Monday

I have tried very hard to be optimistic and upbeat in recent weeks about everything and generally have succeeded. It’s not easy given the state of the world. The people in charge at the present time are frightening. I have always erred on the side of looking for the best in people, albeit with a healthy dose of cynicism but it is difficult with the Trumpster and 
May’s in power. I am not going to harangue you about them, I’ve made my feelings very clear in this column!
So something to gladden your Monday. I’ve recently volunteered to help at a homeless shelter in Northampton. It is a men only facility and takes up to 17 residents. 
Homelessness is a huge problem and my poor understanding of it has been disabused by the training given prior to starting. The cause of homelessness are many from the obvious of drink and drugs through bereavement, divorce, loss of employment, mental illness and much more. It happens to all ages, rich or poor, men and women. 
The shelter opens at 9pm and empties again at 9am. A resident can leave their gear. When you return at night a hot meal (all supplied by charity and everything is free) and drink is available. You can have a shower. Charge a phone. If you want to talk fine, if not fine. 
Now this is not a place just to sleep at night, the whole idea is to encourage , help, assist in  anyway to help get them back to normality, jobs, homes etc: but off the street. Sometimes it takes a while and may not succeed straight away. 
There is a whole network across the county and country of all stripes that can be part of the path back to life off the pavement. 
Unfortunately the problem is increasing and the resources reducing, so I encourage you to help if you can.