Steve Wells, our former Chair of Trustees, explains how it all began for him. Steve Wells - former Chair of Trustees We look back to 2016 with Steve Wells, our former Chair of Trustees. How did his connection with Elmbridge CAN begin? Like anyone interested in current affairs, Steve Wells keeps a keen eye on world events. Almost daily, TV news programmes and outlets flood our screens with footage of war, earthquakes and other examples of human suffering. Yet very occasionally, one image can tip the balance from concern for those tied up in the situation, to real distress for fellow human beings... What changed things for Steve was the now-famous picture of the corpse of a 3-year-old Syrian boy, face down, drowned on a Turkish beach. Like millions across the world, Steve could not stop thinking about the image, and the story behind it. He could not have known where that one shocking picture would lead him for the next decade. However at the time, he and his wife Linda knew that doing nothing was not an option. They had already heard about a new charity based locally (Refugees at Home) which matched people with a spare room with refugees needing accommodation. “And being empty nesters, with the kids all moved away, we had a spare room and so we got in touch….So to cut a long story short I was told we were going to be taking in a Syrian man, a neurosurgeon, who was married to a consultant obstetrician with three children.” The family had fled their home as bombs were flying down from the Syrian army and had made it to Turkey, where Karim had left his wife and children with distant relatives. Karim would stay with Steve and Linda Wells for three months while they helped him bring his family to the UK. Clearly all of them living in the Wells’ home was not ideal and a more permanent solution was needed. “I had been told there was a refugee support organisation in its formation in Elmbridge” remembers Steve. “I met up with (soon to be director of Elmbridge CAN) Jeannie and a couple of others.” The first thing they did was to organise a meeting in collaboration with the local council. You can read Jeannie’s story about how Elmbridge CAN was formed here. “I took Karim to the launch meeting at the Civic Centre (in Esher), and it was wonderful – the atmosphere, the passion of the people there. It was great for Karim to feel that sense of support, because of course, he’d left his family in Turkey.” A key moment for Steve and Linda around this time, was when Steve found Karim in distress one morning in the kitchen. “He had just learned that his 4-year-old boy was being bullied in Turkey for being an Arab and he felt powerless to do anything about it. It was a reminder to me of the way in which those bonds (of family) are fractured and stressed. This really was a key moment for me because at that stage, I thought, ‘I am going to stop at nothing to get them reunited.’” Eventually, after many ups and downs, coupled with hard work and tenacity, Steve and Elmbridge CAN managed to reunite the family and get them housed in more permanent accommodation. As this was happening, Steve appreciated that Karim’s was only one family and that there were many, many others in similar situations. Funding for Elmbridge CAN was coming in through local contacts and donations, particularly in Jeannie’s home community of East Molesey and Steve’s of Claygate and their vicinities. These two groups were vibrant in the early days of Elmbridge CAN. In 2018 Elmbridge CAN was officially recognised by the Charity Commission and they now had the all-important Charity number. This meant they could work through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to identify suitable families for placement locally. Apart from local support, Elmbridge CAN needed to liaise with Elmbridge Borough Council. This was an important learning curve, for both parties. “Initially the local Council were sceptical, but the relationship grew”, recalls Steve . “They were a bit reluctant because it was way out of their former remit. I mean, we’re talking about people from the other side of the world from a conflict zone, when actually the council’s main expertise is in local issues and a very intractable housing problem which understandably they were concerned about”. However, so successful was their relationship that Elmbridge Council started to fund some of Elmbridge CAN’s support work as the charity grew. A new and lasting working relationship had germinated and was growing. Over the decade there have been many changes to the operating environment for Elmbridge CAN, but no one could have anticipated the sudden influx of refugees when, in August 2021, the Taliban regime took over Afghanistan. Again, the TV was showing footage which viewers would never forget, such as the chaotic horrors of Kabul airport with people hanging off a US aircraft as it taxied to take off. Almost overnight Elmbridge CAN’s workload increased. Local people, many with no interest in international politics, were responding by offering help and digging into their pockets for families in distress. The crisis also brought in new volunteers which meant that the charity had to employ more staff to support them, which in turn needed more funds. But Elmbridge CAN and its supporters responded and progressed. Then just a few months later, in February 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine. Another international crisis, and some 25,000 refugees heading to the UK. Again, Elmbridge CAN coped with the influx and the local community responded positively. Although very strictly and openly a non-faith based organisation, Elmbridge CAN has often turned to churches and other faith and community groups to appeal for funds. Given that the world has changed a lot since 2016, has Steve ever encountered a hostile reception? “No, never.. I remember on one occasion I was with Karim at a Church of England church in Weybridge: me - a well-known atheist and Karim - a Muslim. Talking from the pulpit, I thought this is really quite bizarre. But the welcome there was huge and they were keen to contribute, just as all the churches have been. So that Christian notion of hospitality - that we welcome the stranger - has shone through. Two years ago, Steve decided that it was time to step down as Chair of the board of Trustees. Perhaps surprisingly, it was not a difficult decision. He felt that the organisation had built up a strong momentum. Initially it was run on volunteer power only, and now it had paid staff including a director job share. The time had come to hand over to the next generation. So how confident is Steve about the next ten years for the organisation? “Utterly unpredictable on one level because the world is so dangerous. Heaven knows what is going to happen in the world. But the one thing I am confident of is that the local community will still be there to accommodate people fleeing terror...“It can’t be that Elmbridge is different from the rest of the country. The signs are beginning to come through, that people are questioning what it is to be human... Our tendency is to be sympathetic towards one another and to be empathetic. Diversity is something to be celebrated … we have a common humanity that makes us different from everything else on the planet.” “...Being empty nesters, with the kids all moved away, we had a spare room and so we got in touch….To cut a long story short I was told we were going to be taking in a Syrian man, a neurosurgeon, who was married to a consultant obstetrician with three children.” Steve Wells, former Chair of Trustees

Elmbridge CAN has helped hundreds of families to build new lives in Elmbridge. Here you can read some of their stories and find out how we've contributed.  Stories Elmbridge CAN has helped hundreds of families to build new lives in Elmbridge. Here you can read about our journey, as well as some stories about people we've worked with. Steve Wells - former Chair of Trustees We look back to 2016 with Steve Wells, our former Chair of Trustees. How did his connection with Elmbridge CAN begin? Find out more Mayor Judy Sarsby Long-time volunteer and Mayor of Elmbridge, Judy Sarsby, has witnessed countless uplifting moments with Elmbridge CAN, but one story involving children cuts to the heart of why the charity has become such an important part of her life. Find out more Myra's story The family left Damascus when the bombs came too close to home in 2017. They walked overnight to reach Turkey, before eventually being resettled by the UK government almost a year later. Find out more Hasina's story Hasina was the Afghan Minister for Women's Affairs when the Taliban took power. She survived two assassination attempts, and had to make the difficult decision to flee Afghanistan with her family. Hasina's story is one of survival and rebuilding her life. Find out more Elmbridge CAN saved me. It's like when you are so terribly anxious, and then suddenly everything gets better. I was showered with kindness. I cannot thank them enough. Nadia

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 and around the Surrey borough of Elmbridge. Elmbridge CAN is a community-based, volunteer-powered charity located in Elmbridge, Surrey, UK. We help forcibly displaced people - such as refugees and asylum seekers - in and around the area to rebuild their lives to become independent and contributing members of our community. We offer integration services in partnership with local organisations and through our network of committed volunteers. The Elmbridge Together Fun Run, 20 September 2026 We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of the Mayor of Elmbridge's charities for 2026-7, and one of the highlights of the year will be the Elmbridge Together Family Fun Run on Sunday 20 September - a community event bringing people together to walk, jog or run a beautiful 5k riverside route while raising vital funds to support households across Elmbridge. We'd love you to join us and encourage all participants to raise sponsorship, so together we can make an even greater difference. Ready to take part? Register here for the Elmbridge Family Fun Run. We'd like to thank our partners Elmbridge Borough Council, Elmbridge Road Runners, Places Leisure and Community Foundation for Surrey for helping to make this event possible. Thanks to the support of Community Foundation for Surrey, we have a limited number of free places available to help ensure the event is accessible to everyone in our community. If the entry fee would be a barrier for you, please email together@elmbridgecan.org.uk . Register now 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 10 years of rebuilding lives together Our May 2026 exhibition showcased the work of artists from our local forcibly displaced community, whilst celebrating 10 years of Elmbridge CAN 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

Help and support for displaced people living in Elmbridge Get help کمک بگیرید احصل على المساعدة отримай допомогу What's on Employment Finance Children Housing Transport Health Volunteer

May 2026: we are thrilled to announce that Elmbridge CAN has been chosen as the Mayor of Elmbridge's Charity of the Year for 2026/27, alongside the Mayor of Elmbridge Trust Fund. Mayor Judy Sarsby May 2026: we are thrilled to announce that Elmbridge CAN has been chosen as the Mayor of Elmbridge's Charity of the Year for 2026/27, alongside the Mayor of Elmbridge Trust Fund. This great honour highlights our shared commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive community, a mission close to the heart of the new Mayor of Elmbridge, Judy Sarsby. Elmbridge Mayor, Judy Sarsby, can recall countless uplifting stories during her time volunteering for Elmbridge CAN but it is one involving children that cuts to the heart of why the charity has become such an important part of her life. It involved a party attended by many of the displaced people in the borough a few years ago. “Lots of children came and they all went outside, but at first they were just staring at their feet, not integrating,” she explains. “We had Syrians, Afghans, Ukrainians and other people from all over the world. Then someone kicked a football into the air, and they all rushed forward. Suddenly they're forming teams and playing together, because we’re all the same. If we can build on that, then maybe the world will be a better place for it.” That sense of unity is at the core of Judy’s message for her year as Mayor of Elmbridge: one borough, one bond, Elmbridge together. Her association with the charity dates back to 2018 when, along with a friend from Weybridge Rowing Club, she offered to help as a volunteer. “During the Syrian crisis I was asked to support a family who had just arrived, with four children, and they were my first integration family” she continues. “I'm still in contact with them now. It was helping getting the children into school, getting the mum what she needed. She spoke very good English anyway but it was helping her with education, or if a doctor was needed, that sort of thing. I could see the benefit to them, but also the benefit to the community. We helped the husband get the job that he wanted, as well. And then the Covid Pandemic happened.” Judy once co-founded her own specialist sourcing and manufacturing company, but had retired by the time the pandemic struck. She contacted former colleagues and began sourcing and supplying PPE to the care home she lived next door to and to government contracts. Her proactive approach caught the attention of local councillors who asked her to stand for Weybridge in the 2021 elections. “When they asked me to do it, I wasn't really sure because I wanted to carry on with Elmbridge CAN,” she adds. “Then the Ukrainian crisis and the Taliban moving into Kabul happened. We started up the Ukrainian hubs and a Ukrainian came to live with me for three and a half years. So it was useful being part of the Council, making sure that the refugees get the support that they're entitled to, but also other support." “For instance, Brooklands College were absolutely brilliant. A lady called Sue just turned up at the hub, put a file down and said, ‘We’re Brooklands College, what can we do to help?’ And I said, ‘Can you teach them to speak English?’ She said, ‘Yes I'm head of the English department’. So they put on extra courses and they all learnt English in a year.” The collaborative efforts Judy has witnessed during her time on the Council and volunteering have been impressive. And much of what goes on flies in the face of the image of immigration in large parts of the mainstream media. “To me it's just a win-win situation and I think it's the wrong sort of publicity that is turning the situation into a negative,” Judy continues. “We lost over a million people from the UK as a result of Brexit. More than one in five employees in the NHS are immigrants. Without them the whole system would collapse. We've got one Ukrainian student who has become a doctor. We've got one young student from Afghanistan, who was teaching in Kabul until the Taliban came and told her to stop and they managed to get out, and she wants to become a doctor. So I found her a job in a pharmacist, and she's doing really well. Her sister wants to be a dentist. “There are so many good stories of children who arrived in their teens, they kind of dropped a year due to their English, and now they're heading off to universities. So where is the disadvantage? They're working in our communities, they're propping us up. The young people are going off to university and they're setting an example when they do it. There's one girl who I helped get into a local school, who is a great artist. She’s doing her A-levels and her art is up everywhere. Brilliant, she's going to be an amazing artist.” Judy was both surprised and delighted to be asked to stand as the last Mayor of Elmbridge. Looking forward to the challenge ahead, she is keen to bring the work of Elmbridge CAN, and the displaced people being supported, into focus. “Telling those good news stories, because there is so much negative publicity about immigration, and it's not a bad news story,” she says. “This country was built on immigration. We need to understand that there is a real benefit here and what we need to do is address it the right way. And I think Elmbridge CAN is such a shining example of how we can take something like immigration in this part of the world, and we have turned it into such good news story. The people that have come here, we didn't invite them here, but we embraced them and said, ‘Let us help you rebuild your lives’. And in so doing, they're now giving back.”

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 and other food help Foodbank vouchers 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. There are also other local schemes in place to help individuals and families to get food cheaply or for free: The Surplus Market - is open every Saturday and Sunday 11.30 am to 1:00 pm to the entire community at Sunbury Cricket Club, TW16 5PS. Simply turn up, fill your bags and make a donation. 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.

Contact Elmbridge CAN by email or fill in this form. Contact us Sign up to receive our newsletter or contact us if you have a specific enquiry. We’d love to hear from you! Sign up to our newsletter Contact us First name* Last name Email* Message Submit Other ways to contact Elmbridge CAN Email: contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk Write to us : PO Box 112, East Molesey, KT8 8EN.

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 Below you will find our normal term-time schedule. 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. We sometimes run driving theory classes depending on demand - contact us for details. Drop-in hubs Come to meet others, practice your English or ask questions. Tuesdays 11.00-13.00 Weybridge Library, Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DE. 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. Please contact us if your child would like to participate. Help with transport may be available. 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: belcramer@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

As the war in Ukraine continues, there is still an urgent need for hosts for Ukrainians - including some who are already in Elmbridge. Become a host To date, over 2,000 Surrey residents have opened their homes to a Ukrainian family. As the war continues, there is still an urgent need for hosts for Ukrainians - including some who are already in Elmbridge but need to move on from their current accommodation. Could you or someone you know offer a safe place to stay? Hosting an individual or a family can be enormously rewarding and there is plenty of support available to both hosts and guests (including financial support from Elmbridge Borough Council). If you are considering hosting and would like an informal chat about how it works, please email us on contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk . You would get the chance to meet a prospective guest/s before making any commitment and would be supported through the process. Elmbridge CAN is not directly involved in hosting displaced people of other nationalities, but there are several organisations who specialise in this. See below some links to useful information for prospective hosts (of both Ukrainians and other nationalities). Useful links for prospective hosts Information on hosting Ukrainians for Elmbridge residents Information on hosting Ukrainians if you live elsewhere in Surrey This Surrey County Council guide has lots of useful information for new hosts or Ukrainian nationals who have recently arrived to live in Elmbridge, covering what you need to know in the first few days Hosting Good Practice Guide produced by NAACOM (The No Accommodation Network) Article on Tips for hosts Specialist hosting organisations RESET : a national organisation tasked with helping to match Ukrainians with UK hosts, as well as other work related to resettling forcibly displaced people, for example via the community sponsorship scheme Refugees At Home and Rooms for Refugees : both charities which connect those with a spare room in their home to forcibly displaced people (of any nationality) in need of somewhere to stay Hope at Home : a UK hosting charity specifically for survivors of modern slavery You can also see our Get help section to find out more about the help available from Elmbridge CAN. Tetiana’s and Olena's story “My family consider you part of our family,” Diane says… “we all knew at the beginning that certain things might go wrong but nothing was insoluble and we always talk things through” Read the full story Hosting a family has been so rewarding – from the joyous sight of Peppa Pig on my staircase when our own family ‘baby’ is doing A-Levels, to sharing experiences, food and culture and helping them learn English. Lesia

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 a large network of volunteers who come from all walks of life and have different expertise, but they all share a passion to use their skills to support our displaced community. Volunteer We have a large network of volunteers who come from all walks of life and have different expertise, but they all share a passion to use their skills to support our displaced community. We couldn’t do what we do without their help. We want all our volunteers to feel valued and supported and to enjoy the experience. We hold regular volunteer get-togethers and training sessions, and offer support and supervision as needed. May 2026: newly appointed Mayor of Elmbridge, Judy Sarsby, is a long-time volunteer with Elmbridge CAN. Find out what volunteering means to Judy. Volunteering with Elmbridge CAN and especially Oxana and her family has been incredibly rewarding for me. I have not only developed a great new connection but I also feel a sense of purpose and usefulness in being able to impart my local knowledge and use my network to help such a lovely, hard-working family. Charlotte We are always keen to welcome new volunteers, especially to help fill our current vacancies listed below. If none of these roles feels like a perfect fit but you are enthusiastic, reliable and motivated to support our work, we would still love to hear from you. Many of our roles are flexible and can be shaped around your interests, skills and availability. To get started, complete our application form and we’ll be in touch for an informal chat about how you could get involved. All new volunteers must go through our onboarding and induction process before they can start, which includes a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check and references. Please note that we are usually unable to accept applications from under-18s, except in very limited circumstances where a parent or guardian is involved. Current volunteer vacancies Teaching and mentoring roles We are always looking for volunteers who can support English language learning and help displaced people develop the skills needed for everyday life in the UK. These roles are generally flexible and can be adapted to suit you. Current needs include: English class teachers 121 English conversation volunteers Experienced GCSE and A-level tutors – particularly for Maths, English and Science (we also welcome applications from young adults who have recently taken these exams) Basic digital skills volunteers – some of the people we support have limited experience using everyday technology such as smartphones, apps and email. They need help getting started - you don't have to be a techie for this one! Welcome volunteers – supporting new arrivals with orientation in the community, such as where to catch a bus or where to shop. If you’re looking to make a meaningful difference and enjoy working with people, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Translators and interpreters We are keen to hear from prospective volunteers with knowledge of the main languages spoken by our clients, such as Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Pashto or Dari. Handypersons If you have good DIY skills and some time to spare, we'd love to hear from you! We often help people setting up new homes, with practical matters such as building or adapting furniture and putting up curtains. This is a valuable role which makes a real difference to families. Van owners We are always looking for drivers with vans or large vehicles to help with house moves or ad hoc deliveries. Please let us know if this could be you. Volunteer expenses We recognise that volunteers will incur expenses and we aim to reimburse all reasonable expenses as swiftly and simply as possible, while maintaining adequate controls. To find out more, please read our volunteer expense policy . Elmbridge CAN has made a big difference to me and my family. Many, many thanks to all the volunteers. Oxana

Following her flight from Saudi Arabia, Nadia spent seven months living in a small hotel room in Stevenage until she found a host in Elmbridge. Nadia's story There was a moment when, having just arrived in Hersham from Hertfordshire, Nadia wasn’t sure where her next meal was coming from. Following her flight from Saudi Arabia, the 25-year-old had just spent seven months living in a single hotel room in Stevenage and had finally found a host in Elmbridge. However, the host’s work meant there was very little to eat in the house and also, Nadia had mislaid her Home Office Application Registration Card which would have allowed her to claim £9 per week. Add to this that she wasn’t permitted to ask her host for cash (although the host did make a few good suggestions) and Nadia was getting desperate. Someone then suggested contacting Elmbridge CAN. Nadia emailed the charity pleading “I don’t have food, please help me”. “I was freaking out, I didn’t know what to do”, she says. It was at that point that Elmbridge CAN came into Nadia’s life. The next day Jeannie emailed stating that she’d very soon receive a large food box plus a £50 Tesco gift card. “Elmbridge CAN saved me” recalls Nadia. “It’s like when you are so terribly anxious and then suddenly everything gets better. I was showered with kindness. I cannot thank them enough.” There were more food boxes to follow. Another huge box turned up filled with vegetables, pasta and what Nadia calls “general goodness”. More recently Jeannie has been helping Nadia with her Home Office application. As an asylum seeker, Nadia is unable to work, yet she is offering her time free with local hospitality outlets in order to get experience while she is also studying in order to gain qualifications to move on to the next stage in her life. “I just felt Elmbridge CAN had my back” says Nadia. The new-found support meant that Nadia could plan her next move following her escape from the ultra-strict Middle Eastern country.