Conscience

[KittyColdNose]

There is a wee old guy in a wheelchair that comes into the place I work for a tea as we make it how he likes it and he gets to have a good gab too. I think he is lonely as his wife died many years ago.

Recently he had a five and a half week stint in hospital as he has a lot of medical problems.

He came in today (haven't seen him for a week which is unusual) and he has lost weight agai and has bad skin through stress. All in all, looks shocking again. Turns out he has no money because the social have messed up and he hasn't eaten in four days. He is such a lovely man, ok he moans a hell of a lot but I think a lot of that is depression, but get him to tell you stories of his early years and he is a different person. Laughing and joking. He bought us a box of choccies recently as a thanks for being nice to him.

In all concience I couldn't let him leave without at least eating something. He is proud so followed him out with a loaf from the freezer and tins of beans so as not to show him up in front of others. I am just sorry it wasn't more but it's what I could do at the time. When I handed them over and explained he cried with gratitude and embarressment. I held it together till I got back inside the shop then had a right old sob.

I know there is no bottomless pit of money for benefits but how can this be happening to the vulnerable people out there!

[phil the shed]

nothing to say but Good on ya..........

[veggiechicken]

How kind and thoughtful you are, KCN. I don't know what else to say really but the old and vulnerable do tend to be pushed aside by those who shout the loudest - and "know their rights". Makes me so cross

[Nicos]

Its a delight to be able to say I 'know' someone as kind and thoughtful as you kitty- I'm really proud of you.
Yes- it's dreadful he's been allowed to be neglected like that- but the world is a better place for having people like you around xx

[julesapple]

Well done you xxx

I know you feel it's not much, but beans? They're full of nutritious things and they're easy for him to deal with on his lonesome. They not even that bad cold. And bread - well, a piece of hot toast is a comforting thing and filling.

I'm sure the social services should be involved here but without his personal details it would be difficult. Are there charities that still give out food parcels? If so you might be able to get one on his behalf that you could get delivered to your place of work - or get a collection address near him. Also, he ought to go to the - they'll sort out his benefits. Their office is in Union St.

What about this:

Times and Places to Collect Free Food

It says you don't have to be homeless - so I hope they help your chap.

[SarzWix]

Makes me want to cry too. There doesn't need to be a bottomless pit, just a bit more fairness; looking at the 'sleb' pages in the likes of the Waily Fail, makes you wonder how much longer we'll go on like this before we all crack.

So glad that there are still kind and helpful people out there x

[julesapple]

Just read an STV article about a food parcel charity in St Machar Drive who have nothing to give out as people can't afford to donate food these days. That's terribly, terribly, sad.

We don't have much, but it makes you feel blessed for what little you do have.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I attended a talk on Food Banks recently, that same week 5 new Food Banks opened in Scotland. It is a sad state of affairs we need Food Banks but we do need them.

Kitty, you did good and you have a kind heart.

[shepp726]

such a shame that people from a different generation won't accept or ask for help, when we all know in this day and age 'the squeaky wheel gets the oil'.........sad times.

[Bren In Pots]

Its so sad, but I'm glad you were able to help him out.

[out in the cold]

That's my wife, that is. (Beams proudly)

Good on you hon. I know he is a proud man, but tell him "even proud people get sick if they don't eat".

Give him the phone number of the local food bank in Aberdeen and help him to register in the meantime. If he needs transport, we can always help him by taking him to them

There is a wee old guy in a wheelchair that comes into the place I work for a tea as we make it how he likes it and he gets to have a good gab too. I think he is lonely as his wife died many years ago.

Recently he had a five and a half week stint in hospital as he has a lot of medical problems.

He came in today (haven't seen him for a week which is unusual) and he has lost weight agai and has bad skin through stress. All in all, looks shocking again. Turns out he has no money because the social have messed up and he hasn't eaten in four days. He is such a lovely man, ok he moans a hell of a lot but I think a lot of that is depression, but get him to tell you stories of his early years and he is a different person. Laughing and joking. He bought us a box of choccies recently as a thanks for being nice to him.

In all concience I couldn't let him leave without at least eating something. He is proud so followed him out with a loaf from the freezer and tins of beans so as not to show him up in front of others. I am just sorry it wasn't more but it's what I could do at the time. When I handed them over and explained he cried with gratitude and embarressment. I held it together till I got back inside the shop then had a right old sob.

I know there is no bottomless pit of money for benefits but how can this be happening to the vulnerable people out there!

[out in the cold]

Wee update: we might have something sorted for the old gent. I spoke to the minister of a church in Aberdeen who runs a food bank and he said he will sort him out if we can pass the old fella's details. Hopefully he is not against a wee bit of help...

Not particularly religious, however, this lad knows the score and isn't even interested in whether he is a church attendant or not.

[julesapple]

Some of the ministers are excellent, OITC. I hope it works out well for the old chap.

Certainly, I think you're quite right - Kitty ought to point out that he must put his health first, especially after such a long spell in the Infirmary, or he'll be back there pdq, bless him.

I hope he has hot beans & toast this evening.......

[Glutton4...]

Well done, you two! I'd have done the same.

(...and I won't call you Scots 'tight' ever again! )

Actually, I luuuurve cold baked beans!

[julesapple]

I wonder if'n I dare throw carb caution to the winds and have beans & burgen toast for tea? I quite fancy that now - but what would the BH eat? He can't have beans as a diabetic, and today he has a very sore mouth so nothing acidic.....