Nottingham charity battle COVID-19 risk to feed disadvantaged

Volunteers continue to help Nottingham’s rough sleepers with concern there will be no revival of the ‘Everyone In’ scheme.

A report from the Local Government Association has warned rough sleepers across the nation could be forced to stay out this Winter to avoid infection.

In Nottingham, a not for profit organisation has stepped up their efforts to cater to the city’s rough sleepers throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Tracy Dickinson, 53, and Andrew Ellis, 66, founded Tracy’s Street Kitchen in 2016 after noticing an increase in homelessness across the area.

Full-time Toby Carvery chef Tracy said: “We decided to do something about it so we took a carrier bag full of sandwiches and a few flasks around Nottingham.

“Quickly 20 became 50, 50 became 100 to 200, and that’s when we decided to expand the organisation.

Tracy, 53 and Andrew, 66 are the founders of the charity. (Image: Tracy’s Street Kitchen)

“We can’t do as much as we used to at the moment which is quite emotional as we can’t sit and talk to them or give them a hug and just listen – that’s a big thing.”

The pair, who have known each other for 40 years, can now call on an army of 40 volunteers.

And plans have continued throughout the pandemic but new restrictions require meals to be boxed up before distribution with those seeking help asked to leave after receiving their meal.

Tracy insists those left in the cold will be cared for as she is already planning her fifth Christmas with Nottingham’s homeless community.

“We’re doing a big Sunday brunch this year with sausages, bacon, eggs, beans and tomatoes.

“The only difference this year is we can’t have a big sit down, normally we put out tables, table cloths and create our own restaurant so it’s quite upsetting,” she said.

Tracy and her team have been out every week since starting the operation despite her suffering a heart attack two years ago.

Tracy and her team haven’t missed a Friday in years. (Image credit: Tracy’s Street Kitchen)

Tracy said: “We haven’t missed a Friday in four and a half years.

“When I was in Derby Royal Infirmary, I was still running the kitchen from my phone.”

Tracy spent five years living on the streets between the ages of 14 and 19 before Andrew took her in and gave her a job at his taxi company.

After her experience, Tracy believes it allows her to sympathise more with those who now find themselves in a similar position.

“When I was homeless I wanted someone to care and I didn’t get that.

“Now I just want to give back and It’s beautiful, it’s like my new family – they’ve all been my family for nearly five years now.”

Retiree Andrew who also had his own health scare in 2011, continues to fight the cold with Tracy and praises her resolve, as well as putting his generosity down to his upbringing.  

“It’s the way my parents brought me up, you look out and help people.

“When I first met Tracy you could tell there was something there and I was just lucky enough to be able to help, that’s all some of these guys need is just someone to help.

“Tracy needs 26 hours, seven days a week to have time for everything she does.”

Tracy’s Street Kitchen operates from Trinity Square, Nottingham every Friday between 5pm and 8pm.

More information can be found at on Tracy’s Street Kitchen website with details on how people can help.

By Elliot Ball

Feature image: Tracy’s Street Kitchen.

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