Young people

Growing up at the Vineries

“My name is Francis and I moved into the Vineries in 2007 aged 16. I was frightened and paranoid but also delighted.

I have always been very independent, but at the same time very stubborn, so I argued with my family to the extent that I couldn’t live with them anymore.

"It took me a little while to settle in to the Vineries but I soon started to make friends and became comfortable and confident.

“Throughout my stay I had Key Working sessions every two weeks. At first I thought these were an inconvenience but I slowly realised that without them I probably wouldn’t have survived. They help with guiding you from teenager to adult. You get help with budgeting plans, college applications, emotional support, sex advice - all aimed at guiding you onto the right path in life.

“I was also a resident rep at the Vineries, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I helped arrange resident meetings, chaired meetings and organised resident outings. There are many other things that service users can get involved with, such as attending board meetings with Circle, becoming a board member, mystery shopping and voluntary work.

“I faced some tough times whilst at the Vineries, but I also had some of the best times of my life there. I met people I will never forget and learnt about different cultures, foods and religions. No matter where I end up in the future I will always miss the Vineries, it was my first independent home.”

13/10/09 14:33