Connecting community,
As Shepherd’s Star, we come alongside people who have experienced life challenges and who desire to move forward, to learn new skills, grow in confidence and improve their wellbeing so they are able to reconnect with community and actively contribute to society.
Our aim is for every individual to live a more connected, hopeful and rewarding life.
Connecting community,
inspiring hope.
As Shepherd’s Star, we come alongside people who have experienced life challenges and who desire to move forward, to learn new skills, grow in confidence and improve their wellbeing so they are able to reconnect with community and actively contribute to society.
Our aim is for every individual to live a more connected, hopeful and rewarding life.
Our projects.
Our projects.
Explore
Rediscovering confidence, reigniting potential.
Spring 2025 Dates: Tuesdays, 25th February, 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th March and 1st April
Venue: Richmond Library Annex Quadrant Rd, Richmond TW9 1DH
Summer 2025 Dates: Wednesdays, 11th, 18th, 25th June and the 2nd, 9th & 16th July.
Venue: United Reformed Church, First Cross Rd, Twickenham TW2 5QA
Explore is our six week personal development programme designed to support, encourage and empower adults facing barriers to develop their practical skills and confidence. To establish themselves in community and succeed with engagement through support agencies, further training, volunteering, apprenticeships and employment.
In 2024, as a response to a request from our Explore graduates, we launched Explore to More – a fortnightly commitment to continued support for our alumni through befriending.
“We didn’t want Explore to end…”
– Victoria, Explore graduate
Good Friday
GOOD Friday: where everybody knows your name!
Good Friday is a community space on the border of Twickenham Green, at the United Reformed Church, First Cross Road, TW2 5QA – every Friday from 11-2pm. Click here to download our flyer.
Good Friday offers an opportunity to connect with others over a meal as well as advice and support from the All-in-One Hub, on a range of topics including housing, mental health and employment.
We also have a Community Fridge to store donated surplus food for distribution to anyone who needs it. Our Good Friday community space is open access and all are welcome!
Join us for fun, food and friendship! Bring along a craft – or a board game or two – learn a skill and make some new friends.
- Complementary refreshments, including simple, hot lunch and baked treats
- Community Fridge
- Crafts
- Community noticeboard
- All-in-One Hub advice & support (including, DWP, SPEAR, Richmond Mind, Richmond CAB and RWCDAS)
- Practice basic cooking and baking (join our cooking team and help us bake or cook together before we open!
- Join us for The Reader (a shared reading group) on selected Fridays throughout the month. “The Reader has given me a confidence to read to an audience, helped me with my pronunciation and to read effectively.”
There are a number of locations throughout the borough that offer food provision and a warm, community space throughout the week. More information can be found here.
Table of Hope
Inspiring hope and building friendships.
Table of Hope is our monthly community invitation to a nutritious lunch at a communal table within a safe, interactive space – reducing isolation and enhancing wellbeing.
Personal experiences from Table of Hope gatherings:
“At the Table there is no-one above you and there is no-one below you. In our society we value platforms for people to stand on but at a Table there is no platform. At Tables we are one and we see each other.” — Matt
“Delighted, Inspired, Moved.” — Steve
“It’s an invitation to community – a wonderful atmosphere with a real community feel.” — Andy
“Table of Hope is a place to meet people and because I have cancer, I like to come somewhere that gives me hope.” — Bernard
SHINING SPONSORS
Shine
Shine is our barista training for those experiencing isolation and worklessness, enabling them to explore options towards employment within the hospitality industry whilst building their skills and confidence.
Please contact Laura at connect@shepherdsstar.org for more details.
With grateful thanks to The Clothworkers Foundation for funding the equipment to make our skills training programme possible and to Arise Coffee Roasters for providing our coffee beans.
We are a community movement operating in South West London, Twickenham and Richmond Upon Thames.
Shepherd’s Star – supporting those in need.
We make a difference by creating opportunities to purposefully bring people together, improving the quality of life of those in need and contributing towards a healthier community.
Building relationships based on shared values and respect, Shepherd’s Star collaborates with volunteers and charitable partner organisations, supporting social inclusion, inspiring hope and empowering individuals, together cultivating a community of kindness.
Read more
Some friendships don’t last for long, but there is one loving friend who is joined to your heart – closer than any other!
– Ancient Proverb
What we stand for.
Our mission
is to bring communities together, supporting those in need through connections, friendships and development programmes.
Our vision
is a world where everyone has the opportunity to be a connected, valued and uniquely contributing member of society.
Our values
at the heart of everything we do, is our belief in people, inclusivity, collaboration and empathy for all.
We are inspired by Christian values, inclusive in our reach and in doing social good.
Who we are
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”
– African proverb
Ever since she was young, Desiree has had a heart for her community and creating opportunities of provision for those in need. Co-founder of two charities - one in South Africa and another in the UK - Desiree is a community connector, passionate about building meaningful networks across different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. An entrepreneur with experience in both corporate and charity sectors, working in partnership with others to make a difference in the lives of the “one”, is what makes her come alive.
Judy is an NHS public health specialist with a heart for developing and empowering people to live their best lives. Passionate about people and their well-being, Judy brings her years of experience around the world, as a registered nurse and midwife, to Shepherd’s Star. Empathetic and kind, Judy is also a coach and mentor.
With a natural gift of coaching and facilitation and background as Senior HR Advisor for Deloitte, executive coach Marianne brings vision and perspective to Shepherd’s Star. Discerning, creative and resourceful Marianne has a knack for expanding potential and encouraging others to dare to dream.
A motivated and trusted finance and economics specialist, with over a decade experience as Financial Advisor in Canada and South Africa, Justin brings his financial expertise to Shepherd’s Star. Easy-going and empathetic, Justin enjoys working alongside people of all ages, and looks forward to investing his time and expertise into our Shepherd’s Star community.
Brenton brings a wealth of experience from the financial services sector, where he has worked as an executive and consultant specialising in strategy and product innovation. Beyond his professional career, he is a qualified coach who passionately volunteers with several charities, helping individuals of all ages build confidence and unlock their full potential. In his free time, you will find him travelling, cycling or exploring the mountains.
Ever since she was young, Desiree has had a heart for her community and creating opportunities of provision for those in need. Co-founder of two charities - one in South Africa and another in the UK - Desiree is a community connector, passionate about building meaningful networks across different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. An entrepreneur with experience in both corporate and charity sectors, working in partnership with others to make a difference in the lives of the “one”, is what makes her come alive.
Judy is an NHS public health specialist with a heart for developing and empowering people to live their best lives. Passionate about people and their well-being, Judy brings her years of experience around the world, as a registered nurse and midwife, to Shepherd’s Star. Empathetic and kind, Judy is also a coach and mentor.
With a natural gift of coaching and facilitation and background as Senior HR Advisor for Deloitte, executive coach Marianne brings vision and perspective to Shepherd’s Star. Discerning, creative and resourceful Marianne has a knack for expanding potential and encouraging others to dare to dream.
A motivated and trusted finance and economics specialist, with over a decade experience as Financial Advisor in Canada and South Africa, Justin brings his financial expertise to Shepherd’s Star. Easy-going and empathetic, Justin enjoys working alongside people of all ages, and looks forward to investing his time and expertise into our Shepherd’s Star community.
Brenton brings a wealth of experience from the financial services sector, where he has worked as an executive and consultant specialising in strategy and product innovation. Beyond his professional career, he is a qualified coach who passionately volunteers with several charities, helping individuals of all ages build confidence and unlock their full potential. In his free time, you will find him travelling, cycling or exploring the mountains.
Stories of Hope
Finding the inspiration in our Shepherd’s Star community.
Jamie, a former music student, experienced a significant personal and social transformation through his involvement with Shepherd's Star. Introduced to the charity through a job center,
Jamie's journey with Shepherd's Star began with the Good Friday social hub, where he found a welcoming and supportive community.
As he participated in the Explore and Good Friday programs, Jamie discovered new interests and skills beyond music, such as cooking. He commented “I'm learning something new every week at Good Friday."
His confidence levels soared, making him more comfortable in social settings and enabling him to interact with a diverse group of people. Jamie now sees multiple career paths, including potential in cooking. This broader perspective has opened new possibilities for his future.
Jamie's consistent participation and growth exemplify the positive change that Shepherd's Star aims to bring to individuals. His story is a testament to how the support of Shepherd's Star has led to newfound confidence and broader career perspectives.
Jamie’s advice for others is “coming here is a good start, even if you're nervous or worried about what it's going to be like, everyone is always friendly and nice”.
For the third year running Shepherd's Star was proud to collaborate with local families, residents, schools and businesses to deliver boxes of Christmas Dinner JOY to 80 families supported by Achieving For Children. Thank you to every one of our partners, volunteers and supporters who gave so generously.
"I was expecting a small box with a symbolic greeting - perhaps some sweets for the children - but when I saw the size of the Christmas Box I was pleasantly surprised! It contained everything we needed for a festive table and even more!" - Christmas Box recipient.
"The kids were overjoyed! I am so so grateful - we are immensely thankful for creating a festive atmosphere for me and the children." - Christmas Box recipient.
"The Christmas Box absolutely blew me away...I didn’t expect it to be as big as it was...the contents were amazing and helped me feed my family over Christmas." - Christmas Box recipient.
"Without this box I would have struggled to feed my family - to then open a lovely card signed by everyone, and a gift card fell out - I was lost for words." - Christmas Box recipient.
"With the current cost of living crisis, we are seeing so many working families struggling to make ends meet. These are families who wouldn’t qualify for financial support and would not be flagged up to schools as being in need. So for us to have autonomy over who receives these boxes has meant we are able to help those who would otherwise fall through the net. Thank you so much for your hard work, kindness and generosity..." - Laura Edbrook, Achieving For Children .
"I enjoyed my time at the charity Shepherd’s Star and the courses they offered.
The courses gave me a reason to get out of bed in the mornings and helped to motivate me during the days I attended.
During the Discover Horticulture Course at Kew Gardens I discovered I knew more about botany and plants than I thought I did before. I also enjoyed the tours at Kew Gardens. I learnt to work in groups and explain in detail succinctly.
At the Richmond Furniture Scheme, I learnt practical skills like hand-eye coordination in building a planter box...
Click the link below to read the full story.
What our
community says.
… as and when we gift Shepherd’s Star with funds for those in need we absolutely know that our gift will actually cover the specific needs of the needy rather than say pay vast salaries …
ANNIE, AND DAVID
IN HEAVEN
…as and when we gift Shepherd’s Star with funds for those in need we absolutely know that our gift will actually cover the specific needs of the needy rather than say pay vast salaries …
ANNIE, AND DAVID
IN HEAVEN
Our Grant Funders
