The Sunnybank Trust

Welcome to the ‘happiest hour on radio’ – Sunny Sessions radio show

The Sunnybank Trust is based in Epsom, and helps people with learning disabilities to be able to live without prejudice and have confidence, opportunities and control over their own lives.

During the Covid-19 pandemic it was vital this Epsom-based charity reached people they support to deliver key information to keep people safe but also to create a sense of community to combat loneliness caused by the Lockdown. What started as an information show with shout-outs and dedications to keep friends in touch with each other over the airwaves has become a fully inclusive show broadcasting twice a week. The show has had amazing results including an increase of opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to experience the thrill of broadcasting on radio.

 

Tune in every Monday and Thursday at 11am to listen to the Sunny Sessions Radio Show.

 

Each episode is created and co-designed with people supported by The Sunnybank Trust, covering a wide variety of topics: from serious need-to-know information to stay safe and healthy, to light-hearted segments exploring the views and opinions of listeners. 

In a regular segment of the show, Beyond the Label, people talk about their disabilities and how it affects their lives. These honest interviews tell real life stories, sharing lived experiences of any struggles and achievements.

 

“This job is perfect for me as it brings together the work I have been doing and the radio”

Jon Andrews is employed by the trust to produce and present the show, which includes contributions from people helped by the charity. He has been involved with community radio for about 20 years and also has a morning show on Radio Woking.

“Radio has been a lifelong passion of mine and I have always seen the link between people with learning disabilities and the benefits of radio both to listen to and to be involved with. I trained a man who has Asperger’s Syndrome years ago at hospital radio and that was the point I saw the link and that led me to work with people with learning disabilities. I began recording radio with people I supported at Mencap and now this new job is the natural next step for me.”

During the pandemic, Jon noticed the impact of working remotely on those he supported and realised it is more important than ever to help people with disabilities to stay connected, and with the radio show it means that the trust is able to reach people in a wider area.

“I welcome content from anybody who is interested in getting involved through dedications and shout outs and clips which can be sent to me, getting people’s voices heard on the radio. The show has been running since March at the start of lockdown and has proved popular as a way to combat isolation caused by the coronavirus and its effects.”