Supporting forcibly displaced people in our local community
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
UK registered charity number 1180489 www.elmbridgecan.org.uk contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk
Chair’s welcome
In November 2025, we were delighted to welcome Emily Boulting as Chair of Trustees. Emily brings experience of leading a similar-sized non-profit organisation as well as a commitment to our cause, having been involved as a volunteer in the early days of Elmbridge CAN.
I am honoured to be able to take up the role of Chair of Trustees as Elmbridge CAN reaches an important milestone.
10 years of supporting displaced people as they seek refuge from war and persecution, is no mean feat and the team should be rightly proud of the achievements to date.
There is still so much work to do to ensure a kind welcome to people in times of crisis and to promote understanding and a sense of community in the face of increasing negativity towards refugees.
I have had an association with this wonderful charity since the earliest days and so have witnessed first hand the team's commitment and dedication. So I am very grateful to be trusted to help shape the future.
The year in context
2025 saw a steady growth in demand for our services from those seeking asylum and those who have gained refugee status outside of resettlement routes, alongside ongoing work with Ukrainians and resettled and evacuated Afghans (some newly arrived through family reunification).
Our supported families and individuals faced an increasingly hostile environment, peaking in summer 2025, with growing national hostility to people from migrant backgrounds and in particular those seeking asylum. Combined with extremely
Volunteers give practical support and advice at our hubs
difficult situations in their country of origin, and anxiety about people back home, it is not surprising that many struggled. Along with others in the sector, we continued to face challenges regarding publicising our work and enabling clients to share their stories safely. Our mission however remained the same as when we started in 2016: to combine practical help with human-to-human welcome and support, and to promote integration and understanding between those of different backgrounds, for the benefit of all.
In 2025 we continued to benefit from the support of our large volunteer team who, with appropriate training and supervision, carry out much of our day-to-day activity. We expanded our partnership working, hosting regular workshops in collaboration with, amongst others, the DWP, Energy Manage and Step into Employment, in addition to our ongoing work with young people with St George’s College, including GCSE revision sessions. Our community English classes and drop-in support hubs continued to be busy, and our wellbeing and support events were well attended.
Energy management workshops support clients to manage household bills
In an ever more difficult environment, we continue to see hope in the small acts of solidarity and kindness that we see around us in those who support our work, and in the strength and resilience of the individuals and families we walk alongside. In 2025 we supported 244 families in total, from 35 different countries.
Fatima - rebuilding stability
Fatima (not her real name) is a single mother from Afghanistan raising her young son alone, without support from a government resettlement scheme.
She has endured years of domestic abuse and had no opportunity to attend school, but she is highly intelligent and motivated to learn. In 2025, she faced threats from her husband’s family in Afghanistan, alongside an unstable housing situation in the UK.
Our dedicated support worker has been with her every step of the way - helping her complete complex forms and liaising with the council regarding her housing needs. A qualified volunteer provides regular English lessons, while others have supported her in attending hospital and essential appointments.
We have arranged additional tutoring for her son and helped him access extracurricular activities. When she moved into long-term housing, we funded a van to transport her belongings and sourced donated items to help her settle into her new home.
Elmbridge CAN has supported me financially and emotionally as well as helping with documents relating to bills, hospitals, school etc. They have helped me find a place to live in and with food and travel. I really appreciate their help as without them I would have been lost and homeless with my son - especially not knowing the language and not being familiar with the country.
Our social events help families to feel safe and connected
The R Family - support in a crisis
The R family - comprising Mum, Dad and 13 year old son - are in the UK seeking asylum due to political persecution and threats in their home country of Bangladesh.
They are being hosted by relatives, but are very overcrowded, and due to delays in receiving their subsistence allowance from the Home Office, they have no income at all.
Our support worker is working with them to resolve this, and in the meantime we have supported them with hardship grants and referrals to the foodbank and partner charity Stripey Stork for education materials and school uniform for their son.
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. We are very grateful to you.
Both parents attend our English classes regularly. Although they are not allowed to work, they are keen to develop relevant skills and contribute, so we have arranged voluntary work for them at a local arts organisation, the Riverhouse Barn.
Although from an educated family, life is different in Bangladesh and the family lacks digital skills, so a volunteer is visiting regularly to help them acquire these.
Volunteer tutors work one-to-one with families to build skills and confidence
The year in numbers
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298 clients supported in total
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35 countries represented by our client base
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108 new clients (approx. based on one new family registering per week)
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50 individuals attended one of our English classes
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19 individuals helped into employment
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84 regular and ad hoc volunteers
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96 regular, one-to-one tutoring arrangements
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22 house moves and house set-ups supported
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24 donated bikes refurbished and delivered (with new locks and helmets)
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92 clients attended our special events including 3 seasonal celebrations
Our work in action: supporting individuals and families to thrive
Our impact
In August and September 2025 we carried out an impact survey amongst our supported families; 59 individuals responded.
Of these, 100% said that they would recommend us to others in a similar position. Over 95% said that their sense of wellbeing had improved because of Elmbridge CAN, and that we had helped them to communicate and navigate life in the UK. Many indicated, that, without our support, they would have felt completely lost and helpless.
The support I received has greatly improved my English skills and overall wellbeing. I feel much more confident now, knowing that there is always someone I can turn to for help. It has also guided me in finding a job and becoming more independent. S, Afghan
Everything has changed because of ECAN. My mental health, security and sense of belonging.
N, Iranian
Management and Governance
The charity’s operations are run by a board of nine trustees who delegate the day-to-day running of the charity to a job-shared director position. The codirectors are responsible for leading on all operational matters relating to the management of the charity and its staff. Both bring significant experience to the work and its particular context locally.
In 2025 a decision was taken to appoint trustees on a set three-year period, with a review for all at the end of this time.
People with lived experience of forced displacement are represented at all levels, including on the trustee board, on the staff team and as volunteers.
The board reviews its key policies at least every three years (safeguarding every year) and receives regular safeguarding and risk assessment reports from the co-directors.
In 2025 Suzy Mellor stepped down as Chair (although she remains a trustee) and Emily Boulting was appointed to the Chair role. Emily brings significant relevant experience as well as commitment and knowledge of our cause.
The members of our trustee board in 2025 were:
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Suzy Mellor (Chair until 2 December 2025)
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Emily Boulting (trustee and Chair from 2 December 2025)
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Hannah Addison (until 2 December 2025)
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Jon Carr
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Tom Citroen
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Shazanna Karim (from 30 June 2025)
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Stephanie de Sarandy (Vice Chair)
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Nurettin Sevi
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Paul Tiller (from 30 June 2025)
Our co-directors were Melissa Day and Jeannie Tweedie.
Outlook for the future
As we move into 2026, we are focussing on increasing our advocacy work, through raising the voices of those we support, and through the formation of a lived experience board to inform our work.
We plan to continue offering excellent holistic, practical and emotional support to all those who have fled war or persecution and who are currently living in Elmbridge or the surrounding area.
We are prepared to rise to the challenge of local government re-organisation which will affect the context in which we operate, and to position ourselves to respond with resilience, whatever future needs may be.
A Ukrainian choir performed at our Christmas party
ELMBRIDGE CAN STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 31 DECEMBER 2025
| INCOMING RESOURCES | UNRESTRICTED | RESTRICTED | TOTAL | PRIOR YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUNDS | FUNDS | FUNDS 2025 | FUNDS | |
| Donations | 7,2466 | 0 | 72,466 | 64,244 |
| Legacy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100,000 |
| Charitable Activities | 0 | 142,867 | 142,867 | 142,289 |
| Investments | 1311 | 0 | 1,311 | 482 |
| TOTAL (note 2) | 73,777 | 142,867 | 216,644 | 307015 |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||||
| Raising funds | 5000 | 0 | 5000 | 0 |
| Charitable Activities | 94073 | 142867 | 236940 | 247032 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 247032 |
| TOTAL | 99073 | 142867 | 241940 | |
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | -25296 | 0 | -25296 | 59983 |
ELMBRIDGE CAN TRUSTEES' REPORT 31st DECEMBER 2025 BALANCE SHEET
| TOTAL | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | 2025 | LAST YEAR |
| Debtors (note 4) | 50,655 | 41,002 |
| Cash at Bank (note 3) | 127,293 | 146,419 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | 177,948 | 187,412 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Creditors: amounts due within one year (note 5) | 41,698 | 25,866 |
| ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES | 136,250 | 161,546 |
| UNRESTRICTED RESERVES FOR THE YEAR | -25296 | 59,993 |
| BROUGHT FORWARD RESERVES | 161,546 | 101,553 |
| CARRIED FORWARD RESERVES | 136,250 | 161,546 |
ELMBRIDGE CAN FOOTNOTES TO ACCOUNTS FOR 31st DECEMBER 2025
NOTE 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards (FRS102) and SORP guidance
NOTE 2 INCOME RECEIPTS
| NOTE 2 INCOME RECEIPTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Elmbridge Borough Council | 122,951 | 131,715 | |
| Walton Charity | 29,167 | 32,085 | |
| EBC and Walton Charity Pertnership | Fund | 5,833 | 5,000 |
| National Lottery Community Fund | 5,833 | 0 | |
| Weybridge Land Charity | 3,750 | 2,250 | |
| Community Fund for Surrey | 1,500 | 0 | |
| Shanley Foundation | 3,000 | 0 | |
| American Women of Surrey | 4,750 | 6,000 | |
| General Donations | 38,549 | 29,494 | |
| Interest Income | 1,311 | 482 | |
| TOTAL | 216,644 | 207,026 |
|
| NOTE 3 CASH AT BANK | |||
| Triodos Bank | 22,656 | 146,419 | |
| Hampshire Trust Bank | 104,636 | 0 | |
| TOTAL | 127,292 | 146,419 | |
| NOTE 4 DEBTORS | |||
| Elmbridge Borough Council | 49,651 | 40,906 | |
| Other | 1,004 | 96 | |
| TOTAL | 50,655 | 41,002 | |
| NOTE 5 CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||
| Accrued expenses | 3,613 | 866 | |
| Income in advance | 38,085 | 25,000 | |
| 41,698 | 25,866 |
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Elmbridge Can Charity Number 1180489, PO Box 112 East Molesey KT8 8EN
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Elmbridge Can Charity number 1180489 for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that the accounts were prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the 2008 Regulations and applicable SORP. No material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Name: Mat Faraday
Address: 24 Oak Road, Cobham, KT11 3BA Date: 19[th ] June 2026