What we do
We run crisis and social inclusion services from The Vineyard Community and six other locations in the borough. Every day, we help individuals overcome personal crises and reconnect with society.
We offer support at the point of crisis and during recovery and have extensive experience resolving issues related to homelessness, addiction, loneliness and mental health.
Our story
The first Vineyard project was launched in June 1976 by the late wife of Sir Richard Attenborough. It was the vision of Alfred Upstill who was a Probation Officer and Minister of the Vineyard Church.
He had a clear goal in mind. To create 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 for the Vineyard Project materialise but members of his church continued his work. They asked mental health charity, Richmond Borough Mind, to establish a day centre in the crypt of the church as a memorial to Alfred.
In 1977, Penny Wade was appointed as manager and became determined to make Alfred’s dream a reality. She devoted 21 years to The Vineyard Project and together with a team of volunteers helped thousands of local people in distress.
Richmond Borough Mind continued to manage the project until it was closed in early 2011 due to budget restraints.
But that wasn’t the end of the Vineyard.
Local churches and members of the community formed a new charity called The Vineyard Community. This is the organisation that manages the centre today.
We’re committed to continuing Alfred’s mission and bridging divides within the Richmond community. Every day we connect those in need with those with means, either directly or through donations.
Our faith
We’re a Christian organisation inspired and motivated by the example set by Jesus. We believe that his teachings can be incredibly useful in helping people overcome crises and cure loneliness.
We adopt a non-judgemental approach and treat all who come as equally valuable, regardless of race, faith, sexuality, gender or social standing.
Our people
We couldn’t do what we do without a huge amount of community support. We’re lucky to have relationships with individuals and businesses who are more than willing to share their time and resources with us.
We also employ a small number of full-time staff, which includes:
Staff team
Mark Palframan
Chief Executive
Mark has overall responsibility for the work of the charity.
mark@vineyardcommunity.org
Annette Cruiziat
Corporate and Grants Fundraiser
Annette works with companies and grant-making trusts to secure income and donations for us.
annette@vineyardcommunity.orgOperations
Sue Hodder
Head of Operations
Sue oversees operations across the charity and our Community Nursing project.
sue@vineyardcommunity.org
Fiona Brennan
Operations coordinator
Fiona works across our crisis and care departments to coordinate our activities.
fiona@vineyardcommunity.orgRoots
Laura Stone
Development Manager
Laura oversees ‘Roots’ – our support program for increasing self worth and independence by developing trade-worthy skills in a nurturing environment.
roots@vineyardcommunity.orgMorning drop-in
Sneha Paleja
Case worker
Sneha works with individual guests to support them and provide advocacy with outside agencies. She also works closely with the Glass Door Charity which provides accommodation to people in crisis.
sneha@vineyardcommunity.orgShop and café
Timea Fabian
Shop and cafe supervisor
Timea supervises our charity shop and our afternoon café serving delicious luncheons and afternoon teas. She also provides customer service and barista training to our volunteers.
timi@vineyardcommunity.orgFoodbank
Caroline Ferrier
Foodbank Manager
Caroline operates five distribution centres as part of the Trussell Trust.
caroline@vineyardcommunity.orgReal stories
See how we’ve helped people cope with homelessness, loneliness and abuse.