Elmbridge Partnership Fund announces new grants to support local non-profits

The Elmbridge Partnership Fund, a collaborative initiative by Elmbridge Borough Council, Walsingham Care, and Walton Charity, is dedicated to providing financial assistance to local non-profit organisations that support Elmbridge residents. 

With individual grants of up to £5000, the Fund aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of vulnerable residents, focusing on projects that reduce social isolation and promote physical activities, particularly for those on low incomes.

Councillor Gill Coates, Elmbridge Borough Council: "We are thrilled to continue our support for local non-profits through the Elmbridge Partnership Fund. These grants are vital in helping our most vulnerable residents lead healthier, more connected lives."

Roger Ford, Chair of Trustees, Walsingham Care: "Our collaboration with Elmbridge Borough Council and Walton Charity allows us to make a significant impact on the community. We are proud to support initiatives that reduce social isolation and promote physical activity."

Rob Mills, CEO of Walton Charity: "The Fund is a testament to the power of community partnerships. By working together, we can ensure that those seeking support receive the resources and opportunities they deserve."

In response to the latest round of funding applications, the Elmbridge Partnership Fund is proud to announce its support for the following 17 local non-profit groups.

Painshill Park Trust  

The creation of an 'Access Fund' aims to enable local schoolchildren to attend educational trips to the Painshill Education Centre, offering experiences beyond the classroom. Painshill Park Trust has noted that many schools cannot visit due to childhood disadvantage and affordability issues. In its first year, the fund's primary goal is to reach more schools in Elmbridge facing deprivation, low English proficiency, and high numbers of SEND children. The target is to benefit at least 1000 additional children in the first year

Citizens Advice Elmbridge West  (CAEW)

Citizens Advice Elmbridge West (CAEW) aims to expand its reach and provide more access points for residents seeking advice and support. They plan to hold 4 benefit surgeries to introduce how they can assist with benefit issues such as Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Disability Benefits, Universal Credit, and Pension Credit. Following these sessions, CAEW will arrange one-on-one appointments, either in person or digitally. Additionally, CAEW will host 8 drop-in 'one stop shop' events, featuring groups of Citizens Advice advisors at each venue.

Brooklands Technical College 

The 'Cooking on a Budget' project, led by Brooklands Technical College, aims to provide expert nutritional and cooking advice to socio-economically challenged families. In collaboration with schools and charities, the project will offer culinary skills courses to vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. The goal is to educate and promote healthy living by designing budget-friendly healthy meals. Referred by local organisations, parents and their children will participate together, with staff ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment. 

Princess Alice Hospice 

The Wellbeing Centre is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients and carers by managing symptoms, building confidence, and helping them regain control of their lives. They offer a comprehensive wellbeing programme through hybrid face-to-face and online activities, running Monday to Friday. The programme includes an eight-week rolling series with talks on pain management and energy conservation, a carers discussion and support group, seated exercise sessions, and a weekly music for wellbeing session.

Dreams for Hope 

Dreams for Hope aims to manufacture and deliver beds and bedding to children in Elmbridge who do not have a bed to sleep in and whose families cannot afford to purchase one due to the cost-of-living. Dreams for Hope are looking to work in partnership with the Weybridge Men’s Shed (to make beds) and Home Start Elmbridge (to identify those most in need) to help eradicate bed poverty. 

Elmbridge CAN  

Elmbridge CAN will use this funding to help fund a part time paid role of integration worker. Working one to one with some of their most vulnerable families, helping them to access other services and towards integration and independence.  

The integration worker currently works with 15 mainly Arabic speaking families who have recently experienced issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, bereavement, and school exclusion.  

Home-Start Elmbridge 

Home-Start's home visiting service provides trained volunteers to support families with young children facing challenges like isolation, mental health issues, or parenting difficulties. Volunteers offer emotional support, practical help, and encouragement through regular home visits. The aim is to empower parents, improve family well-being, reduce isolation, and help children thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. 

Lower Green Community charitable incorporated organisation

Funds will be used to establish and operate a "Warm Hub" at the Community Centre during the winter months, expanding on last winter's services. The Warm Hub will offer a warm, safe space where people can socialise without worrying about heating bills. Running until April, the Beehive Café will provide affordable hot drinks and warming food. The service targets isolated and lonely community members due to poor health or lack of affordable transport but is open to all, including families and carers who regularly use the centre.. 

Elmbridge Community Link (ECL)

ECL will host a 4-hour weekly session to support the mental and physical health of Elmbridge residents with learning disabilities and/or autism. Adults aged 18-80 will benefit from various enrichment activities that foster social connection, life skills development, improved self-confidence, and a sense of self-worth, positively impacting their mental and emotional wellbeing. Activities will include arts and crafts, food preparation and cooking, gardening, music and singing, jigsaws, word searches, and reading.

Momentum Children’s Charity 

Momentum provides short respite 'holidays' at their holiday cabins in New Forest and Sussex for seriously ill children and their families. These holidays aim to improve the mental wellbeing of the entire family, foster positive family relationships, and alleviate feelings of isolation. The flexible, free-of-charge holidays help reduce the financial stress faced by families with a sick child. 

Weybridge Men’s Shed 

Weybridge Men’s Shed us a place for members of the Weybridge community to pursue practical interests and hobbies like woodworking and learn new skills in the company of likeminded people. Members decide when they come and what they do and enjoy from learning from each other. Their purpose is to encourage social connections and friendship building, networking, lots of laughter and plenty of tea and coffee.  

Voices of Hope – Sisterhood Sanctuary 

Launching in early 2025, the Sisterhood Sanctuary will be a welcoming space within the Elmbridge Women’s Hub. It will offer weekly two-hour sessions with arts and crafts, wellness treatments, and nutritious lunches for women facing abuse, trauma, isolation, or complex needs. Voice of Hope will foster diverse participation and holistic support through community partnerships, provide volunteering opportunities, and ensure continuous evaluation to meet women's needs.. 

Oasis Childrens Charity – Freedom Programme 

OASIS received funding for the Freedom Programme, which supports survivors of domestic abuse. The course offers a safe and trusted space where survivors learn about the various forms of abuse, its impact on themselves and their children, and receive ongoing support and counselling.

The Counselling Partnership 

The Community Partnership (TCP) will launch a 12-month 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder' project to expand its services by offering group therapy to alleviate loneliness and isolation in Elmbridge. Building on existing support with Walton Charity, the project will form groups of individuals facing similar issues. Funding will be used for specialist training for volunteer counsellors to facilitate these groups, extending available services. TCP also aims to strengthen relationships with organisations that can refer individuals.

CHEER 

This project aims to improve the wellbeing of around 50 older Elmbridge residents through three key initiatives:

Befriending: Weekly visits by volunteers to provide friendship and support to 8 clients, reducing loneliness and social isolation. Volunteers often accompany clients to social events.

Financial Help: Assistance with benefits claims for 5 low-income clients, particularly those unable to access digital information, to alleviate financial hardship and support independent living. Home visits ensure housebound or digitally excluded individuals have contact with staff who can identify unmet needs.

Social Events: Events for 40 socially isolated older people to connect with others, engage in activities, and improve confidence and self-esteem. These events also allow staff to address any problems clients may have. Additionally, clients receive "winter warmer" bags with food and other items to help them stay safe and warm during winter. 

Citizens Advice Esher & District 

This project aims to prepare guests of the Molesey Churches Night Shelter to secure and sustain tenancies. From December to March, weekly daytime outreach advice sessions will be held, focusing on ensuring guests receive all financial help they are entitled to and connecting them with local support agencies. A checklist will be developed to cover essential areas, including:

• Obtaining photo identity documentation
• Registering with statutory services (e.g., local doctor, mental health support, addiction services)
• Setting up a bank account
• Receiving all entitled benefits and responding to statutory body requests
• Managing work-related issues
• Applying for free bus passes if eligible
• Liaising with the council and Rentstart on housing matters and understanding required actions

This practical advice will help guests integrate into the community and be in the best position to take up housing opportunities.

Woking & Sam Beare Hospice counselling service 

This project will provide specialist one-to-one and group counselling for patients facing terminal illness, along with tailored support for their loved ones during loss and bereavement. The aims are to:

• Bring reassurance and comfort to patients at the end of life
• Offer a safe and supportive space to explore difficult feelings and topics
• Enable a positive pathway forward for loved ones, both adults and children, left behind