about us
Learn more about Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank’s mission, faith and history.
Our mission
We are a local charity dedicated to transforming the lives of those in crisis and battling homelessness, food poverty, addiction, loneliness and mental health.
Every single day, we see the faces behind the statistics, the dreams overshadowed by adversity, and the potential waiting to be realised. We are committed to making Richmond a community in which everyone can find hope and paths to a brighter future.
We support our guests through our weekday morning Crisis Drop-in and Richmond Foodbank services, amongst several others.
“I’m so very grateful for everything The Vineyard has done for me. it’s changed everything.”
— Zara, Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank Guest
Our faith
At our core, we are a Christian organisation, and our inspiration comes from the incredible example set by Jesus. His teachings are a guiding light, illuminating our path as we strive to love and support people in times of crisis, as well as offer them hope for a brighter future. We go towards those suffering and see immeasurable worth and potential in each person.
Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank has always been closely connected to the Vineyard Life Church, with whom we share our building, and whose former minister established and chairs our work. Every Thursday morning, a welcoming group from the Vineyard Life Church gather at our Centre for fellowship. We extend an open invitation to anyone who wishes to participate.
If you're eager to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and friendly setting, you won’t want to miss our Thursday Food with Faith Club. Led by our Crisis Drop-in Manager, Tom McDonald, and the Vineyard Life Church Minister, Dave Smith. This group meets at different times including for prayer and devotion on Tuesday afternoons, and our above-mentioned Thursday club. It's a place where questions are encouraged, curiosity is celebrated, and everyone is welcome. More details here.
Our history
Since 2011, Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank has been transforming the lives of thousands each year facing urgent, desperate, and complex crises including homelessness, food insecurity, mental health breakdown, addiction, and crippling isolation. We responded at that time to the rise in local people experiencing overwhelming struggles. We continue to grow and develop to meet sharply increasing need and now support 6,000 to 7,000 people annually, but our roots run much deeper.
The Vineyard story began in the summer of 1976 when Alfred Upstill, a visionary Probation Officer and Minister of Vineyard Church, sparked the first "Vineyard" project. Following Alfred’s untimely death in 1977, local legend, Penny Wade took charge, devoting 21 years to building his vision into a lifeline for countless locals.
Richmond Borough Mind later led the project through difficult times until its closure in 2011 due to budget cuts. Refusing to let the mission die, Vineyard Life Church, local churches, and community members launched Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank, which now runs eight sites and continues the resilient legacy of faith, compassion, help, and hope.
