Impact
60 people gaining accredited qualification at the Vinery
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1154 sessions per year
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20 Community groups supported
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15 clients have secured employment
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30 training courses delivered annually
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The Vinery served 3833 meals this year
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4000 volunteering hours have been logged
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131 self-care workshop attendees
60 people gaining accredited qualification at the Vinery 〰️ 1154 sessions per year 〰️ 20 Community groups supported 〰️ 15 clients have secured employment 〰️ 30 training courses delivered annually 〰️ The Vinery served 3833 meals this year 〰️ 4000 volunteering hours have been logged 〰️ 131 self-care workshop attendees
Testimonials
Caitlin’s volunteering Story
I first heard about the Vinery through Facebook last spring, I started volunteering one day a week when they opened, and I’ve been here for over a year now and am here three or four days a week. Everyone here is so lovely and very supportive.
Before I started volunteering, I would have described myself as a very shy, introverted and socially anxious person. Being here has helped me come out of my shell and given me the confidence to push myself outside my comfort zone. For example, this summer I helped present a wellbeing session to approximately 25 people, I was very nervous but now I feel much better about public speaking, I also went on a weekend away by myself for the first time, went wild swimming and bouldering. Being here has provided me with so many different opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to do. I am looking forward to everything the future here will bring.
Katie’s Vinery Story
At 53, Katie is a devoted mother to five children, three of whom have additional support needs and mental health challenges. Despite the demands of caring for her family, Katie’s passions for cats, gardening, and the arts have always brought her joy. She has volunteered at her local Cats Protection for the past three months and she’s known for her nurturing spirit - whether tending to rescue cats or her own garden.
Last year, Katie faced a tough chapter. After losing her job, she struggled with depression while balancing her family’s needs. “It was an incredibly challenging time,” she recalls. “Maintaining our home while dealing with my own mental health was overwhelming.”
In April this year, Katie discovered The Vinery. Eager to share her love for gardening, she enrolled in the spring Horticultural course. The experience was transformative. Not only did Katie earn certificates in First Aid, Health & Safety, and Manual Handling, but she also found a supportive community that reignited her confidence. “The Vinery gave me positivity, I felt valued!” she says.
Through the course, Katie formed strong friendships and gained the courage to pursue paid employment again. With guidance from The Vinery’s team, she revamped her CV and began applying for jobs. Despite facing rejections, Katie’s resilience shone through.
Her determination paid off when she landed an interview at her local Tesco.
In August 2025, she received the exciting news: she was hired!
Now, Katie thrives in her new role at Tesco, where she enjoys interacting with customers and being part of a team. In her spare time, she returns to The Vinery for wellbeing sessions and to nurture her garden plot. Her journey is a testament to the power of community support and personal perseverance.
“Without The Vinery, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Katie shares. “They helped me rediscover my strengths and believe in myself again.”
Rebecca’s Story from Vinery visitor to Volunteer
When the pandemic hit, I was 18 and had left school. I felt so isolated and began to feel very low and down. I couldn’t go anywhere for such a long time. I had my Gamers Group and we met online, but that was only once a week. My mum became very worried about me being shut in. As restrictions lifted it was great to see the Gamers Group again, but there were still restrictions at the Sports Centre where we met. It was very difficult, so when I was told about a Gamers Course, I was very interested. I didn’t want to have to travel to Aberdeen, so I was so pleased when I heard it was right here in Banff. This is when I started my time at The Vinery. As I got to know the staff and gardens better, I wanted to spend more and more time there. I asked about becoming a volunteer. This was the best decision I ever made. I came and helped in the gardens and got all the volunteer paperwork completed. At the same time our Gamers Course needed to be relocated and the Vinery welcomed us with open arms, since they stay open in the evenings for Community Groups.
In the New Year we started our group on a Tuesday evening here at The Vinery and we are still here. Our group has grown and we are all very happy we have a wonderful safe place to meet and enjoy our Tuesday evenings. We have space in the gardens for lightsaber practice and have so much freedom to be ourselves. The Vinery is also dog friendly which is very important to one of our gamers, as they have a service dog.
I love being a volunteer at The Vinery, we have a great team! I have learnt many new skills and I’m always trying new things. I would’ve never believed I would now be on a 12-week Employability Course! But with my newfound confidence, I am gaining qualifications, skills and knowledge on the REACH course.
The Vinery is my second home. I love getting up in a morning and coming to The Vinery. I don’t know what I would have done without The Vinery, the team are amazing. I’m so grateful.
A Recipe for Success: Lewis’s Journey
Lewis, a vibrant 17-year-old with a strong passion for cooking, lives at home with his mum, stepdad, and three siblings. He brought his love for the culinary arts to life by joining the hospitality course at The Vinery, where his journey blossomed into a true success story.
Beyond his culinary skills, Lewis is a dedicated boxer and a budding gardener, growing fresh herbs and vegetables to elevate his dishes. His commitment and enthusiasm were evident when he aced the REHIS Food Hygiene course, earning a remarkable 100%! Along the way, he also achieved qualifications in First Aid and Customer Service, completing the six-week course with flying colours.
When the time came for work experience, Lewis joined the team at The Croft Inn – Alanshill restaurant and bar in Bondlie, Fraserburgh. It was here that his talents shone brightly, impressing the owners with his dedication and skill. So much so, that they offered him the opportunity for further training.
Today, with the support of ITC Training Academy, a Hospitality Training Provider in Scotland, supporting learners to achieve their goals whose slogan is Skills for Tomorrow, Lewis is pursuing his dream as an apprentice, working toward his SCQF Level 5 Professional Cookery qualification, and working at the The Croft Inn – Alanshill.
Lewis’s journey is a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of seizing opportunities. He’s proof that with determination and the right support, dreams can truly become a reality.
