2026 has got off to a great start for 27 young people currently progressing through our Teenvine Plus programme! Take a look at the tasty treats and essential life skills we’ve served up this month.
Our focus for January was on skills and independence—starting by talking about what being independent means, how we can demonstrate our independence now and what new strings we can add to our bows to further strengthen ourselves for the future.
Teenvine Plus project lead Sarah Grove said: “In January the girls decided to cook a meal together. Everyone had different skill levels. Alice took the lead as she was the most confident cook. She taught Caitlin how to peel vegetables. Caitlin had never done this before and was very happy that she was able to participate as cooking isn’t something she usually enjoys!”
There are more boys than girls with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND for short) on this year’s 12-month programme, so a regular girls’ night offers a chance to connect—this time chatting about everything from food to books, to a wider discussion about disability while making two spaghetti bolognese dishes with and without meat.
Sarah said: “Lots of laughs were had but we were also able to have a particularly interesting conversation led by two of our young people who have cerebral palsy, who were able to explain to the rest of the group how they feel when people ask them personal or insensitive questions.”
Life Skills Bingo
Also during January, and taking the lead from Mary Poppins making mundane chores more fun, the whole group tackled ‘Life Skills Bingo’—ticking off as many household tasks on their bingo card as possible in one session.
The everyday jobs included changing the bedding, making a cup of tea (Oliver’s was judged to be the best!), doing the ironing, folding clothes and changing a lightbulb. The main purpose being to try, and ask for help if you get stuck.
So how did they do? Some young people were faster at completing the chores than others, some were tidier in the process, but everyone had a go. Art was especially pleased to learn how to use a washing machine and he plans to ask for more responsibilities at home.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Our Teenviners have had a fun, productive January and there is lots more to look forward to during the rest of February and into Spring.
It’s also important to pause and celebrate these achievements as they happen, especially during Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week (9-15 February) which has the theme of ‘This Is My Place’ this year.
We know that feeling like you belong—in your family, with friends, in a group, or a team—is vital in our lives and particularly during periods of transition. In the case of our Teenviners, when older childhood is paving the way for young adulthood.
Feeling valued, respected and heard—and having the resilience, confidence and connections for your next steps—are all key ingredients for a happy future.
Look out for more Teenvine Plus news over the course of this year.
Sarah and the young people have already made plans to explore their hobbies and interests during February—including drawing, role playing board games, craft workshops, getting outdoors in nature and taster sessions with our friends over at Media Mania.
Watch this space!
Thank you to our funders the Henry Smith Foundation for making the Teenvine Plus intensive development programme possible.
More on Teenvine and our other Strengthening People projects here.