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Stories

Elmbridge CAN has helped hundreds of families to build new lives in Elmbridge. Here you can read about how it all started, as well as some stories about people we've worked with and how we've contributed. 

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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.

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.

Myra
Hasina

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.

"Education is my way to survive"

Imagine arriving to live in a new country with no knowledge of the language. A few years later, you are studying at university, with clear career goals. This is the story of Ali, Mohammed and Ayram. 

Ayram in the desert

Nadia's story

Following her flight from Saudi Arabia, Nadia
spent seven months living in a small hotel room
in Stevenage, until finally she found a host in Elmbridge. But still there were problems to overcome. Read her story here.

Nadia
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Ukrainian sunflowers

From arriving in the UK with next to nothing, to establishing a successful gardening business. Read how three Ukrainian women have joined forces and rebuilt their lives in Elmbridge.

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

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