About SUNSHINE
People need people.
We exist to create opportunities for people to connect, participate, build relationships and feel that they belong.
Our vision
A more connected London.
Our vision is for a society where loneliness and social isolation are recognised, understood and actively tackled — and where everyone has opportunities to build meaningful connections and feel that they belong.
We want to help create a London where nobody feels invisible.
Our mission
SMASH LONELINESS.
We bring people together through welcoming activities, volunteering, learning, community programmes and practical support.
Bringing SUNSHINE into people’s lives.
Our aims
What we want to achieve.
Build stronger communities by bringing people together.
Promote positive social connection through activities, events and programmes.
Increase digital inclusion by helping people develop digital confidence and skills.
Create volunteering opportunities that enable people to contribute, develop skills and make a difference.
Support participation and belonging by creating welcoming community spaces.
Encourage community involvement by working with residents, organisations, businesses and community groups.
Create opportunities for learning and personal development.
Connect people with wider support through appropriate signposting and partnerships.
Build a vibrant community movement around positivity, human connection, community and belonging.
Our values
What guides us.
☀️
Positivity
We do not pretend life is always easy. We believe there should always be opportunities for brighter moments.
🤝
Connection
People need people. We create opportunities for genuine human connection.
💛
Kindness
Small acts can have a huge impact. We treat people with dignity and respect.
🏘️
Community
Strong communities are built by people coming together.
🌈
Inclusion
Everyone should have the opportunity to participate.
🌱
Empowerment
We want people to build confidence, skills, relationships and opportunities for tomorrow.
🙌
Participation
Everyone has something to contribute.
Our story
SUNSHINE was born from something deeply personal.
Our Founder has seen first-hand what loneliness and social isolation can do to a person’s life through his own family.
His sister is disabled and, because of her circumstances, is unable to live independently. Now in her mid-30s, she has experienced something many people take for granted: the opportunity to build friendships, develop meaningful relationships and simply feel that you belong.
Over the years, that lack of connection and independence has contributed to profound loneliness and isolation and has had a devastating impact on her emotional wellbeing.
And that is why SUNSHINE exists. We believe nobody should be forgotten.
Loneliness is not simply about being alone. You can be surrounded by people and still feel disconnected. You can have family who love you, but still have nobody to call a friend. You can want to be part of your community, but face barriers that make participation incredibly difficult.
Our purpose is simple.
We want to create opportunities for people to meet people, make friends, learn new skills, discover new experiences and feel that they belong.
- A conversation.
- A cup of coffee.
- Learning something new.
- Joining a group.
- Having someone remember your name.
- Making a friend.
- Feeling useful.
- Feeling included.
- Feeling that you matter.
From one family experience to a movement for many.
SUNSHINE was created because our Founder could not ignore what he had witnessed within his own family. Not just for his sister, but for the countless other people who may be experiencing loneliness and social isolation every day — often silently.
SUNSHINE is our answer to that.