I’ll start today’s blog by describing the weather, because it certainly just about sums things up. Windy, raining and hostile. Certainly not favourable for holding our weekly demo. But still we soilder on. People need our support, it’s as simple as that. 

I arrived at 10am, completely resigned to having to be on my own. Weather warnings had already gone out, and I certainly didn’t want anyone to put themselves at risk. I wouldn’t expect it. 

As soon as I arrived the queue for the food parcels started. No one really wanted to be hanging around in this storm, especially the people needing them. I had to ask them to hang on a mo for them to arrive. 

It wasn’t long before Gordon arrived with them, by then a few people had gathered and most were handed out straightaway. All people desperate for some food. It makes me so angry that people are being made to suffer like this. 

A bit of good news though, one person that depends on a food parcel will be able to receive their pension soon, and another will be able to access their money in two weeks. 

The atmosphere was very busy, but also quiet. There wasn’t as many passers by today due to the storm, and people were going straight into the Jobcentre to try and shelter from the rain and wind. Of course the DWP staff were totally unsympathetic and made some go back outside and wait. They had full knowledge of the bad weather, they also have windows. They can see it. 

Anyway, we tried to have a chat with those wanting to speak. One man is struggling on a zero hour contract agency job. He’s finding it hard to get any kind of sympathy from anyone that holds any kind of authority anywhere. But we had a good chat and I signposted him. 

A new G4S security guard thought that he could ruffle our feathers by asking us to move away from the doors of the Jobcentre. We were not causing any obstruction, so he was given a short message from myself and my comrade. “No we aren’t moving, it’s our legal right to stand here”. He went back inside the Jobcentre rather quietly. I’m beginning to think that the G4S staff members now do this as some form of iniation ceremony for new members of staff. I find it rather amusing. 

On the way to the demo I made sure that I got 2 hot drinks for the two homeless men that I saw. No one should have to live like they do. This also makes me angry.

We finished early because it was becoming too dangerous. I wanted to make sure that everyone got home safely. But we did help alot of people today. And for 1 1/4 hours it was very eventful. 

I had a very short appearance on the Victoria Derbyshire show on Tuesday. It was biased towards the Tory Mp and I had hardly any air time. Anyway, I’m doing an interview with Rt news later today so will keep you informed of that. 

Here’s some photos taken before the storm picked up.

A massive thanks to all the team for turning up today I really didn’t expect it. Thank you! 

Please donate if you can or share. My income is extremely low, and this has become a full time job. I certainly didn’t realise that it would become this. Campaigners always sacrifice alot for their cause.  One day we shall overcome!

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