ill remember this if I cant get any plastic sheeting. When we finished with phil and Mark we went to see, Chris, Tinny, Lee and Jamie at the hard. Chris and Jamie were telling me not to get sucked in by Lee as he is married, has 3 children and lives in a 3 bedroom house. I appreciated this knowledge as Lee led us to believe that he was homeless and he told us this too. I still gave him clothes that he wanted as I didn’t want him to know that we knew about his marriage and kids etc. We didn’t want to cause any trouble for the others either as Lee comes across as a bit of an intimidating character. Poor Jamie didn’t want to take to much as he thought it was greedy, I told him to take what he needs as I have plenty of supplies at home. Jamie is so lovely and genuine, same as Chris. I gave him some Guitar strings that Liam asked me to give him, he was over the moon. We finished sorting these lads out with bits and pieces and went to Osborne road to see Paul then we went to Albert road where we found Ian and his friends. We were starting to run low on food again once we gave Ian his so had to give what we had left to Ian’s friends to share. I think they were all pretty drunk and seemed to be on drugs, I could be wrong but they weren’t in the same world as us. Danny was telling us that he has just got out of prison for having £10 worth of heroin on him, he served 3 years. His girlfriend was killed down Albert road as she crossed it by a police car, Danny saw this happen and is still suffering the pain of losing her a few years ago. The policeman who ran her over spent 3 years in prison, the same as Danny got for being in possession of a little heroin, Where’s the justice he asked!!. Lisa was not quite with it but Neil was looking after her, we gave them hats, gloves, sleeping bag and other stuff to see them through. I told Lisa I would sort out some clothes that fit her for next week and I would bring her dog some food for her dog. Neil was so grateful that he kept kissing and cuddling Di and myself. So sweet. Down the same road we met Jimmy, we gave him the rest of the coffee that we had and fortunately he didn’t want any food. We had run out. Will bring even more supplies next time as it’s starting to become busy at nights with more and more homeless people.