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This page gives important information to help you find a job. You can also get help from our employment volunteers - contact us or attend one of our hubs to access this support.  Employment It can be daunting trying to find a job in the UK, with systems and a working culture that may be very different to those in your home country. This page gives important information to help you find a job. You can also get help from our employment volunteers - contact us or attend one of our hubs to access this support. Some key steps to success 1. Learn English as quickly as you can This is the most important thing you can do to help you integrate into the local community. 2. Think about your long-term and short-term goals Is there a way to build your interests into your work? 3. Consider training while you are learning English or waiting to find employment Speak to your Job Centre coach about free courses on offer. 4. Prepare a good CV Here are some tips to get you started. 5. Interview Practice Practice makes perfect. Get help to improve your interview skills. 6. Work Experience Having some UK work experience can really boost your CV. By volunteering or doing work experience for free, you can improve your network and it could offer you a way into paid employment. 7. Get online Most recruitment in the UK takes place online and it is important to have some basic IT skills to search for jobs and submit applications online. Local colleges and the Job Centre can help you find a course to improve your skills. 8. Persevere Try not to be too disheartened if you get many rejections or do not hear back after submitting a job application. Looking for a job There are many different ways to find a job. This can vary depending on the type of company or industry you are looking to work in. Generally, large international companies will recruit through their websites or use recruitment agencies, whereas smaller businesses may find staff through word of mouth or by direct approaches. We have collated information about different ways you can find a job. Find out more here: Online recruitment websites Company websites Linked In Ask people you know The DWP Job Centre Recruitment agencies Specialist roles Construction industry Types of employment Employment contracts UK Employment law regulates the relationship between employers and employees. It governs what employers can expect from employees, what employers can ask employees to do, and employees’ rights at work. For more information about Employee rights, please refer to ACAS . Self employment For some people self employment may be the best option. Your skills or your family commitments may mean this works for you. For example, job roles such as gardeners, taxi drivers and photographers often work in this way as they have many clients. Being self employed offers: The chance to choose your own work schedule Self-agency and accountability Personal connection with customers Independence, freedom, being one’s own boss Direct payment from clients There are a number of things you need to consider when setting up a business in the UK. Take a look at this government guide Working for yourself - GOV.UK . You can also seek advice from the Job Centre; business support services and training providers like the The Rebel School . Overseas qualifications You may wish to continue working in a similar role to your former job in your home country. To do this, employers may ask you to provide translated copies of your certificates and qualification equivalency, so your employer can see how your qualifications equate to qualifications in the UK. Sometimes, an employer will do this for you, however, it is often useful to be prepared and have this ready yourself, so you know if your qualifications are correct for a specific job role. ENIC is the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills and they offer a statement of comparability service. Translation and Certification services: There are many organisations that offer these services. If you require a recommendation, please contact us. UK Education levels When joining a course like ESOL classes at a college, the admissions team will be keen to identify your existing level of English or your qualifications. Many courses and job descriptions will also ask for a specific level of qualifications, for example, GCSEs or equivalent Level 2 qualifications or a Level 3 qualification. This website gives guidance on what the different qualifications mean: What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are an alternative way to employment that offer you the opportunity to train as you work, so you can earn a salary while gaining a qualification. Apprenticeships are offered at various levels from school leaver (Level 2 / 3) to Degree apprenticeships (Level 6). They are available in a variety of industries including business, accountancy, healthcare, construction, hairdressing and many more. For further information on how apprenticeships work and different opportunities available please visit the government apprentice information page . Common barriers to work Childcare: For the latest information on how to find childcare and get help paying for it and what to do if your circumstances change, please refer to Get childcare: step by step - GOV.UK . Cost of finding a job: There are costs to finding work that you may find difficult to pay for, for example, work / interview clothing or travel to interviews. The DWP has funds that may be able to support you with these expenses. Please speak to your Job Centre work coach. Loss of benefits: You should not have a lower income by going to work. For up to date information, please check the government’s Universal Credit webpage. Disability support: Surrey County Council offer a supported employment programme called Work Wise. Work Wise is a free employment service available to any person with a mental or physical health condition, disability, or neurodivergence, who wants to work. Find out more on their website . Long term unemployment: Restart is a programme offered by the Job Centre, specifically for individuals who have been out of work for more than 12 months. If you think you are eligible for this programme and would like the opportunity to join, please contact your work coach. If you have any specific questions that are not answered here, please attend one of our drop-in hubs or get in touch by email at contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk and we will connect you with one of our employment volunteers. Looking for a job There are many different ways to find a job. This can vary depending on the type of company or industry you are looking to work in. Generally, large international companies will recruit through their websites or use recruitment agencies, whereas smaller businesses may find staff through word of mouth or by direct approaches. We have collated information about different ways you can find a job. Find out more below. Online recruitment websites Many job vacancies are advertised through online recruitment websites. Think about the keywords you put in to search engines like Google to ensure you find the most suitable job vacancies for you. Reed - Jobs and Recruitment on Reed.co.uk, the UK's #1 job site Indeed - Finding a job | Indeed.com Total Jobs - Jobs are our job | Totaljobs Back to top Company websites Most companies and international organisations advertise their job vacancies on their own websites. Search on the internet for companies you know and look on their careers pages. For example: www.jobsatamazon.co.uk www.tesco-careers.com/search-and-apply https://costacareers.co.uk Careers at P&G United Kingdom Back to top Linked In LinkedIn is an extremely popular online professional network that you can use to search for a job. If you set up a LinkedIn profile, you can then use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn professional skills. Here’s some help with how to set up a profile: How to use LinkedIn 7 Tips On How To Use LinkedIn For Beginners Back to top Ask people you know Most companies and international organisations advertise their job vacancies on their own websites. Search on the internet for companies you know and look on their careers pages. For example: www.jobsatamazon.co.uk www.tesco-careers.com/search-and-apply https://costacareers.co.uk Careers at P&G United Kingdom Back to top The DWP Job Centre The Job Centre works with local employers and training providers to try to help people into work. Attend their job fairs, speak to your work coach and look at the notice boards in the Centre for the latest opportunities. Back to top Recruitment agencies Recruitment agencies can be national or local and offer job vacancies across many industry sectors. They can also specialise in a specific sector. Local agencies give you the opportunity to meet with the recruiters in person and will often have vacancies in the immediate area. National recruiters Request a call back | Michael Page External job board - AMS Examples of specialist recruiters HomeOrganisers | Housekeeper and Nanny Placements - HomeOrganisers Manufacturing & Engineering Recruitment | Martin Veasey Talent Solutions Health and Social Care Jobs | Search Jobs | Safehands Recruitment Milkround | Graduate Jobs, Schemes & Internships Surrey recruitment agencies March Recruitment Leading Recruitment Agency in Surrey & Sussex | The Recruitment Consultancy Back to top Specialist roles Specialist roles may require a different approach when searching for a job. For example, medical professionals, dentists, and teachers may need to undertake a period of retraining to practice in the UK. In the first instance, it is useful to approach the industry regulators to understand the process you must follow for your profession. General Medical Council: Full registration for international medical graduates - GMC General Dental Council: Overseas Registration Examination British Dental Association: Overseas dentists working in the UK Teaching for Internationally qualified teachers: A fairer approach to awarding QTS to overseas teachers - GOV.UK Apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) if you teach outside the UK - GOV.UK For some there are opportunities to receive loans or grants to help fund your training, exams and fees. Take a look at these organisations to see if you are eligible: Ruth Hayman Trust ReAccreditation Loans— RefuAid Back to top Construction industry Construction workers must complete a CSCS course to acquire a card to authorise them to work on building sites in the UK. These courses vary by profession ie plumbers, bricklayers, labourers etc, however the key focus is on ensuring best health and safety practice on site. Applying for CSCS cards | Official CSCS Website Back to top

We published our first full impact report at the end of 2023, sharing how our charity has grown and evolved since its foundation. We now offer a wide range of services to support the full integration of forcibly displaced people, including drop-in hubs, employment mentoring, practical and material support, as well as group and one-to-one English classes. Impact report We published our first full impact report at the end of 2023, sharing how our charity has grown and evolved since its foundation. We now offer a wide range of services to support the full integration of forcibly displaced people, including drop-in hubs, employment mentoring, practical and material support, as well as group and one-to-one English classes. In a nutshell As at January 2024, we were supporting 276 families from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria and other countries. We had 250 ongoing support cases, and delivered our services through our network of 108 volunteers and seven staff members. In 2023 our staff and volunteers: Helped 89 families with support and advice on accommodation Supported 53 families to set up new homes Provided 70 job seekers with one-to-one mentoring Delivered 40 hours of tutoring and homework help every week Mentored 10 young people through our collaboration with St George’s College, Weybridge. Read our full report here Seeing first-hand the incredible work that all the dedicated Elmbridge CAN volunteers and staff do... as well as the positive impact the charity has on enabling people to rebuild their lives, and feel welcome and settled in Elmbridge, is truly amazing. I feel so lucky to be a part of Elmbridge CAN's mission, and thoroughly enjoy my volunteer role. Ayshe

Information about managing your finances in the UK - covering benefits, council tax, assistance with costs related to children, and other sources of support. Finance This page provides information about managing your finances in the UK - covering benefits, council tax, assistance with costs related to children, and other sources of support. You may also qualify for a small emergency grant from Elmbridge CAN - read on for more details. Please note that most of the information below is only relevant if you have permission to remain in the UK. For information about the UK asylum system, including related financial support, see Right to Remain . UK Benefits System If you have access to public funds in the UK, including if you have refugee status or are here under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and you are on a low income, you can get help from the benefits system. You can find information about how to apply for Universal Credit on this government website: Universal Credit . To get information about what help you might be entitled to, you can use a benefits calculator such as Tackling Financial Insecurity Together or Benefits Calculator . If you don't yet have a UK bank account: If a claimant does not have a bank account at the time they are making a new claim to Universal Credit and if there is no option to say they don't have a bank account, the following steps should be followed: during the new claim add 6 zeros (000000) for the sort code and 8 zeros (00000000) for the bank account number - this will need to be done 4 times to progress the claim. If you are receiving Universal Credit, it is very important to keep them informed of any changes of circumstance you have, such as a new address or a new job. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to get short-term additional help with rental costs from Elmbridge Borough Council through a discretionary housing payment. Information is available on the Elmbridge Council website: Discretionary Housing Payment . Help with Council Tax Council tax is payable on all rented or privately owned houses in the UK. You can find details about how to set up an account on the Elmbridge Council website: Council Tax . Homes for Ukraine Scheme guests are entitled to a 50% discount on their council tax in Elmbridge - you need to let the Council know that you would like to apply for this. All those on low incomes and with recourse to public funds are also able to apply for a council tax discount via the council's website: Council Tax Support . There are also discounts available to all single adult households - you can apply for this via your online account with Elmbridge Borough Council. Additional Sources of Support You can find a list of organisations in Surrey which can help with the cost of living here: Cost of living support . Elmbridge CAN small grants These grants are available on a discretionary basis to forcibly displaced people who are living in Elmbridge and are registered with us. We generally prioritise people with no access to public funds, such as asylum seekers. Grants may be available where there is emergency hardship, or for short-term needs such as school uniform or ESOL class fees. We can also sometimes help with material items such as bikes, and laptops where these are needed for essential study or similar. Please get in touch on contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk if you would like to apply to this fund. Foodbank vouchers These are available via Elmbridge CAN to those in need of short-term help with food and essentials such as toiletries. Please get in touch or visit us at a hub for more information. The Elmbridge Eco Hub They are based in Walton, have a community fridge and often have free food available to collect, as well as providing other items and sources of support . You do not need a referral - just go along. See Elmbridge Eco Hub for more details . Broadband If you are on a low income you may be able to get cheaper broadband through a social tariff. See Ofcom Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages for more details. For general information on how to save money in the UK see Money Saving Expert . Childcare and Costs Relating to Children Universal credit may pay some of your childcare costs when you go to work: Universal Credit childcare costs . Families on a low income may be entitled to free nursery places for two year olds. For more information see: Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds if you claim certain benefits . See Childcare Choices: 15 and 30 hours childcare for more information on government help with childcare costs (15 hours for children aged between nine months and two years, and an additional 15 hours for three and four year olds). Free school meals are available for all children in Reception to Year 2 in a state-maintained school. Free school meals are also available to children on certain qualifying benefits, see Apply for free school meals for how to apply. If your child receives free school meals, then they should also receive some free holiday camp days during the school holidays under the Holiday activities and food programme . Contact your school to ask about this, and speak to Elmbridge CAN if you have any problems. If you have no access to public funds your child may still be able to access free school meals - speak your school to ask, and get in touch with us if you have any problems. School uniforms If you are struggling with the cost of school uniforms, speak to your school in the first instance as they may be able to help you. If they are not able to, please let us know, as we may be able to support you or help you access other sources of support such as The Bridge in Walton or Stripey Stork . Please let us know if you are struggling financially, we may be able to help or refer you to other sources of support.

Elmbridge CAN provides positive action for refugees. We are a community-based, volunteer-powered charity located in Elmbridge, Surrey, UK. Our mission is to welcome and support people fleeing terror in their home countries, enabling them to build a new life in Britain. Welcome We support forcibly displaced people in the Surrey borough of Elmbridge and surrounding area Elmbridge CAN is a community-based, volunteer-powered charity located in Elmbridge, Surrey, UK. Our mission is to welcome and support people fleeing terror in their home countries, enabling them to build a new life in Britain. About us Get help Get involved What's on Find out about our classes to learn English, opportunities to meet people and ways to access our support. Find out more Ukrainian sunflowers Read the inspiring story of three Ukrainian women who set up their own gardening company. Find out more Latest news Here you can read our newsletters and find other interesting and relevant articles and updates. Find out more Make a difference From hosting to donating or volunteering, there are plenty of ways to get involved in Elmbridge. Find out more I’ve met incredible people here who are like angels, and this place feels so safe because of all you do. You never hold back on any help or support. NM

Elmbridge CAN offers a range of free activities specifically designed for displaced people. What's on Elmbridge CAN offers a range of free activities specifically designed for displaced people. There are lots of other sports, social and cultural activities that you can participate in - many of them free of charge - in your local area. Elmbridge CAN activities Classes English classes for all levels, with play helpers for children on Fridays. Tuesdays 10.00–11.30 St James Parish Centre, Weybridge KT13 8DN. Fridays 10.15-11.45 Walton Community Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PB. Driving theory classes are also available on Tuesdays - contact us for details. Drop-in hubs Come to meet others, practice your English or ask questions. Tuesdays 11.00-13.00 Weybridge Community Centre, Churchfield House, KT13 8DB. Fridays 11.00-12.30 Walton Community Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PB. St Nicholas Church, Summer Rd, Thames Ditton KT7 0QQ - by appointment only. St Andrews Church, Cobham KT11 3EJ - by appointment only. Teenagers Sports and social for displaced young people age 13-19. Thursdays 19.30-21.00 St George’s College, Weybridge KT15 2QS. Mini-bus pickups from Walton and Weybridge. Please contact us if your child would like to participate. Other activities in the community Gym and swimming Running and walking Yoga Tennis For teenagers Cycling Cultural activities Gym and swimming Gym memberships, swimming and exercise classes are available at the XCel Leisure Complex and Hurst Pool . They offer a free 3-month membership for displaced people. After the initial 3 months, you can get a 20% discount on membership. There is a women-only swimming session on Saturdays 18.00-19.00 at Hurst Pool. Back to top Running and walking Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog or run 5 kilometres (or volunteer or spectate). It takes place every Saturday morning at 9.00 across multiple locations. Our Parks also offer free running and fitness classes in parks across the UK. Back to top Special group activities Elmbridge Borough Council Our local council runs different wellbeing activities, as well as specialist groups for resettled people. You can join in activites such as local walks, tennis, yoga and cricket. Find out more and get involved. Mary Frances Trust Mary Frances Trust is a charity which offers wellbeing activities, such as yoga and walking, community groups and courses throughout the year. Find out more about the Mary Frances Trust and how to register for their activities. Women's groups Some local groups meet and are a safe environment for women and children only. Multi-Connections group Holy Trinity Claygate Church, KT10 0JP Alternate Saturdays in term-time 11.00 -12.30 Email: pippacramer@htclaygate.org Sisterhood group Wednesdays 12.30-14.30 St John's Church Walton, KT12 3JQ Yoga Yoga is more than just an exercise class. It has been proven to help with trauma symptoms. The local classes below offer a discount for displaced people (see also Mary Frances Trust above). Sport in Mind charity offers free yoga at the Xcel Leisure Centre on a Wednesday 12-1pm. You can sign up here . Yoga with Ruth in Weybridge Yoga with Florendia in Walton and Weybridge Yoga with Uzma in Cobham Back to top Tennis Displaced people in Elmbridge (and any Elmbridge residents in receipt of benefits) are eligible for a FREE tennis pass to use at any of the 12 sites operated by Parks Tennis in Elmbridge. Send an email to sign up: parkstennis@elmbridge.gov.uk . Back to top For teenagers There are a number of activities that are run especially for teens. Here are some of the local schemes - many of which are free of charge. Virtual youth space for Ukrainian kids: sessions run from 18.00 to 19.00 on the first and third Thursday of every month. For more information e-mail: ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk . Football with Chelsea FC: free football training for boys and girls from age 11-17, in a variety of locations across Surrey. It is run by Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund. Complete the form here (y o u can select a time and location). XCel Leisure Complex in Walton runs drop-in sessions for teens age 11-16. Contact them direct for more information. Claygate Youth and Community Hub provides free sessions for teens on Tuesdays 18.00-20.00 and Thursdays 19.00 to 21.00. They also offer youth sport sessions on Wednesdays from 18.00 to 19.30. See their website for full details. Foley Boxing Club for both boys and girls, is run by the Metropolitan Police at Imber Court, Molesey KT8 0BT. There is a charge of £5 per class, but ask for a concession if you cannot afford it. Please contact Lee Martin on 07957 829030 for more information and to book. Back to top Cycling We often get bikes donated and we can also teach people how to ride if required. Bikes are subject to availability. Please send an email to materials@elmbridgecan.org.uk to let us know your needs - age, height etc. Back to top Cultural activities Hampton Court Palace offers £1 tickets for eligible individuals. For more information and to book online visit their website . Many galleries and museums in London are free to visit. There are so many to choose from. Visit London has lots of ideas and suggestions for cheap days out. If you need help accessing any of the services on this page, then please get in touch. Back to top

Information about housing for displaced people in Elmbridge Housing Elmbridge CAN can't provide housing but we can advise you on your options and we can sometimes help you look for accommodation in the private rent sector. For Ukrainians, we can try to 'rematch' you with a new host. Read on for more information. Please note that most of the information below is relevant only if you have permission to remain in the UK. For information about the asylum system in the UK including financial support see Right to Remain . Can I get my own accommodation from the council? Social housing in the UK is in very short supply, especially for larger households, and particularly in Elmbridge as it is an expensive area and there is a shortage of housing. There are very long waiting lists for social housing. If you are in danger of homelessness and are in a priority group where the council has a duty to help you, then they may be able to support you with emergency accommodation. This may be in a bed and breakfast and it may be outside of Elmbridge. You can find out more information including how to apply for social housing on the council’s website here Elmbridge Borough Council - Housing . How can I get my own accommodation? Whether you have children or not, your Universal Credit benefit can include help with rental costs, also known as Housing Benefit. The Housing Benefit allowance was increased in Elmbridge in April 2024. You can check out the local Housing Benefit allowance here . Depending on your circumstances, Elmbridge Borough Council may also be able to help you with finding rental accommodation. See Find a place to live . You can also look at websites like Rightmove for a property to rent. Being in employment can sometimes help with securing accommodation. Finding housing can be hard. It is important to be persistent and not lose hope. Our charity doesn't offer a property search service but if you are homeless or vulnerably housed, Rentstart is a local charity which has a very useful guide to renting privately on low incomes. Rentstart primarily helps people who are not on the council’s priority list, such as single adults without children. In the UK, many younger single people, or couples, form a group with friends to rent accommodation together. See also these useful guides for Ukrainians on how to rent property in the UK in Ukrainian and Russian . Discretionary housing payments available for housing are occasionally available from Elmbridge Council: Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) . For Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme: how can I change my host? We are working closely with Elmbridge Council to help ensure that re-matches can be arranged where there is a priority need for this, for example if there is a medical need or if there is an irreversible breakdown in relationships. Please get in touch with us if you think this might apply to you, by emailing contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk or coming to one of our hubs (see our What’s on page ). There may also be ways that we can help you resolve differences with your original host family.

We have created a full guide for you to understand the different transport options in Elmbridge. Transport The public transport network of trains and buses can be confusing for new arrivals to Elmbridge. We have created a full guide for you to understand the different options and help you get around the local area: Public transport information sheet Homes for Ukraine (H4U) temporary bus pass scheme Surrey County Council has worked with bus companies in Surrey to set up this scheme. It offers those who arrived on the H4U scheme a free bus pass for 6 months for travel on their most used bus route. Participating companies include Stagecoach, Compass, Metrobus, Falcon, White Bus and Reptons. Find out more details and how to apply here . Driving in the UK Can I use my driving licence issued by my home country? This government webpage has a tool you can use to see if you can drive in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) on your licence issued by another country. In most cases, you can drive any type of small vehicle (for example cars or motorcycles) listed on your licence for 12 months from when you first arrived in Great Britain. However, Ukrainians (who entered on a Ukraine visa scheme) can continue driving here for three years from arrival. After the end of this period, you will need to either exchange your licence for a UK licence or pass theory and practical tests to acquire a UK licence. Visit this page to find out how to do this. Can I drive my car that I brought with me from another country? Generally you will be allowed to drive your car for up to six months. After that time you must “import” your vehicle which involves registering and taxing it. See this government webpage for more detail on the process. How can I get a UK driving licence? You will need to follow these steps in order to get a UK driving licence. This includes applying for a provisional licence, and passing both a theory test and a practical test. Elmbridge CAN runs driving theory lessons, visit our What’s On page to find out more. We recommend these books to help you pass the theory test: The Official DVSA Highway Code The Official DVSA Guide to Driving There are also various apps which can help, such as the Official DVSA theory test kit. You can buy and download this using these links: App for iOS / Apple App for Android eLearning platform (to use on a tablet, computer or mobile device) Once you are learning to drive, there are videos on YouTube which can help you, such as these: DGN Driving Drive London How expensive is it to run a car? The AA (Automobile Association) has published some useful guidance on the cost of running a car, here . In addition to the cost of buying and maintaining the car, and the cost of fuel, there are various other costs to consider - including tax, insurance and MOT (annual safety check), all of which are mandatory in the UK. Oxshott Care This local charity arranges lifts for Oxshott residents to medical appointments. They may be able to help with lifts to other important appointments, and with shopping and picking up prescriptions. See their website for more details or call them on 07950 478329 (phone line open from 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday. You can also leave a message).

We are proud to partner with these organisations and are enormously grateful to them for funding our work. We are proud to partner with the following organisations, and are enormously grateful to them for funding our work. Who we work with We are proud to partner with the following organisations, and are enormously grateful to them for funding our work. A charitable foundation which works with local partners to tackle poverty and inequality in Elmbridge. We work closely with our local council, which holds the primary responsibility for resettling refugees locally. The Community Foundation brings together local donors and those acting to provide positive solutions for local people and disadvantaged individuals. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes over £600m a year to communities across the UK, raised by players of the National Lottery. We also work closely with a growing and varied network of other organisations, including charities, government agencies, faith groups, schools and companies. They all have a key role to play in supporting displaced people, and we achieve more by working together. We also work with a growing and varied network of other organisations, including charities, government agencies, faith groups, schools and companies. They all have a key role to play in supporting displaced people, and we achieve more by working together. Here are some more of our strategic partners: City of Sanctuary is a network of communities, councils, schools and libraries that provide support and opportunity to people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Elmbridge CAN is proud to be a long-standing member of the City of Sanctuary movement. Big Leaf is a local charitable foundation which provides a nurturing programme of activities, projects and events, focussing on combating social isolation and improving wellbeing for displaced young people in Surrey. CSVA is a charity aiming to support and shape best practice in volunteering and social action in Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley. Specifically, they help to promote our volunteering opportunities and undertake DBS checks on our behalf. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England. It helps voluntary organisations achieve their greatest impact. Elmbridge CAN is a member of NCVO.

Our small staff team supports and underpins the work of our volunteers. Our team Our volunteers are - and always have been - the lifeblood of our organisation. We rely heavily on our team of nearly 100 talented volunteers, who come from all walks of life and bring diverse skills and experience. Since 2022 we have built a small staff team to support and underpin the work of our volunteers, most of whom work part-time. They are guided by a strong and committed trustee board. Our staff team Co-director Jeannie Tweedie Jeannie co-founded Elmbridge CAN in 2016 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Her goal was to bring local people together to help - based on common humanity. Elmbridge CAN has since grown exponentially. Jeannie is driven and energised by the support she and the team have offered to displaced people and by the feeling that the Elmbridge CAN is making a tangible difference to real lives. Before starting Elmbridge CAN, Jeannie worked in project management, administration and events, and as a pre-school teacher. She holds a degree in History and Politics and a Masters in Refugee Care. Service Delivery Manager Florendia Buckingham Florendia has a diverse professional background, including 13 years as an IT project manager at PwC, followed by roles as a photographer and videographer, and as a trauma-informed yoga teacher. As a child, Florendia experienced first-hand the Cyprus/Turkey conflict, which led her to volunteer in Calais, following which she joined Elmbridge CAN as a volunteer in 2020. Her role expanded significantly to support operations and activities during the influx of Afghan and Ukrainian arrivals and she has helped to build a sustainable infrastructure for our fast-growing charity. Florendia is passionate about promoting wellbeing and fostering healthy conversations about displaced people within the community. Volunteer Co-ordinator / Administrator Sarah Nuttall Sarah is our Volunteers Coordinator, arranging screening and training for new volunteers and staff, and making sure we remain up-to-date with DBS checks and crucial training, for example in safeguarding. Sarah also supports the directors and staff team with general administrative tasks and coordinates our activities around donations of material items such as furniture and helping clients move to new homes. Sarah had a successful career in project and contract management with London Underground before switching to the community and charity sector, working for the Co-op before joining Elmbridge CAN in 2022. Ukrainian Integration Worker Olga Gaieva Olga is а Ukrainian citizen who relocated to the UK from Kyiv at the start of the war. Before working at Elmbridge CAN she volunteered at The Lighthouse in Woking as a member of the Ukrainian Welcome team, and at Wandsworth Food Bank. Olga is also an administrator at St Mary's Ukrainian School in Woking. She has wealth of experience in running her own craft business which she started in Ukraine, and continues developing in the UK. Olga is deeply inspired by the possibilities and importance relating to the integration of Ukrainians into our local community, and dedicates herself to supporting individuals and families on this journey. Co-director Melissa Day Melissa holds a degree in Modern Languages and is qualified as a solicitor, having trained and practised in a large City law firm, specialising in Family Law. She took a career break following the birth of her second child which included living in Spain for five years. Melissa is passionate about volunteering in the community and joined Elmbridge CAN as a volunteer in its early days, became a trustee in 2020, and finally took up her current role as co-director (in a job share with Jeannie) in September 2022. Melissa previously volunteered as a trustee at Citizens Advice. Programme Co-ordinator Charlotte Takla As Programme Coordinator, Charlotte works closely with our community partners to meet the education and employment needs of our supported families. She previously supported Elmbridge CAN for two years as a volunteer, having been introduced by a Homes for Ukraine host who had benefited from the charity's support. Since leaving a corporate career in Telecoms to bring up her family, Charlotte has volunteered for local children's charities and schools with an emphasis on fundraising and education initiatives. Arabic-speaking Integration Worker Huda Farran Huda is a Saudi citizen who was born and raised in Jeddah. A native Arabic speaker, she began volunteering at Elmbridge CAN with families who had arrived on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (which closed to new arrivals in 2020). Since 2022 Huda has been employed by the charity as our Arabic-speaking integration worker, initially in a role funded by Elmbridge Borough Council to support the Syrian families on their path to becoming fully integrated and independent. More recently, Huda’s responsibilities have expanded and she has used her experience to help clients of various other nationalities, especially but not limited to Arabic speakers. Ukrainian Integration Worker Olena Dykalo Olena arrived to live in the UK shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has since devoted herself to supporting other Ukrainians in need. Since autumn 2024, Olena has worked full-time at Elmbridge CAN, where her strong communication and interpersonal skills - as well as her commitment and determination - are highly valued, enabling her to provide fast and effective assistance for Ukrainian families and individuals. Olena is a Master of Sports in fencing with over a decade of experience as a children's fencing coach in Ukraine. Our trustees Chair of Trustees Suzy Mellor Suzy combines her role as Chair of Elmbridge CAN with active volunteering projects. She has been a volunteer since 2020 and our Chair since 2023. Suzy is motivated by the strength and resilience of displaced people and their contributions to our local community. In particular, she loves working with the children of the families we support. As a leadership and management consultant, Suzy brings experience in team development. Throughout her career, she has worked as a senior manager in the technology sector in Europe and the Asia Pacific. She holds an MSc in Human Resource Management and Organisations from the London School of Economics. Suzy lives in Elmbridge with her husband and two teenage children. Trustee Hannah Addison Hannah has been involved with Elmbridge CAN since 2020 as an ESOL volunteer and joined the trustee board in 2022. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work and a background in the charity and public sectors setting up community projects and working with communities, families and young people. Hannah is a qualified ESOL teacher and enjoys teaching English to the families supported by Elmbridge CAN. Hannah works as a Pilates teacher and is co-director of a local studio, specialising in movement and strength work for women aged 40 and over. Trustee Tom Citroen Tom has been a professional fundraiser for 16 years, beginning his career as a face-to-face fundraiser for Greenpeace. He has since held roles at charities including Friends of the Earth, the Disasters Emergency Committee, and Barts Charity. Specialising in major gifts fundraising, Tom currently works as a Senior Philanthropy Manager at Save the Children. A resident of Elmbridge for the past six years, Tom became involved with Elmbridge CAN in 2021, inspired by the charity’s work with local families evacuated from Afghanistan. He is passionate about helping secure the funding needed to support Elmbridge CAN’s work and feels privileged to be part of such an inspirational team. Deputy Chair of Trustees Stephanie de Sarandy Stephanie has run her own leadership consultancy for 15 years and prior to that worked in numerous HR roles in the tech and finance sectors . She is a qualified executive coach and has worked with several charities including Save the Children , Water Aid and the Kings Fund . She brings all this experience together with a passion for equality, human rights and a fairer world to the trustee role. Trustee Jon Carr Bio coming soon. Trustee Nurettin Sevi Nurettin has been an active volunteer of Elmbridge CAN since 2017. Having personally navigated the asylum seeker and refugee processes, Nurettin brings valuable insights and experiences that deeply inform his advocacy work. With over 20 years of project management experience in defence operations and IT, Nurettin possesses strong skills in leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and optimising processes. He combines this professional expertise with a personal understanding of the challenges faced by displaced people. Nurettin holds Masters degrees in Management & Leadership and National & International Security Strategy, equipping him to help drive impactful initiatives at Elmbridge CAN.

We support forcibly displaced people in the Surrey borough of Elmbridge and surrounding area About us We support forcibly displaced people in the Surrey borough of Elmbridge and surrounding area Every day, millions of people are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. These individuals face unimaginable hardships - loss of home, separation from loved ones, and uncertainty about the future. Founded in 2016, at the height of the Syrian refugee crisis, Elmbridge CAN exists to welcome and support forcibly displaced people who have found their way to the borough of Elmbridge. Our charity is committed to providing such people with practical help, dignity and hope as they rebuild their lives here, based on our common humanity. However, we recognise that this can't happen without a collaborative, cross-community effort. We facilitate this within the Borough of Elmbridge - bringing together volunteers, businesses, community groups, schools, other charities and the local authority. We are proud to stand in solidarity with forcibly displaced people and believe that collectively, the residents and neighbours of Elmbridge CAN make a difference. Our team Who we work with Impact report Stories Contact us Latest news Our aims 1. Improving lives in Elmbridge We provide small grants and a range of services which foster social inclusion and wellbeing for forcibly displaced people in the borough of Elmbridge and surrounding area. 2. Raising awareness Through our community outreach activity, we advance the education of the public in general about the issues relating to forcibly displaced people. Read more in our Constitution . Our support roadmap In all cases we are guided by our “support roadmap”, which illustrates the process from arrival to becoming a fully contributing, thriving member of the community. Hopes and dreams Read the story of three children who fled Syria, now at UK universities. Find out more Volunteer with us We are always looking for keen volunteers, particularly those with relevant skills. Find out more Stay in touch Sign up for our newsletters to receive quarterly updates on our work. Find out more I am deeply grateful for every gesture: for taking the time to talk to me, for the clothes, for the support to continue my studies... All of this has been invaluable to me and has had a tremendous impact on my life. Thanks to you, I've been able to stay calm and move forward, even within the constraints of the asylum process, which often makes me feel limited. CM

From arriving in the UK with next to nothing, to establishing a successful business. Read how three Ukrainian women have joined forces and rebuilt their lives in Elmbridge Ukrainian sunflowers It was mid-June and there were just a handful of days before the Wimbledon tennis championships began at the All England Club. At a house just around the corner from the famous old venue a race against the clock had begun, as the Sunflowers gardening team set about transforming a front and back garden. “We only had a few days to get it done before they closed the roads for the tournament so we knew the project had no chance to fail,” Alyona recalls. “It was challenging as there was a lot of concrete to dig up in the garden but we did it in time. It was quite funny, too, as the neighbours walked past and watched our progress each day. At the end, some of them asked for our number as they were impressed with the job. It was a really interesting project to work on.” Sunflowers was set up by three Ukrainian women, who moved to the UK not long after the Russian invasion in the Spring of 2022. Alyona was working as a project manager in the construction sector of the real estate industry in Kiev when the war broke out. She moved to Surrey with her young family under the government’s Homes for Ukraine programme and soon became involved with Elmbridge CAN. “I used to live in America so settling in a new country has been ok for me,” she explains. “This time I was forced to leave so that was a bit different but the British people, and Elmbridge CAN especially, have offered us an enormous amount of support. I’m super grateful to everyone I’ve met here. When I first arrived here I focussed on volunteering with Elmbridge CAN, helping with paperwork for the other Ukrainians coming over.” She soon met Lena and Tetiana, friends from Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, and it was not long before they were hatching plans to find a way of contributing in their host country. “While working with the people who came here from Ukraine, I was thinking about what we could do and what helps,” Alyona continues. “Working outdoors together doing gardening is good for mental health and it unites us, doing something together. Most of us used to have families with houses back home which had gardens. My Mum lives in a house with a big garden, it is like an allotment, so we had flowers in the front and in the back we grew vegetables. I helped in the garden since I was three years old, so I know how things grow. I love the taste of organic fresh fruit and growing flowers is quite inspiring.” With plenty of green spaces in their new surroundings there appeared to be an opportunity to develop a hobby into something more serious. “I noticed that many British people have gardens to enjoy nature,” Alyona adds. “So I started talking with the girls in the hub and we decided we should do something. We all liked gardens so it was a perfect match for us!” The three women began by working in the gardens of some of the volunteers they had met at Elmbridge CAN. After settling on a name for their fledgling business, the company was registered and marketing began with some adverts on Facebook and a word-of-mouth campaign that quickly grew. Initially, the garden work was restricted to general maintenance and tidying but it was not long before more ambitious projects were undertaken with a full range of landscaping services. “Lena is a designer, so she can do full landscape design for any project,” says Alyona. “Tetiana is good with the accounts and can also work with plants. Sunflowers has spread mainly through word-of-mouth since we completed our first job. We do a high-quality job. Lena would never leave a single leaf on the lawn, she’s a perfectionist! “It’s all year round, too. We do maintenance, planting, irrigation, projects for gardens that you want to transform, we can do everything. We have up to five people on call so the business can manage everything. I see enormous potential with this.” Their work extends beyond horticultural skills. Sunflowers also offers fencing and lighting services to enhance the gardens they work on, with an emphasis on creating harmonious and functional spaces. At the Weybridge Community fair this summer, a landscape design exhibition attracted many visitors. Sunflowers was proud to take part in the event, which brought together designers from all over the country with the main theme of the exhibition focussing on environmentally-friendly landscaping and the use of natural materials. As Sunflowers continues to grow, the three women are proud of what has been achieved in a relatively short space of time since their lives were turned upside down back in early 2022. And, as their untimely clash with the lawn tennis championships proved, they are more than happy to take on any gardening challenge that is laid down in front of them. For more information on Sunflowers’ work and availability you can visit www.sunflowers.design .

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