Sunlight Development Trust Limited
Sunlight Development Trust was set up to address health inequalities and social isolation in the Medway community. We run free wellbeing services and support groups for people who are isolated and/or have additional needs at our HQ, the iconic Sunlight Centre in Gillingham. It costs a lot to run the centre however, and our energy bills are skyrocketing just like everybody else's. We know things are tight, but we really need your help to make sure vulnerable people who rely on us always have somewhere to go and something to do.
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Sunlight Development Trust is a community owned and led charity which exists to improve the general mental and physical health and wellbeing of the Medway community. We believe that untapped skills, resources and meaningful experiences exist within communities. We seek to strip away labels that stigmatise, challenge stereotypes, and break down barriers. We help people identify their needs and aspirations and exert influence on the decisions which affect their lives. We achieve this by running totally free support groups, courses and programs for the whole community.
Wellbeing Café focuses on improving mental health and relieving loneliness. Groups run in a safe and relaxed environment where people can make new friends and try something new like cooking, handicrafts or radio production
Medway Men In Sheds, our men’s support group, gives retirees and 25+ men not in work the chance to socialise, talk about their health, play music, make things from wood, or learn how to code
Radio Sunlight, our in-house radio station, is made by and for the people of Medway. Volunteers and community members broadcast local information, encourage debate, and of course play great music
Sunlight Dementia Support Café our weekly group for people with dementia and their carers. Attendees can make new friends, get support and advice from people who understand and are willing to listen and enjoy regular singalongs
Our Wild+Recycled Garden Project on Otway Street is a safe haven for community gardening and woodcraft. It’s a great place to relieve stress, reconnect with nature and learn about recycling
Café Sunlight provides valuable work experience and training for vulnerable people just starting out or trying to get back into the jobs market. Not to mention amazing jacket potatoes!
The Trust is based at Sunlight Centre in Gillingham – one of the early Healthy Living Centres – where health services and community activities are located alongside each other. As well as a GP practice, Family Centre and pharmacy, you will find recording and rehearsal studios, community radio station and rooms for hire ranging from meeting and therapy rooms of all sizes to a hall with capacity for up to 100 guests.