An Update from Vine Trust
In light of the ongoing and uncertain global health pandemic, Vine Trust would like to keep you informed of our latest developments. Please check back on this page for any updates as the situation develops.
Thursday 9th April
Due to the evolving health situation surrounding COVID-19 and the government response, Vine Trust has been faced with financial and organisational challenges, as have many others across the globe.
With worldwide restrictions on international travel, border closures and lockdowns, our UK team has seen significant changes: our upcoming school expeditions have been postponed until 2021 where possible, all 2020 building expeditions have been put on hold, the Amazon Hope medical programme has had to temporarily suspended its activities due to restrictions on movement within the region and a number of the medical personnel seconded to support local efforts. At the moment, activities in the Jubilee Hope Medical Programme and the Kazunzu Village of Hope are still being actioned by our partners and their national personnel, but this could change in the coming weeks if local COVID-19 responses dictate. In light of these challenges, the decision has been taken to temporarily suspend certain aspects of Vine Trust’s UK-based activities.
From Monday 13th April, our Expeditions Team and Communications & Events Officer will be placed on furlough. In accordance with the UK government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, furloughed staff will not be able to work during their furlough period and will have no access to emails. Vine Trust will continue to have a core admin team in place who will work to support our partners and volunteers during this period. All emails sent will be automatically forwarded to the admin core support team (or can be contacted on 0131 555 5598).
Friday 27th March
Our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, has written a message of support. Read the message here.
Thursday 26th March
Our Chief Executive, Rev Willie McPherson has written an update on our programmes. Read more here: A Message From Our Chief Executive.
Tuesday 24th March
We are delighted to report that the Forth Hope has returned to Iquitos after the completion of it's latest journey to the communities of the Amazon river. The in-country medical team set out in early March, and have provided the local communties with primary health and dental care; a level of service which they would not otherwise receive due to the remote and isolated nature of the communities.
Last year we marked our 2 millionth consultations provided by our medical programmes. As we look towards an uncertain time of global health, we hope that these ships and local teams can continue (albeit without the international volunteers) to provide this much needed service as safely and cautiously as possible at this difficult time. Both programme national offices will coordinate with their respective regional health authorities for guidance and instruction on these matters.
Friday 20th March 2020
The Vine Trust office is closing and all staff will be working remotely until further notice. If you need to reach one of our teams, please email us at admin@vinetrust.org.
Monday 16th March 2020
In light of the evolving health situation surrounding COVID-19 and government response, Vine Trust are taking every measure available to us to manage the organisation of our expeditions at this time.
As the health and safety of our volunteers is paramount, Vine Trust are working to make contact with all of our building and medical volunteers concerning their scheduled trips. At this point in time, we will not be taking any further trip bookings for 2020. All UK office barge venue bookings will also be suspended until further notice.
As the situation is ever-changing in the UK, Tanzania, and Peru, we know that many of our partners, supporters, and volunteers share in the uncertainty of the future. Vine Trust will be monitoring all developments and we thank you all for your understanding and patience at this time.
If you need to contact our team, who may be working remotely, the best way to reach us is via email. Any general enquiries made to admin@vinetrust.org will be forwarded to the relevant team who will respond accordingly. Please check back on this page for any updates as the situation develops.