Welcome to Friends of Vellore UK – promoting health and welfare of the poor and marginalised

We are the UK-based charity which supports Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore in India. CMC Vellore seeks to be a witness to the healing ministry of Christ, through excellence in education, service and research. CMC is considered one of India’s finest medical college hospitals and attracts patients from all over the country as well as neighbouring nations. Whilst many patients are able to afford their treatment, a significant proportion do not have the means to pay for healthcare and may not even seek treatment. Friends of Vellore seek to follow Christ’s example in showing compassion towards those who are vulnerable and marginalised. We want to help CMC to ensure that everyone can receive appropriate healthcare regardless of their ability to pay or their faith.

Please support Jawadhi Hills Health Workers

We are raising funds to support community health workers in the Jawadhi Hills. Community health workers bridge the gap between the local tribal community and the CMC medical team. They are integral to improving healthcare in the isolated and entrenched communities that make up the Jawadhi Hills. These workers are young people from the Jawadhi Hills. So the role not only benefits their communities, it provides young locals with training and employment too!

Community health workers encourage patients to attend the mobile clinic, accompany the nurse during home visits, and perform independent home visits to identify and refer patients with health problems. They follow up antenatal and postnatal women, under-fives, and chronic patients. They also provide health education in homes and local schools on water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition, and motivate mothers to immunise their children. They do so much!

Friends of Vellore UK are funding 11 community health workers for a period of 10 years. It costs £92 a month, just over £1,000 per year, to cover the salary of one health worker.

If you would to join us in celebrating and supporting community health workers, please consider making a donation. Thank you so much for your support.

Friends of Vellore UK’s mission is to:

  • Raise funds to support healthcare, education and development projects at CMC that benefit the poorest and most excluded patients and communities
  • Encourage CMC in its partnership with smaller mission hospitals across India
  • Promote the work of CMC and share news and information for prayer

For further information please contact Ruth Tuckwell, the Charity Manager:

  • Address: 2A Chalk Lane, Cockfosters, Barnet, EN4 9JQ
  • Phone: 03333 445245 (calls charged at local rates)
  • Email: office@friendsofvellore.org
  • Office hours are Tues and Thur 9-5pm