Community Fund for Elmbridge Awards First Grants
The Community Foundation for Surrey (CFSurrey) is proud to celebrate the first round of grants awarded through the Community Fund for Elmbridge, established in partnership with Sandown Park Racecourse. This new fund is dedicated to strengthening local communities and supporting organisations making a meaningful difference across Elmbridge.
In its inaugural year, the Fund has provided vital support to four local charities delivering essential services to residents facing a wide range of challenges.
Among the recipients is The Horse Rangers Association, whose Riding for the Disabled programme offers therapeutic equine sessions for individuals with physical, emotional and neurological conditions. Each week, the organisation delivers seven tailored sessions supporting 28 participants. These participant-led sessions focus on improving physical strength, building confidence, and developing communication skills, harnessing the unique bond between people and horses to enhance wellbeing.
Rentstart has been awarded funding towards its core costs, helping sustain its High Street hub. This welcoming and accessible space provides essential services including showers, hot meals, tenancy advice and community activities. With over 500 client visits recorded last year, the hub plays a crucial role in reducing stigma, fostering connection, and supporting individuals at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives.
Support has also been awarded to Citizens Advice Elmbridge West to fund a Training Co-ordinator role. Volunteers are at the heart of the organisation’s work, delivering the majority of frontline advice services. As demand continues to rise - particularly due to ongoing cost of living pressures - this role will ensure volunteers are fully trained to support clients facing increasingly complex issues, including debt, housing and financial hardship.
Finally, Home-Start Elmbridge has received funding for a Crisis Support Worker. This role provides immediate, targeted support to families experiencing acute or complex difficulties. Acting as a vital safety net where statutory services are stretched, the Crisis Support Worker helps stabilise family situations, prevent breakdown, and safeguard children’s wellbeing during times of crisis.
If you’d like to know more about the Fund, how to donate and how to apply for funding, you can read more on the Fund page here.