Mayor of Elmbridge 2026/2027 charity launch

Following her election as Mayor of Elmbridge at the Annual Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 20 May 2026, Councillor Judy Sarsby held her charity launch on Friday 22 May and her chosen charity to support is Elmbridge CAN.

The launch was held at the Riverside Barn in Walton-on-Thames and was attended by representatives from local businesses and organisations including, Dawn Crewe, Strategic Director at Elmbridge Borough Council; Members and Trustees of Elmbridge CAN and Elmbridge Councillors.

Elmbridge CAN was founded in 2016 during the Syrian refugee crisis; the charity exists to welcome and support forcibly displaced people - including refugees and asylum seekers - who have settled in and around the Surrey borough of Elmbridge. Their mission is to help people rebuild their lives with dignity and hope, enabling them to become active and contributing members of our community. 

The Mayor said, 

“In my Mayoral year, my focus is very much on unity and cohesion, leaving a lasting legacy of togetherness as we move towards the coming East Surrey Unitary.”

More on Elmbridge CAN

Elmbridge CAN provides a range of integration services, combining professional casework with community-led support. Their small staff team includes trained and experienced integration workers, who provide tailored support for higher-need individuals. Around 80 active volunteers contribute through English language tuition, employment mentoring, homework support, orientation in the community and other practical assistance. 

They run two weekly English classes, regular drop-in hubs and a programme of social activities and workshops designed to reduce isolation and support integration. Around 50 individuals attended their English classes during 2025, while 92 people took part in community events bringing together residents from different backgrounds, thereby promoting greater understanding and social cohesion. They also supported 96 regular one-to-one tutoring arrangements, helping adults and children improve their English, education outcomes and confidence.

They work closely with partner organisations across Elmbridge, for example the Job Centre, Citizens Advice and other local charities, to ensure people can access specialist advice and opportunities. As a small and agile charity, they are able to respond quickly to emerging needs through initiatives such as wellbeing workshops, driving theory classes and Life in the UK courses for those preparing for citizenship applications. 

Alongside ongoing integration support, they provide practical assistance where needed, including emergency hardship grants and help with house moves and material needs. In 2025, they supported 22 house moves with practical help and donated furniture, and supplied 24 donated and refurbished bicycles, as well as 22 laptops. 

An example of a family supported by Elmbridge CAN is the R family, who are seeking asylum in the UK having faced political persecution and threats in Bangladesh. While waiting for delayed Home Office support payments, the family had no income and were living in overcrowded accommodation with relatives. Elmbridge CAN helped with an emergency grant, referrals to the foodbank and practical support for their son’s education - including help accessing school uniform and learning materials from partners, while our support worker helped them resolve issues with their asylum status. They told us: “In the UK we now feel that sisters like you are always with us, that give us new strength and teach us to live. We no longer feel helpless.” 

The impact of Elmbridge CAN’s work is that displaced people no longer feel isolated and unsupported, but instead gain the confidence and skills needed to participate in our community. They develop stronger English language skills, improved wellbeing and resilience, and a better understanding of life in the UK, leading to improved outcomes for all. 

Through this work, Elmbridge CAN not only supports vulnerable individuals and families but also strengthens community cohesion and inclusion across the wider Elmbridge community.