An introduction to Socks and Chocs

In the early 90s there was a homeless man I will call Joe (not his real name) living on the streets in Birmingham. He wasn't very nice really but I got on ok with him and bought him the odd chocolate bar.

Visit Socks & Chocs here.

As a brand new police officer you don't like to call on your colleagues to help you deal with situations especially if you think your colleagues might think less of you.

One night I was of foot patrol in the 'old' subway areas of Birmingham when a large rowdy group started walking towards me. It didn't feel right and I felt very uncomfortable. I was wondering whether to call for a colleague to make towards me but decided that I would be laughed at as nothing had actually happened.

Suddenly, out of some nearby bushes came Joe. He said nothing but stood by my side in what I took as a gesture of solidarity. He stood there as the group approached, passed by and went on their way. Had Joe felt the tension too?

Joe smiled and went back into the bushes.

Now I have no idea if Joe helped avert anything, or even if the situation was potentially dangerous, but I never stopped thinking about how he was prepared to help me.

Sadly, three weeks later Joe was found dead on the streets due to the cold.

I wrote the Socks and Chocs song Pleasure as a tribute to this man.

Then it took me 18 years to actually do something about it! Then Socks and Chocs was born and has grown from strength to strength.

Just this morning I handed out some Socks and baseball caps to some rough sleepers. One day they might go to the aid of a police officer in need of a bit of support. They know what I do and it breaks down barriers.

My team are fantastic and we inspire people to run their own collections.

There is no need to wait to do some good. Just contact me because you could help save a life.

Next time I will explain why socks are important and how my Army career led me to collecting them for homeless people.

"Lots of people doing a little is better than a few doing a lot!"

Follow the team and their activities on Twitter @buskingbobby