Vine Project saved after donors answer calls for funding

The Vine Project (TVP), runs a number of community projects, including providing refurbished and recycled furniture to low income households, and placements to help vulnerable people back into work.

But it was faced with closure after delays to a grant meant it needed £40,000 within weeks to stay afloat.

Yet generous supporters, including businesses, answered an appeal for funding launched in January, providing a staggering £110,000.

Merton Priory Homes and Reed in Business were among those to make a donation.

Monica Tyler, the charity’s chief executive, said: "I’m please to announce it’s business as usual, we have managed to stave off closure by securing new funding. While our funding position remains challenging things are getting better.

"We would like to thank all our supporters, beneficiaries and local social care agencies that helped bring attention to our plight and supported us through this difficult time. "We’re ecstatic that we have been saved from closure and can continue to serve our customers and beneficiaries."

The organisation ran into financial difficulty after it budgeted to receive £250,000 in funding over 18 months through a funding stream from the London Waste Recycling Board (LWRB).

But the funding has still not been released.

The charity, based in Mitcham but started in Sutton 12 years ago, had expected to receive at least part of the funding in November.

The charity is one of the key volunteer programmes based in Sutton which provides opportunities for work based and accredited training for the long term unemployed.

Priority is given to people with learning disabilities, mental health illnesses and adults recovering from addiction.

It predicts after being saved, the charity will provide up to 80 volunteering opportunities over the next 12 months.

The organisation also provides services in Epsom and Ewell, Merton and Croydon and Wandsworth.

Visit thevineproject.org for more details.