Vineyard voices
MICKEy’s Story
Having overcome decades of crippling trauma, devastating addiction, street homelessness and feeling completely lost, Mickey is now working alongside us to help those in the desperate position he was once in himself.
LEE’s Story
When Lee was first welcomed, he’d experienced a catastrophic time of job loss, painful relationship collapse and hospitalisation for a severe mental health breakdown. All whilst homeless.
For eighteen months, we helped him with access to food, healthcare, housing, education, full-time employment and reconciliation with his partner and children. Now we celebrate his achievement of securing the vocational future he had always wished for: he won a competition for a bursary to set up his own catering business.
We are thrilled to see Lee so restored. We are extremely proud of him for all the hard graft and perseverance he’s put in to turn his life around.
“My life will never be the same again after coming to Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank”
— Lee
SArah’s Story
In early 2022, Sarah lost her job when her workplace closed. As the year went on, it became increasingly difficult to make her benefits stretch enough to cover the rising costs of living for herself and her five children.
Despite her anxiety about accessing support, Sarah visited our cost-of-living crisis response services. After a warm welcome, Sarah opened up about her situation and was given bags of groceries to take home for her children. Sarah left with a spring in her step and a spark of hope in her heart. Our mission is to change lives and provide hope to those in need, one person at a time.
“Last year, I donated to the foodbank.
This year, me and my kids need the foodbank”
— Sarah
Pete’s Story
Pete has faced a series of life-altering challenges. After an apprenticeship as an engineer, he transitioned into being a Territorial (a part-time soldier) before joining the Parachute Regiment. Pete served in two Gulf wars and completed two tours of Afghanistan. However, when his wife passed away, he moved back to London and fell into drinking and drug abuse.
For a while, life seemed bleak, until a friend reached out, helping him get back on track. On this journey, Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank played a crucial role. Pete secured a job, found a flat, and started going to the gym.
One of Pete’s favourite parts about coming to The Vineyard is meeting people and forming a community. He treasures having a safe space at to relax and access support when it’s needed, whether that’s through our Crisis Drop-In, our Foodbank, or something else.
We are delighted to see Pete so rejuvenated. We are incredibly proud of him for all the hard work and determination he has shown in turning his life around.
“at The Vineyard, everyone has a chance, no matter what their past is.”
— Pete
Cee’s Story
After years of homelessness and living on the streets, Cee had fallen into substance abuse and social isolation, and couldn’t see a way out of the dark times.
Enter Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank. Through accessing our Crisis Drop-In service, Cee has been able to make real strides towards positive life change.
Cee says, “There is actual love here. They got me off drugs, into mental and physical healthcare, got me a GP and into a safe flat, supported me with furniture, grants, benefits, and just having friends. I’ve now brought a few other struggling people here and seen their lives change too. It’s hard work but they care for you so reliably through it all. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone here.”
“After years on the streets, the Vineyard has totally changed me and my life.”
— Cee
Martin’s Story
Our Crisis Drop-In team have supported Martin as he has struggled with depression and binge drinking. One morning, he came in with a large, open sore on his left hand. Despite multiple offers from our Community Nursing team, Martin refused help, insisting it was a superficial wound and he could manage it himself.
It took 3 days for our nursing team to convince Martin to let them take a look. They cleaned the wound, dressed it and applied a bandage, and continued dressing it twice a week until it healed. After a few chats, Martin confided that the wound had been self-sustained when he had attempted to remove a tattoo with a cheese grater.
Martin was referred to one of our drug and alcohol support workers, and is now in a much better place. Thanks to the kindness and patience of our team, Martin feels about to chat to our staff about different health concerns, tackling issues that would have seriously worsened without our intervention.