For 15 years, I’ve attended Wednesday’s Multi-Activity sessions which gives the members the opportunity to be creative, make friends, and best of all to laugh.  But if I had to sum up my experience with ECL in one story it would be when, several years ago, our sessions were based in Walton-on-Thames town centre and we’d often take members out for a walk around the shops. One day, I was strolling through town with Mandy, an ECL member, when we bumped into an acquaintance of mine. In that split second, I hesitated.  How was I going to introduce Mandy? Then, without thought, it came naturally: "Oh, this is my friend Mandy." It was in that moment I realised that every member at ECL is my friend, just like any other person in my life. Some share stories about their holidays and flip through photo albums with pride, while others repeat the same tales time and again. But isn’t that what friendship is? Listening, engaging, and simply being present with someone who values your time.    Why volunteering at ECL is life-changing People with learning disabilities and/or autism often face barriers- social misconceptions, isolation, and exclusion. But when you step into ECL as a volunteer, those barriers fade. You don’t see disabilities - you see personalities, passions, and individuals with dreams like everyone else. The beauty of ECL is that it doesn’t just enhance the lives of its members; it enriches the lives of volunteers too. I’ve gained so much from volunteering time at ECL - laughter, meaningful conversations, and a perspective on friendship that is refreshing. Want to make a difference? Become a volunteer at ECL If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that truly changes lives, including your own, ECL is the perfect place. Whether it’s through crafting, chatting, or simply spending time together, you’ll find yourself forming friendships that go far beyond a single session. Because at the heart of it all, being a volunteer isn’t just about giving, it’s about receiving something invaluable: connection, understanding, and the joy of human interaction.

Our daughter Jo has been an ECL member since April 2024 and has been attending activities at Burview Hall in Walton on Thames ever since. Nearly a year on I was asked by the charity’s Chair, Ann Ledgard, if I would put pen to paper and share mine and my daughter’s experience of the charity.  Here goes….. Every week Jo attends the Multi Activity Day for people with learning disabilities and/or autism – this is held in a wonderfully bright and vibrant venue, with a great outdoor facility for those all-important sunny days.  When Jo first tried the session she was greeted by an engaging group of new people who have now become friends. The staff and volunteers are a great bunch and then of course there is Finch, the Pet Therapy Dog who attends most weeks.   As a parent it’s important to me that my daughter enjoys the activities she takes part in and the evidence, as far as I am concerned, is how quickly she gets ready in the morning when it’s an ECL day!  We know when Jo doesn’t want to do something because she will drag her feet and is reluctant to leave the house.  We’ve never experienced that when it’s a Multi Activity Day. At the end of last year, I was delighted to be invited to the charity’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and hear first hand what impact ECL has on its members, their families and the community as a whole.  The event itself reflected the inclusive nature of ECL, with its members actively participating throughout the day with singing and a special ‘chair exercise’ performance which was a joy to watch.  It was also great to see the different projects they had been involved with over the year, including the Remembrance Day exhibition.  As a small locally run charity focused on the needs of people with learning disabilities and/or autism, ECL is an organisation free from the dogma so often associated with larger authority run services. In fact, how they manage to run the sessions on the very affordable fees they charge is a testament to both good management, enthusiastic staff and volunteers. I think one of the reasons Jo’s life is enhanced by ECL is because they offer a diverse range of activities to occupy different interests and abilities.  Lunch Club once a month is also a firm favourite because everyone gets involved with the food preparation and then enjoys the fruits of their labour.  It’s also lovely when the members are treated to a trip out, such as the recent expedition to the Watercress Railway Line. I would encourage anyone who might have a family member or friend with learning disabilities to look at what’s on offer through ECL.  From our perspective it’s a warm, friendly charity run by people whose whole aim is to bring happiness and social connection to their member’s lives.  We will certainly continue to be a part of ECL for as long as Jo is happy to attend.

Chair of ECL, Ann Ledgard January is a time to project and to reflect. As the Chair of ECL, I am proud of all we’ve achieved over the past year, supporting around 100 people with learning disabilities and autism in the Elmbridge community, as well as providing respite for their parents and careers. Looking ahead, it’s exciting to anticipate the charity’s potential for growth and transformation in 2025 and the impact we can have on our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and the wider community. The Power of Togetherness: Building an Inclusive Community for All At ECL, we believe that everyone has a right to thrive – to do that, we need to create an inclusive community where everyone feels they can contribute and be valued. Whether through engaging activity sessions, social gatherings, or skills-building programs, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and community for people with learning disabilities and autism. In 2025, our planned range of activities will continue to address the diverse needs of those we support. Inclusive activities like arts and crafts, sports evenings, music workshops, and nutritious lunch clubs offer more than just entertainment—they serve as vital pathways to increased independence and personal fulfillment, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness, two challenges many with learning disabilities and autism face. Strengthening Sustainability: Securing ECL's Future While we focus on supporting the wellbeing and development of the people we serve, we are equally dedicated to maintaining the financial sustainability of ECL. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and fundraisers. One of our goals in 2025 is to expand our fundraising efforts to ensure we can continue to provide accessible services for those with learning disabilities and autism. We plan to diversify our fundraising strategies, including community events, online campaigns, and corporate partnerships with local businesses. These initiatives will help us meet the growing demand for our programs, ensuring that every penny raised directly benefits those we support. How You Can Help: Join ECL’s Mission in 2025 Why not make 2025 the year you help build a brighter future for people with learning disabilities and autism? You can contribute by: • Volunteering with ECL: your time and skills make a huge difference in supporting our community. • Donating to ECL: your contribution will help fund essential programs that enhance the lives of those we support. • Partnering with us : if you’re a business owner, consider joining us in making a lasting impact through a partnership or sponsorship. By supporting ECL in 2025, you’ll help us continue offering life-changing services to individuals with learning disabilities and autism. On behalf of everyone at the charity, I want to thank you for your support to date. We look forward to another year of growth, community, and shared success. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year!

When I was asked to become a trustee at Elmbridge Community Link (ECL), my first reaction was to wonder of what use I could possibly be (a knee-jerk response which I now believe was due to something known as imposter syndrome.) However, I was assured that my lived experience as a carer would mean that I could make a valuable contribution to decision-making at the charity. Despite a lack of confidence about my personal capabilities, my desire to help was never in question; I know what vital work ECL does because my son is one of our members. With this unique perspective, I can say with absolute certainty that ECL really does succeed in its mission to enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or autism living in Elmbridge.   Being a trustee gives me the opportunity to support the work of the charity by providing the board with an insight into what might be most important to our members and the issues they face. It's also fun to come up with ideas for fundraising events and to get involved with organising those events with my fellow trustees. Recently, there was a quiz night where each trustee formed a team with their smart and competitive friends to compete for intellectual glory. Beyond fundraising and entertainment, this event allowed us to introduce our charity's work to our friends and families. Moreover, reaching out to local shops and businesses for raffle prizes helped raise awareness for ECL, an invaluable opportunity that should not be missed!   All the trustees at ECL are committed to ensuring we can continue to support our members. This is at the heart of everything we do. Most of us are familiar with our members so we know, first hand, the positive impact our charity's work has on their lives. For me, it's wonderful to witness the progress and development of our younger adult members, the majority of whom attend our weekly AllSports session. Coming together in a safe and friendly setting really helps them to connect socially, make friends and grow in confidence as well as learn new skills. Our Board meetings provide an opportunity to discuss strategies for attracting more members to access our services and brainstorm ideas for different activities.   I look forward to Board meetings and enjoy catching up with everyone. It's interesting to hear news about what our members have been up to and, occasionally, the great challenges trustees have taken on to gain sponsorship.  One intrepid colleague and his fiancée recently competed in a gruelling Iron Man competition. Equally impressively, another Board member carried out a sky dive to celebrate her 80th birthday. Both activities raised a good deal of valuable cash to support the charity's income but fortunately for me, high adrenalin or physical challenges are not compulsory!   Times are tough for all charities now. The pandemic took its toll on the nation's finances and there isn't a lot of money to go around. We have to get creative and make the most of every penny to ensure the best outcomes for our members. We are fortunate to have great staff and volunteers who are experts at this, many of whom have been involved with ECL for years. As a Board, we look to our friends, families, neighbours and acquaintances and for any potentially fruitful connections! This has proven to be a reliable recruitment method, so beware if you know any of ECL's trustees!   As a carer, I find it difficult to balance my caring commitments with paid employment but, taking on the voluntary role of trustee means that I can do rewarding work for a charity which I wholeheartedly believe in and without compromising my responsibilities at home. In fact, becoming more involved with the charity has enlightened me about other families who face greater challenges than my own. This new degree of perspective is very welcome and has reminded me about the importance of counting my blessings. While there is always someone better off, there is also someone for whom life is far more of a struggle. Worth remembering.   Which brings me to the personal benefits of being a trustee. The sense that I'm doing something meaningful and worthwhile is good for the soul. Working with ECL is both a pleasure and a privilege and I'm sure my fellow trustees would say the same. If you're ever feeling bad about yourself, doing something for someone else never fails to make you feel better.   To find out more about volunteering for ECL click here .