Luminus

Our CIC was founded over 10 years ago in 2013 becoming known as Luminus in 2023. Luminus is a Surrey based independent community interest company which exists to empower people to have their voices heard. We are an enterprise driven by social value, that invests in the local community. We help organisations provide equity of access, and the best services possible, through the inclusive involvement of local people. Our vision is to create a society where everyone’s voice is heard so we all receive the support we need for our wellbeing. Initially set up as an independent, trusted partner to communities and local health and care services to deliver the Healthwatch Surrey service - ensuring the voices of all users of NHS and social care services are heard, we have built on our expertise and experience. Luminus has grown to also shine a light on the experiences of carers, young carers, those who are affected by substance use, and people most at risk of health and care inequalities. We achieve this through bespoke projects, co-design, contracts, mentoring, research, and training. We work tirelessly to find, facilitate and gather insight from diverse communities. We analyse what people tell us to present themed findings, allowing service development, and facilitate solutions through co-design. This is supported by service excellence and independent evaluation. Using this approach, we make recommendations to implement change. Challenging assumptions, we root our work in what really matters to people, especially those who may find it harder to access services. Acting on what we hear we are tenacious in our desire to inform and influence change. We are inquisitive, listening with compassion and caring about the depth and complexity of people’s lives. We have integrity, people trust our balanced and objective viewpoint. Being people focussed, we believe services work best when they are built on a robust and inclusive partnership with people and communities.