Vine Day Centre

We do have some house rules at the Vine and expect all our clients to respect and adhere to them.

Our house rules are

• NO violent or abusive behaviour/language will be tolerated
• NO alcohol is allowed on the premises
• NO illegal substances allowed on the premises
• People who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances WILL NOT be allowed on the premises unless a member of staff gives their permission
• NO sexual, racial or religious harassment will be tolerated
• People whose behaviour causes distress or disruption to other people may be excluded
• ALL mobiles must be switched off in the Centre
• Only ONE person at a time to visit the toilets

A story about a previous client

Started using the Vine in November 2007 on a referral from Stonham where she was housed.  She was at a very low ebb due to various unpleasant events and consequently developed an alcohol problem.

She had also resorted to self harm as a means of relief from her bad thoughts and feelings and informed staff that she also felt suicidal at times.

She said she felt safe and supported at the Vine knowing there was always someone to talk to should she feel low.  She also found that engaging in activities like computers, literacy and art enabled her to feel more focused and better equipped to deal with her problems.

After attending regular sessions at the Vine for about 6 months she felt stronger and decided to take steps to improve her life.  With the support of Stonham she was re housed in a flat of her own and subsequently found regular employment.

She still attends the Vine occasionally and will talk to staff should she feel any relapse of previous problems.  She still receives help when she feels she needs it.  She has put on weight and looks and feels healthy again.

Comments from our clients

“I lived like this for years, never knowing why I was suffering.  Some experts might call this kind of thing some sort of mild schizophrenia, but how do we know how psychiatrists don’t suffer like this too?  What is it really?  I found living outside gave me some relief from this.  The only thing that makes things impossible at my age is the cold, the bitter cold of this winter.  I am grateful to the Vine for enabling me to have a roof over my head this very bad winter.  Not getting hurt or sick is a very real concern to me at my age now.  The most important help the Vine has given has been with drink.  The bond I have formed with certain workers is so important.  The reverting back to drink is the problem.  I decided I would get all the help I could or things would end up badly.  A couple of cans are OK but a bottle of whiskey could put me in hospital, my body can’t take it.”

“The Vine has given me more than just a roof over my head.  It has given me time to get some comfort from talking, time to get some healing, be accepted.”

“Suddenly, right where I was, I found there were cups of tea, lots of people to speak to and a hot meal.  I was hungry, in a very bad mood, and suffering from extreme cold weather.  In the park the police had moved me on several times.  Someone had given me a cup of tea and a sandwich.  Apart from that, I hadn’t spoken to anyone for weeks.”  “When I was younger I had tried all manner of drugs, speed, heroin, coke, smoking, petrol, glue and ended up feeling paranoid.  I hated it, especially the glue that caused the migraines.  I was young and silly.  When I was down the first thing I would do is hit the bottle.  Soon after my referral I got a place where I can sleep, even though it’s not really a place to stay in.  The housing team are working with me now, and I’m waiting for a call from Stonham.  I’ve had a rent advance and my money is sorted and I’m getting support.”

“I was at a very low ebb in my life due to a series of events, including the suicide of my best friend and a breakdown in family relations.  As a consequence, I developed an alcohol problem and was drinking about 6 bottles of strong Alco pops a day.  I also resorted to self harm as a means of relief from my bad thoughts and feelings, and I sometimes felt suicidal.

When I am at the Vine, I feel safe and supported, knowing there is someone to talk to.  I also found doing activities like computers, literacy and art help me feel more focused and better equipped to deal with my problems. For 6 months I regularly attended the Vine and I felt strong enough to make some positive steps towards improving my life. I was helped by Stonham housing to get my own flat and I then found regular employment.

I still attend the Vine on an occasional basis and talk to staff when I feel down or feel any relapse on previous problems. I can get a meal at the Vine and I have put on weight.  I look and feel healthy again.”