An exceptional charity
Youmanity reports on an important charity whose work centres on disabled people in a very unique way. The Sunnybank Trust in Epsom consists of a substantial number of loving volunteers. Together they offer friendship and support to many of the ex-residents of the local mental hospital cluster.
In the 1980s there were great concerns about the quality of care for dependent people within the institutions of the time. A series of scandals in mental hospitals catalogued stories of abuse and inhumane treatment of patients who, out of sight and mind, were being neglected.
In 1986 the Audit Commission published a report called 'Making a Reality of Community Care'. This report was vital in the developments of the community care changes which were to take place.
Throughout this time an incredibly altruistic man, Tom Rhind-Tutt, and local people from Epsom, visited the patients of the Epsom Hospital Cluster. It was from this simple beginning that in the late eighties Tom formalised the early foundations that were to become The Sunnybank Trust.
Today, with a small team of part time staff and around 142 volunteers, The Sunnybank Trust provides a range of vital services to 250 adults and young people with learning disabilities. Through an advocacy service the trust continues to safeguard the quality of support and services available to men and women with learning disabilities.
What a great job - well done to the staff and volunteers of this unique charity!
Read more about the trust HERE
