Learn new skills. Connect with your community.
Roots is our empowerment program. It includes a number of initiatives that help people in crisis learn valuable skills so they can re-enter the workforce.
We offer courses on the following skills:
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Gardening
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DIY/Trade skills
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Self-care
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Culinary
There are two ways you can get involved:
The Taster Programme
A five-week rolling programme in a safe and supportive place offering an introduction to sociable development opportunities.
“Do it” Courses
A four-week course where attendees learn basic skills, increase social engagement and become more involved with the local community. This includes coaching.
Why Roots?
- Safe, friendly low-pressure learning environment
- On-going engagement feedback
- Peer group and social club
- Coaching and mentoring support
- Network of further development providers
Learn more
Contact Laura Stone: roots@vineyardcommunity.org
Works of Love
Works of Love is one of our most successful Roots projects. Anyone in the Richmond Borough can enrol and learn both basic and expert sewing skills and earn an AQA accreditation.
We can teach you to create practically anything – clothing, tote bags, cushion covers, curtains – and you have the option of donating your produce to our charity shop.
These courses are also social opportunities and many of our attendees return on a regular basis for social sewing.
For future course dates please contact wolsewing@vineyardcommunity.org.
Course details
Beginners course
A three-day course where you’ll learn basic sewing techniques and earn an AQA qualification. This is offered four times a year.
Hours: 10:00 – 15:00, Monday to Wednesday.
Advanced course
A three-day course where you’ll learn more sophisticated techniques and earn an AQA qualification. This is offered four times a year.
Hours: 10:00 – 15:00, Monday to Wednesday.
We also offer a series of sewing workshops
Skills development
An opportunity to learn new skills including embroidery, felting, dressmaking, crocheting and craft making.
Hours: 09.30 – 12.30 every Monday
Social sewing
A group session where you can work on personal projects with students and experts. We open our facilities to you and our trainers are on hand to offer support.
Hours: 09.30 – 12.30 every Thursday
Project time
A collaborative session where attendees work on products for fundraising projects which will help to raise money for the charity. Guidance from trainers is available.
Hours: 09.30 – 12.30 every Friday
All courses and social sewing take place at our Queens Road workshop in Richmond TW10.
See more of our services
Crisis support, community nursing, the Richmond Foodbank and more…