As the Epsom Guardian launches the Shine On appeal to support the vital work of The Sunnybank Trust, the charity's users, volunteers and staff members talk about what it means to them: 

"I may have a learning disability, but I want the same things from life as everyone."
Diane, Kites club member

"Do one thing to help Sunnybank."
Shirley, Kites club member.  Shirley has made a piggy bank to collect money at the club each week.

"I don’t know what I would do if there was no Kites club."
Mandy, Kites club member

"I love coming to the club, seeing my friends and having a laugh."
Patricia, Kites club member

"This club is so special."
Veda, Kites club volunteer

"This is the only club my client chooses to come to."
Ashtead Home

"Every night is a Kites night."
St. Anthony’s home

Kites club manager Dorothy Watson on the experience of club member Tom:

"He has complex needs, does not speak and was initially very withdrawn.

"After attending the club over a series of months he now recognises and greets his new friends by patting his hand with theirs.

"His favourite club night is either the discos or band nights, where he will rock to the music until the end of the night.

"When you see this sort of reaction you realise how important our work is for so many who would otherwise have little chance to enjoy themselves and make friends in this way."

Volunteer Arthur Duff who received an Epsom and Ewell Volunteer Award 2013:

"It’s not just about giving something it’s as much to do with what we personally gain from the work.

"At Sunnybank, I am inspired by the high level of dedication and commitment displayed by all our volunteers in their interaction with the people who use Sunnybank's services. 

"This is clearly evident to anyone who has ever attended a Kites club evening but applies equally to those volunteers who stand alongside our clients and support them as advocates or friends and whose contribution is not so publicly obvious."

"In a world with so much injustice, it is good to know that as an advocate I am making a difference."
Jeanette, Sunnybank advocate

"Everyone deserves a voice."
Sheila Moran, Sunnybank advocacy manager

A Sunnybank friend:

"Judith has been visiting Michael since 2006 and has developed a strong friendship with him.

"He says 'I miss you’ even when she has been unable to visit for a week. 

"Sometimes they cook apple crumble or sausage pie together, sometimes they go to Box Hill on a fine day or to the shops. 

"Through Judith, he has started attending the Kites club, which he hugely enjoys and has greatly increased in confidence."