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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 refugees 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. How ElmbridgeCAN began Elmbridge CAN came out of a meeting in a pub, and was set up in response to the Syrian refugee crisis of 2015. Our founder and co-director, Jeannie, tells our story. 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 Hasina's story There is an expression in Afghanistan which translates literally as ‘they have my shoulder’ – in English it’s probably ‘they have my back’. This is how Hasina describes Elmbridge CAN. “They really have been a light of hope; they are bringing fuel back to my engine.” Meeting Hasina, today it is clear that she was quite a driving force in Kabul before the Taliban seized power in 2021. Virtually all of Hasina’s career has been spent promoting the abilities and role of women. Four years ago, she worked at government level as Minister of Women Affairs. August 15th 2021, the day the Taliban seized Kabul, is cemented in Hasina’s and many Afghans’ memories. Things moved very quickly as she realised that their promise of respecting women’s rights would be instantly and completely ignored. Within a few days Hasina was informed by her security team that there was a directive to assassinate her. Whomever she stayed with was put in extreme danger. Hasina reluctantly knew she and the family had to leave the country to survive, but it was not an easy decision. She had 10 family members to consider including her two children and disabled dependants. “I was not scared for myself, I was worried. Scared for my children. It’s very tough to be a mother, very tough. Only those who have children will understand.” The situation at Kabul airport during late August 2021 has taken its place in history. Many international news agencies were there to document the mass of humanity trying to escape, even in some cases attempting to cling on to aircraft as they taxied before take-off. Equally tragic scenes were unfolding just outside the perimeter gates. This is where Hasina and her family were instructed to go. Through the co-ordinated efforts of international forces, they entered Kabul airport; the British FCO had sent her a pass with strict instructions not to tell anyone. At this point in her account Hasina’s voice drops to a whisper as she fights back tears. ‘It was terrible, terrible. You would see people with their passports saying ‘I have worked with you’ – but there were no human rights. None. People and children were lying on the ground.” During that time she still did not know if they would all make it. Eventually, the family arrived in the UK and was taken to a hotel in Thames Ditton alongside other refugees. Hasina remembers Elmbridge CAN and the council being there to help from day one, identifying everyone’s needs. She remembers the moment she met Jeannie very clearly. “I talked with her, I cried with her and that was the time that I really saw that Jeannie was a person who could understand women in conflict.” Those were difficult days. There was another incident that Hasina recalls with a smile. Her son Hamzah was invited to play football with other teenagers. Because of her high-level position back in Afghanistan, Hasina’s children were isolated for security reasons and not allowed out unaccompanied. Their mother had already survived two attempts on her life, so sending her son out into the dark Thursday evening in winter was not an option. However, Elmbridge CAN gave her confidence that not only would it be safe, but it would also be a step forward in everyone’s recovery. Hasina now accepts just how important it was for everyone that her son joined in. There were classes on offer organised by Elmbridge CAN: English, embroidery and computer lessons. Four years on and Hasina’s mother-in-law is still enjoying the sewing machine presented by Elmbridge CAN, openly admitting that the sewing which she loved back home, has supported her in her recovery from the trauma. The family finally settled in Walton-on-Thames. “That was the time that Elmbridge CAN really shouldered me. They looked after me personally, and they gave me a hand. They provided volunteers for both my daughters to help them with their studies and with integration. Then there were the maths and chemistry lessons for her son. It is clear that Hasina is a very strong woman who has spent nearly all her life helping others. And when she needed help, Elmbridge CAN was there for her. “I don’t have the words to thank Elmbridge CAN for the patience, the understanding, the solidarity, the love and the care that they have provided, not only for me and my family, but for the whole group of evacuees that was in the hotel.”

Jay recounts how she and her family fled Afghanistan under persecution and were given a safe home in Elmbridge. Jay's story Persecuted in Afghanistan for their religion, Jay and her husband had to make the difficult choice to leave their birth country to protect their family. She had no idea that she would end up in the UK. Theirs is a story of a long journey with tragic loss along the way, yet ultimate sanctuary and integration into Elmbridge, where they finally feel safe.

The history of Elmbridge CAN since it started in 2015. Myra's story Myra and her two children, Yasmin and Hassan, were three of the most vulnerable displaced people to join our community after fleeing the Syrian War. We have changed their names to protect their identities, as Myra has been subjected to domestic abuse from her former husband. The family left Damascus when the bombs came too close to home in 2017. After travelling to the border town of Idlib, they walked overnight to reach Turkey, before eventually being resettled by the UK government almost a year later. As a consequence of the abusive relationship, Myra and her two children were forced to move around the UK before they were able to find a safe haven in Surrey. Elmbridge CAN played a key role in supporting them through this nomadic existence until they finally secured social housing. The charity provided continuous support throughout the ordeal, including one-to-one English lessons, financial assistance, food bank vouchers, help with visa and immigration matters, and – perhaps most importantly - emotional support. The vulnerability of the family was accentuated by the language barrier, and it was in this field that Huda stepped in to become the crucial go-between that enabled the family to rebuild their shattered lives. Huda has lived in Oxshott for over three decades. After moving to London from Saudi Arabia, she then left the city for the Surrey town and set up an interior design business and also worked in the local flower shop on the high street. During her time here she has worked as an Arabic translator on an ad hoc basis. “I got a call from the council as there had been a case of domestic abuse towards the mother and the family,” Huda explains.” They had been put in emergency accommodation in West Molesey for six weeks. I met them and saw how vulnerable they were. I spoke to Jeannie from Elmbridge CAN, the charity was doing so much to support them. From there they moved to Croydon. Displaced people become very anxious each time you move them around. I visited them in Croydon and after three months, after speaking to the council, we managed to secure a room for them at a hotel nearer where Hassan was having English lessons. They stayed there for four months and then from there we got a one-bed place in Thames Ditton before finally moving on to Oxshott. Volunteers from Elmbridge CAN had been helping with English lessons and Hassan’s English improved massively.” “In the beginning it was so hard,” Hassan adds. “We’ve been in so many areas. We started out in Preston and then moved to places like Kingston, London and Croydon, just waiting for housing. I have worked in a restaurant and a factory. I would do any job with no experience needed. The home and the area we have found now are nice, I love it. I got a bicycle from Elmbridge CAN that really helps me travel around.” Older sister Yasmin has moved out of the home and is now building an independent life as a young adult. Myra still struggles with the language, but with Hassan and Huda’s support she finally feels settled and secure. “Myra really wants to contribute and she has found work as a carer and is also doing some shifts as a cleaner,” Huda continues. “They have been able to pay their way and the council has found some social housing in Oxshott. Hassan is making great progress with English and after being so vulnerable beforehand, with so much fear from the war and their domestic abuse, they now feel secure and capable.” “We are hard-working, and Syrians are very resilient,” Myra says. “We have been through so much. No matter how many times we fall, we bring ourselves up.” With the support of Elmbridge CAN and individuals like Huda, the family have finally been able to put a traumatic past behind them and can look to the future with hope and belief. “I want to be a hairdresser,” Hassan, now aged 22, reveals. “I have got a set of clippers and I am practising giving haircuts to my friends. In the beginning they didn’t trust me but when I showed them I could do it they gave me a chance. I would love to get a job doing that in Oxshott.” “I know so many people here, who are extremely genuine and want to help when I tell them about Elmbridge CAN,” Huda concludes. “I have been really happy living here, it’s so relaxed and a lovely, friendly environment. I think Myra and Hassan are feeling this, too.”

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: pippacramer@htclaygate.org .uk 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

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

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.

You can support the integration of forcibly displaced people, allowing them to become contributing, thriving members of our community. Donate By donating to our work, you are directly supporting the integration of refugees, allowing them to become fully contributing, thriving members of our community. Donate money We are incredibly grateful for financial donations which allow us to continue our work. You can make a one-off donation or set up a regular direct debit. Please remember to add Gift Aid if you can. Donate via card or Paypal Prefer bank transfer or cheque? Bank transfer : please email contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk for account details. Cheque: please make these payable to Elmbridge CAN and send them to PO Box 112, East Molesey, KT8 8EN. Gift Aid: if you're a UK taxpayer, please also complete this form to allow us to claim Gift Aid and return it to contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk or by post to PO Box 112, East Molesey, KT8 8EN. How your money is helping Read our stories to find out how your money is helping some of the most vulnerable people in our society or read our latest Charity Commission report . Leave a gift in your will By remembering Elmbridge CAN in your will, you can make a lasting difference for displaced families in our community. Even a small gift helps provide welcome, support, and opportunities for those forced to flee their homes — ensuring future generations continue to find safety and hope here in Elmbridge. If you’d like to discuss legacy giving with us in confidence, please contact us by email at contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk or by phone on 07840 843449. Donate items We have no storage so unfortunately, we can only accept donations of items we currently need. See the list below which is regularly updated and if you can donate something on the list, please email materials@elmbridgecan.org.uk . Items we currently need If you have other items to donate which are not on this list, please consider giving them to other charities which may appreciate these such as Care4Calais or Shelter . Donate shares ShareGift collects small lots of shares and donates the funds created to charities. Often unwanted because they are too small to sell, these shares can be transferred to ShareGift at no cost to the shareholder, aggregated and sold to benefit different registered charities. ShareGift can also accept larger donations of shares. If you have shares that you no longer want, you can help support us by donating them to ShareGift and mentioning Elmbridge CAN. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude... Elmbridge CAN, you have changed my life, and I am forever grateful. LA

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

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).

Find out more about the work of Elmbridge CAN by signing up for our newsletter. Newsletter sign up We send newsletters by email roughly every quarter, to update our supporters on our activities. Occasionally we run an emergency appeal, in which case we would send an additional newsletter focussing on that. You can find all our recent newsletters on our Latest news page . Our pledge to you: We won't bombard you with emails We will keep your data safe and secure We won't share your data without permission You can opt out at any time Newsletter sign up First name* Last name* Email* Subscribe You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by emailing contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk . We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform and by clicking the subscribe button, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy policy here . Subject to the above, we will never share your data with third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. For more detail on how we use your data see our privacy policy .

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 refugees 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 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 flee Afghanistan with her family to survive. Read Hasina's story 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