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.
Autumn 2024 Dates: Tuesdays, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th November & 3rd, 10th December
Venue: Richmond Library Annex Quadrant Rd, Richmond TW9 1DH
Spring 2025 Dates: Tuesdays, 25th February, 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th March and 1st April
Venue: Richmond Library Annex Quadrant Rd, Richmond TW9 1DH
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!)
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.
Our Good Friday Community Space will be closed over Christmas, including Friday 20th & 27th December. We re-open on Friday 3rd January 2025.
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.
Coffee Barista Timi Fabian, leads three workshops of 2.5hrs each at Café Fika, LiveWell, Quadrant House, Levett Square, Kew, TW9 4FF. https://www.livewellkew.org.uk/cafe-fika/
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.
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.
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 second 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.
"The Christmas box was amazing. My family and I enjoyed all the foods you had sent and were overwhelmed with delight that we were able to celebrate a lovely Christmas dinner. We've been struggling and we honestly thought we weren't going to have a Christmas for my girls who have been so excited and were helping prepare dinner. Your box made it possible for us to celebrate, and just seeing my daughters' faces having an amazing dinner and sweets brought us so much joy. Words can't describe how you made us feel. A huge thank you to all who made this possible, especially during the financial crisis that's going on. Thank you so much for making Christmas so special for us." - Christmas Box recipient.
"My heartfelt thanks for delivering such a large number of Christmas food hampers to families this year. I know this endeavor will have taken a huge amount of fundraising, organization, volunteer time, and sheer hard work. However, I also know the joy that it will have brought to the families who received them. Thank you on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames & London Borough of Richmond upon Thames." - Ian Dodds, Achieving For Children, Director of Children's Services, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames & London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
"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
