life at rubicon
So, what's it actually like to live here?
Moving somewhere new is a big thing. Knowing a little more about what to expect can help.
when you arrive
Moving somewhere new can feel strange. You might be scared, excited, angry, curious, numb - or all of those at once. None of that is wrong. You don't have to be brave when you arrive, you don't have to know exactly how you feel and you definitely don't have to fit in on day one. Take as long as you need.
If you'd rather stay in your room for a while, that's okay. If you have a hundred questions, we'll answer them. If you want some space, we'll understand that too. There will be someone around when you do want to talk - or simply someone to sit with when you don't.
We'll get to know you properly: what makes you laugh, what winds you up, what you like for breakfast and the things that make somewhere begin to feel like home.
WE DON'T EXPECT YOU TO FEEL AT HOME STRAIGHT AWAY. WE'LL always GIVE YOU TIME.
Your room. Your home. Your everyday life.
You'll have your own bedroom and can bring your belongings with you. As you settle in, you can make your room feel like yours. There are shared spaces too, and everyday life is a mixture of school or college, meals, friends and family, activities, responsibilities, relaxing and whatever else the day brings.
There are routines, but they're not there to box you in. They help make things predictable so you know roughly what's happening and when. Everyone chips in with ordinary household things too - because this is somewhere people live together, not somewhere things are simply done around you.
You'll have a say in what happens at home, including meals and activities, with regular opportunities to talk about anything that needs sorting out. There are agreements about living together and keeping everyone safe, but we'll explain them and help you understand why they're there.
And yes, there can be lie-ins.
living at rubicon
a little more like home
THE GOOD STUFF COUNTS
BIG WINS. LITTLE WINS. ALL YOURS.
Not everything that matters looks big from the outside. Trying something you thought you couldn’t do, getting through a difficult day, finding something you love or simply feeling more comfortable somewhere can all matter.
We’ll notice the good stuff with you - including the things that might not seem like a big deal to anybody else.
things can change
IF IT’S NOT WORKING, WE KEEP THINKING.
Getting to know you means learning as we go. Something that helps one day might not help another, and something we try might simply not work for you.
That’s okay. We’ll listen, think about what needs to change and try another way rather than expecting you to fit around us.
MORE THAN YOUR STORY
WE WANT TO KNOW the real you.
People may already know things about what has happened in your life before you arrive. That matters, but it isn’t everything about you.
We want to know who you are now too - your strengths, opinions, interests, sense of humour, hopes, quirks and all the things that make you you.
people who'll get to know you
You'll have a key adult who gets to know you particularly well. They'll help with everyday things, appointments, meetings and goals and make sure your views are heard. But you don't need to wait for a meeting to talk to somebody - the adults around you are there every day.
Nobody expects you to trust everyone straight away. That takes time. We'll learn what you enjoy, what matters to you, what a good day looks like and what might help when things feel too much.
The people already important to you don't suddenly stop mattering either. Where it's safe and part of your plan, we'll help you stay connected with family, friends and other important people. We'll work with your school or college and the other people involved in your life too.
When something feels too big to work out alone, we'll help you find a way through it - and we'll still be there afterwards.
your voice matters here
Your time
There is plenty to do at Rubicon, but nobody expects you to be busy all the time. You can keep doing things you already enjoy and try something new if you want to and sometimes just staying home and doing very little is exactly what's needed too.
As you get older and more confident, you'll gradually be able to do more for yourself. That might begin with going to the shops, spending time with a friend or getting out locally on your own. There isn't one timetable everybody has to follow. It builds at your pace, depending on what you're ready for and what helps keep you safe.
Learning can happen in lots of ways too - through school or college, courses, practical projects and everyday skills such as cooking, managing money and looking after your space. Later, that might include qualifications, volunteering, apprenticeships or work.
The aim isn't to rush you into growing up. It's to help you feel ready for what comes next.
what you might get up to
swimming
cycling
paddle boarding
gaming
creative
music
cooking
bowling
beach days
trips away
still wondering about something?
Can I bring my phone?
What time will I have to go to bed?
Do I get pocket money?
Can I go out on my own?
What if I don't like something?
Who can I talk to?
There's no silly question about moving somewhere new
know which home you'll be coming to?
Each Rubicon home has its own people, personality and everyday rhythm.
Take a look around and meet some of the people you might see when you arrive.
The Ordinary Moments Matter
More Than You Might Think.