_edited.png)
_edited_edited_edite.jpg)
The Sunny Sessions
Radio Project
Sunny Sessions was created in 2020 by Sunnybank CEO Dorothy Watson and Futures Manager Claire Dawson in response to the isolation felt by our Sunnybank community during lockdown.
The show began as a way to keep people with learning disabilities connected, informed, and uplifted during a difficult time. Claire, who led the early production, included uplifting features like exercise sessions, news updates, and voice messages from Sunnybank members to each other.
Our team also hand-delivered smart speakers to local homes, making sure no one was left out. Today, Sunny Sessions continues to grow, proudly led by our in-house presenter Jon Andrews and shaped by our Sunnybank reporters.
Our Shows
When:
Every Monday 10am - 11am
Every Thursday 10am - 11am
First Thursday of each month 9pm - 10pm
Where:
Surrey Hills Community Radio (online)
How:
Ask your smart speaker to "play Surrey Hills Community Radio" or visit their website
Our Reporters
Sunny Sessions is shaped and presented by a team of passionate reporters with lived experience of learning disabilities.
Most are based in Surrey, with a few joining remotely from places like Bristol and Bournemouth.
The show offers space for reporters to explore their interests, connect with others, and develop skills in broadcasting.
Many are keen to pursue careers in radio, and some have gone on to host their own shows.
Their voices, ideas and creativity are at the heart of everything we do.
Episode Themes
Every episode includes real conversations, useful advice, and stories from the community. Some themes have included:
Mental Health
& Wellbeing
Messages for the Prime Minister
What is
"Good Accessibility"
Health Passports
Employment Barriers
& Opportunities
Cost of Living
& Foodbanks
Disability Sports
What does "Independence" mean to you
“As someone who has always found it hard to express themselves, connecting with Sunnybank is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
It brought me out of my shell more, and I learned how to be on the radio and have special memories to treasure. I think Sunny Sessions has helped me in so many ways, we have somewhere that will allow us to be ourselves.”
Emma B
Sunnybank Reporter
Previous Episodes
