Esher Community Fund
All About Us
Elmbridge regularly comes top as one of the best places to live in England; many of us enjoy working and living in and around this affluent area. However, in 2009, The Community Foundation for Surrey published an influential report called ‘Hidden Surrey’. This highlighted some surprising facts; sitting alongside the wealth in Esher are some pockets of serious disadvantage, affecting the lives of many in our neighbourhood.
You may be surprised to learn that, in part of the Esher area:
- The levels of child poverty are as high as 32%
- Life expectancy is several years below the national average
- Almost half of young people do not stay in education from the age of 17
What can be done?
A group of local residents have come together to look at how we could all make a difference. Working in close partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey, a charitable trust, they have launched a new Esher Neighbourhood Fund, which will enable everyone to play a part - helping those close to home and most in need.
Lower Green Area
Local people in Lower Green are already taking action to help themselves and their neighbours. For example, the nearest affordable nursery is a 45 min walk away so many children were starting school without any pre-school experience. Local mums have now set up their own Toddler Group to help their children. However, to enable these positive initiatives to continue there is an urgent need for help.
If you would like to find out more about this Fund read our news page or contact the Community Foundation for Surrey on 01483 409230.