New Surrey Together Against Poverty Fund launched to tackle growing hardship across the county

A new Fund has been launched by Community Foundation for Surrey (CFSurrey), following a powerful webinar on 12 March that brought together over 40 local leaders, charities and community members committed to addressing poverty across the county.

The event explored the reality of poverty in Surrey — the statistics behind it, the stories within it, and the solutions that can help create long-term change. For those unable to attend, the full webinar is available to watch online, find the link at the end of this article.

Poverty in Surrey: The Hidden Crisis

While Surrey is often perceived as an affluent county, the discussion highlighted a very different reality for thousands of residents. Recent data referenced during the session, including findings from Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s UK Poverty 2026 report, underscores the growing pressures facing working families.

Speakers shared stark local insights:

• In 2025–26, CFSurrey awarded 54 grants totalling £233,678 to projects where poverty was the primary issue.

• Despite this, £48,000 of eligible poverty-related grant applications remain unfunded this year.

• Of 215 eligible Expressions of Interest to the Foundation’s main grants round, several strong poverty-focused applications had to be declined due to lack of funding.

Behind these figures are real families navigating impossible choices between rent, food and essential household costs.

Local Organisations Driving Change

The webinar featured contributions from:

• Jonathan Lees and the team from Good Company Surrey

• Robert Mills and the team from Walton Charity

• Nicola Dawes, CFSurrey Trustee and CEO of Stripey Stork

For 14 years, Good Company has operated foodbanks across Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, and Reigate & Banstead, alongside prevention initiatives such as energy advice schemes, school cost-of-living projects and community pantries. Although foodbank usage has declined by 38% since 2023, first-time users remain steady — a sign that new households continue to fall into crisis.

Photo Credit: Good Company

Meanwhile, Walton Charity highlighted the scale of in-work poverty in Elmbridge. Research shows:

• 68% of those in poverty are from working households

• 75% of children in poverty are from working families

• Private rents consume over a third of household income for many residents

Through initiatives such as The Bridge — a “shop-without-a-till” supporting working families — and dedicated housing for key workers, Walton Charity is working to tackle poverty beyond emergency provision

Photo Credit: Walton Charity

The shared message was clear: long-term solutions work, but they require sustained investment.

Turning Conversation into Action

A generous donor has already pledged £5,000 to launch the Surrey Together Against Poverty Fund, providing an immediate opportunity to build momentum.

Donations to the Fund will be match funded up to the £10,000 maximum, doubling the impact of every contribution. The Fund will support charities and grassroots organisations across Surrey delivering both immediate relief and preventative, long-term solutions.

As one speaker reflected, tackling poverty requires more than short-term fixes — it demands collaboration, commitment and community leadership.