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The Vineyard Community Centre exists to serve the local community in Richmond, helping those in crisis and giving hope for life.
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The morning drop-in will have a reception and be aimed at specific needs of body mind and spirit for those who are in crisis or homeless. We will offer food, clothing, shower facilities and comfort.
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There will be opportunities to progress from crisis to community through the afternoon community café. It will encourage social inclusion and be used by groups and individuals who are marginalised.
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With a new focus on fashion, we’re selling good quality women and menswear at prices that really tempt! New donations are displayed daily and we always have a sale rail.
History
The Vineyard Project was envisaged by the late Alfred Upstill, a probation Officer and Minister of the Vineyard Congregational Church where the Vineyard Project was housed and ran for 33 years.
He saw it as a place “for the healing of personal loneliness, the development of a sense of community and the breaking down of divisions in the locality, facilitating communications between sources of help and points of need”.
Sadly Alfred did not see his vision of the Vineyard Project materialise and it was the elders of the church who agreed that RABMIND should set up a day centre, in the then crypt, as a memorial to Alfred. In 1977 Penny Wade was appointed as manager and was determined to make Alfred’s dream a reality. Penny devoted 21 years to The Vineyard Project and together with a team of volunteers helped thousands of local people in distress.
RB Mind continued to manage the Project until an announcement of closure was made in early 2011 as RB Mind could no longer afford to keep the Vineyard Project open.
Since its closure in March 2011 the deep concern of local churches and many in the community about those who need help in the area has led to the formation of a new charity called the Vineyard Community Centre. This charity is responsible for running the Centre.
