Challengers’ free Zoom sessions help disabled children overcome social isolation

5th March 2021 | News in your area

Challengers’ free Zoom sessions help disabled children overcome social isolation

Challengers – the independent children’s charity that provides fun, safe and inclusive play and leisure schemes for disabled children aged 2 to 18 – has been delivering virtual youth sessions for the last six months, during lockdown. Seeing how hard the pandemic has hit families, the organisation decided to offer these sessions for free, so that no child needs to miss out on essential play and social interaction.

These virtual sessions cover a wide range of activities to suit all children: talent shows, music, animal encounters and magic workshops. Even children with highly complex needs have benefitted from taking part, and for many, the virtual sessions have enabled them to form friendships, which they would struggle to do in person.

For many disabled children, such social interaction can be stressful and difficult. 13-year-old Joe has autism, learning disabilities, global development delay and anxiety, which means he struggles to interact with others outside of his sessions at Challengers

When the lockdown came and some Challengers services had to close, Joe’s mum Amy worried about the impact this would have on her son. But thanks to their new virtual sessions on Zoom, Joe’s family was relieved to hear him laugh again.

“Despite our best efforts, Joe has spent the most of the lockdown on his own, not interacting with any of us,” says Amy. “He was gutted that he couldn’t go to Challengers, the only place where he has fun and can be himself, and became increasingly isolated. We saw that Challengers was offering free virtual sessions and didn’t think he would take part, but we had nothing to lose so gave it a go anyway. When he first joined a session, he was highly anxious, visibly stiff and silent. The youth workers were so welcoming and didn’t put any pressure on him to speak, and much to my surprise, after a short while he started to relax, smile and even laugh!”

“Joe is now a dedicated attendee and we’ve seen such a transformation in his behaviour. He joins in with games and conversations, and spends most of the sessions laughing – a sound we rarely hear otherwise. Maybe it’s the knowledge that he is safe at home, and can walk away or shut the screen if he feels uncomfortable. All I know is he absolutely loves Challengers’ virtual sessions, and we love to see the sheer joy and beaming smiles on his face too.”

Sara, a Challengers Youth Worker who runs virtual sessions, said: “It’s been a very different way of working, but it’s been amazing to see children like Joe flourish and grow in confidence through our virtual sessions. We’re passionate about continuing to offer support and social interaction as best as we can while we’re unable to see young people face to face, and I’m really glad that we’re able to help many families through this dark time.”

Challengers welcome any young people to join their virtual youth sessions, regardless of whether they usually attend or not. To find out more, visit www.disability-challengers.org.

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 11th October the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Sir Stephen Lamport presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to Emma Armstrong, Suzy Liddle […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 6th October, The Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sir Stephen Lamport presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to Caroline Edwards, founder of […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Wednesday 13th October, on behalf of the Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Perdita Hunt OBE, presented Simran’s with a Lieutenancy Certificate […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Wednesday 13th October, on behalf of the Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant Perdita Hunt OBE, presented Farncombe Day centre with a […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Friday 8th October, on behalf of the Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant Perdita Hunt OBE presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation […]

Lieutenancy Award presented to Peter Beaumont of the Samaritans, Leatherhead

On the 15th September at their Annual General Meeting, Deputy Lieutenant, David Davis presented Branch Director, Peter Beaumont, with a […]

Surrey Community Action receive a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Tuesday 5th October on behalf of the Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant Steve Owen-Hughes MBE met with Chief Executive Jason Gaskell […]

HRH The Princess Royal visits Surrey

HRH The Princess Royal spent a day in Surrey on 7th October. Her Royal Highness started her visits in the […]

Age UK Surrey Volunteers Receive Lieutenancy Awards

Four Age UK Surrey volunteers were recognised for exceptional service and presented with a Surrey Lieutenancy Award at a volunteer […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

Deputy Lieutenant Rob Douglas CBE, on behalf of Lieutenancy presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to the Brightwells Gostrey Centre. […]

Lieutenancy Award

On Sunday 3rd October, Deputy Lieutenant’s, Lady Corinna Hamilton and Lady Louise O’Connor presented Bob Bartlett with a Lieutenancy Award. […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 1st October, Peter Takkar and Manmeet Laghmani, owners of the Effingham Mini Market in Effingham, near Cobham were presented […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

Farncombe Church of England Infant School was presented with a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation by Deputy Lieutenant, Perdita Hunt […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Saturday 2nd October, Farnham Hedgehogs received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation which was presented on behalf of the […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Tuesday 28th September, Right at Home, Guildford and Farnham received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation which was presented […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Tuesday 28th September, Farnham Lions Club received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation which was presented on behalf of […]

Queen’s Award for Enterprise presented to Overview Ltd

On 20th July, The Lord-Lieutenant presented Overview Limited with Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. Overview Ltd was formed in […]

Queen’s Award for Enterprise presented to Synchro Arts Ltd

On 20th July, The Lord-Lieutenant presented Synchro Arts Limited with two Queen’s Award for Enterprise, one for International Trade and […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 30th September, on behalf of the Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Steve Owen-Hughes MBE presented Stanwell Foodbank with a Lieutenancy Certificate […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 27th September, on behalf of the Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Peter Lee presented Godstone Fire Station with a Lieutenancy Certificate […]

Platinum Jubilee Medal

The Culture Secretary has unveiled the design of the medal to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year. […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Behalf of the Surrey Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Perdita Hunt OBE, presented Sarah Louise Dix with a Lieutenancy Certificate of […]

The Queen’s Green Canopy

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will mark the start of the official planting […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Behalf of the Surrey Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Perdita Hunt OBE, presented Jane Turner BEM, from Compton News with a […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

Godalming Choral Society received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation from Deputy Lieutenant Perdita Hunt OBE. Godalming Choral Society has […]

HRH The Duke of Gloucester visits Bloomin’ Arts,in Lingfield, Godstone Flower Farm and Le Personne Almshouses in Caterham on the Hill.

On Wednesday 22nd September, the Lord-Lieutenant welcomed His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, to three venues in Surrey. Starting […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On behalf of the Surrey Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Steve Owen-Hughes MBE, visited Specialist Group International in Dorking. Steve met with […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On behalf of the Surrey Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Charlotte Kneer presented Caterham School Parents’ Association with a Lieutenancy Certificate of […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On behalf of the Surrey Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Caroline Breckell MVO, presented Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development with a Lieutenancy […]

Bloomin’ Arts receive a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 13 September, Deputy Lieutenant, Caroline Breckell MVO was delighted to present Lingfield based Arts charity Bloomin’ Arts with a […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Monday 13th September, the Walton Charity arranged an event at the River Barn in Walton-on-Thames, where on behalf of […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On the 13th September, Greystone House Surgery received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation from Deputy Lieutenant, Charlotte Kneer in […]

Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 13th September, Farmer Patrick and his Team at Godstone Flower Farm, received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation from […]

Emergency Services Day (999 Day) 9th September

On Thursday, 9 September, which was also 999 Day / Emergency Services Day, Commander Lochner, a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, […]

Emergency Services Day (999 Day) 9th September

On Emergency Services Day, Peter Lee DL also visited Salfords Custody Suite, an impressive purpose-built facility just outside Redhill. The […]

Emergency Services Day (999 Day) 9th September

As part of Surrey Lieutenancy’s recognition of Emergency Services Day, Deputy Lieutenant Peter Lee was delighted to visit Salfords Fire […]

999 Emergency Services Day 9th September

The Lieutenancy are proud to support Emergency Services Day (also known as 999 Day), which is a national event celebrated […]

999 Emergency Services Day

The 9th September is the UK’s Emergency Services Day or 999 Day and it is our opportunity to show support […]

Queen’s Award for Enterprise Presentation

On Tuesday 7th September the Lord-Lieutenant presented Overview with their Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. Overview, are a leading […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On the 3rd September, Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors in Byfleet received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation presented by Deputy […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On the 6th September, Studio Clark & Co, interior designers in Cobham, received a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation presented […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 1st September, the Dempster Trust in Farnham received a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation from Deputy Lieutenant, Dr Helen Bowcock […]

The Queen’s Award Enterprise

The application deadline has been extended by two weeks until the 22nd of September. With Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum […]

Surrey Lieutenancy Appreciation Award for the Include Choir

On 1st September the Include Choir welcomed Deputy Lieutenant, Nicola Dawes who was delighted to present them with the Surrey […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

Deputy Lieutenant, Nick Wood-Dow presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to Laleham Friends & Residents Association for their extraordinary work […]

Major exhibition of Old Master Drawings opens in Surrey

Exquisite drawings by some of the most significant artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods – Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 27th August, Deputy Lieutenant, Charlotte Kneer presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to Alan French and Christine Muir of […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 27th August, Deputy Lieutenant, Charlotte Kneer presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to Lisa Gavin and Jo Greenslade of […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 26th August Deputy Lieutenant, Charlotte Kneer, presented a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to Lisa Felton of Dormansland Diamonds. The […]

Lieutenancy Award

On 1st August, Deputy Lieutenant, Rob Douglas presented Dawn Barrow of Churt Covid 19 Community Support, a Lieutenancy Award for […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 26th August, Deputy Lieutenant, Rob Douglas presented Farnham Maltings with a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation for all their outstanding […]

Chilworth2gether

Deputy Lieutenant, Sir Graham Wrigley, presented Chilworth2gether with a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation for their work in the community during […]

Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

The Lord Lieutenant has asked the Deputy Lieutenants of Surrey to identify the local businesses who went ‘above and beyond’ […]

Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care receive Lieutenancy Award

In recognition of the dedicated way the team at Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care kept their service running 24 hours […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

Dipak and Sakhi Gohil were presented with a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation by Deputy Lieutenant Nick Wood-Dow, for their exceptional […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 24th August, Kelly Smith from Boogie Monsters was delighted to receive a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation from Nicola […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

The Pilot’s Hub Cafe at Redhill Aerodrome was pleased to welcome Nicola Dawes, a Deputy lieutenant of Surrey on 14 […]

Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation for Scrubs for Heroes Redhill, Reigate & Horley Group

On the 24th August 2021, the Scrubs for Heroes Redhill, Reigate & Horley group welcomed Deputy Lieutenant, Nicola Dawes to […]

Surrey’s Cadets on Parade

By invitation of Commonwealth War Graves, Surrey Sea, Army and Air Cadets were requested to form a Guard of Honour […]

The volunteers of the Guildford and Waverley vaccination programme receive the Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 27th July, Deputy Lieutenant Jane Macaulay was delighted to to present the volunteers working for the Guildford and Waverley […]

Mandira’s Kitchen receives a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 27th July, Deputy Lieutenant Jane Macaulay was delighted to to present Mandira’s Kitchen with a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of […]

Congratulations to the Surrey County Council Armed Forces Team

Congratulations to the Surrey County Council’s Armed Forces Covenant team who have had their Ministry of Defence Gold Employers Recognition […]

ROYALS VISIT BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY

The Lord-Lieutenant received His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex when they […]

Shere Surgery and SALV (Shere and Local Villages) receive a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 21st July, Deputy Lieutenant Jane Macaulay was delighted to to present Shere Surgery and SALV (Shere and Local Villages) […]

Shalford Lunch Club receive the Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 21st July, Jane Macaulay DL was delighted to present a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation to the Shalford Lunch Club. […]

Fitstuff Run Club Leaders receive the Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 20th July, Deputy Lieutenant Jane Macaulay was delighted to present Fitstuff Run Club Leaders with a Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate […]

Surrey University Degree Conferment Ceremonies

The Lord-Lieutenant was pleased to receive The Chancellor of Surrey University, HRH The Duke of Kent, at the University of […]

Commemoration Service at the Muslim Burial Ground Peace Garden

The Lord-Lieutenant along with Mayor of Woking, Councillor Liam Lyons, attended the Muslim Burial Ground Peace Garden in Woking on […]

Active Surrey receive the Surrey Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On 14th July, Deputy Lieutenant, Peter Lee presented Active Surrey with a Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation. Presented to their Chair, […]

Lieutenancy Certificate of Appreciation

On Tuesday 13 July Professor Paul Layzell DL visited Collingwood College, Camberley, to present Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Award of Appreciation […]

Launch of The London Irish Foundation Homeless Engagement Project

The London Irish Rugby Club Foundation and Powerday have announced a new partnership to support homeless people, by building a […]

Home-Start East Surrey

Deputy Lieutenant, Peter Lee had the privilege of visiting Home-Start East Surrey on 7 July 2021 to present to them […]

NHS Social Care and Frontline Workers Day

July 5th 1948 was an historic moment in our country’s history. It was the day our pioneering National Health Service (NHS) […]

Veterans’ Hub opens in Spelthorne

Spelthorne Armed Forces Partnership and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service have established a veterans’ hub at Fordbridge fire station to […]

Royal Grammar School Guildford

Deputy Lieutenant, His Honour Judge Christopher Critchlow, visited Royal Grammar School Guildford to present on behalf of the Lieutenancy, seven […]

Royal visit to WC Lee’s Almshouses in Windlesham

The Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO when she arrived to visit The Trustees and […]

Armed Forces Week

This morning the Lord-Lieutenant was pleased to attend the Surrey Armed Forces Flag Raising ceremony and outdoor service given by […]

Armed Forces Day 2021 One week to go!

There is just one week to go until Armed Forces Day. Offering you the chance to recognise the work of our Armed Forces and […]

Surrey residents named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021

The Surrey Lieutenancy is delighted to congratulate the 22 Surrey residents who have been recognised in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday […]

Domestic Abuse Awareness Week 14- 20 June

This year’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Week is 14 – 20 June. In this video, Chief Executive Joanna Killian and Charlotte […]

10 new Deputy Lieutenants for Surrey

The Lord-Lieutenant has commissioned ten new Deputy Lieutenants (DLs) to the Surrey Lieutenancy, bringing the number of active DLs in […]

The Lord- Lieutenant’s Awards of Appreciation

The Lord Lieutenant’s Awards of Appreciation, launched on 24 February 2021, aim to recognise individuals who contribute exceptional service to […]

Emerge Advocacy receives Queen’s Award

Volunteers from Emerge Advocacy have received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021. Emerge trains and equips local volunteers […]

SERV Surrey & London receives Queen’s Award

Volunteers from SERV Surrey & London have received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021. This charity, made up […]

Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) receives Queen’s Award

Volunteers from Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) have received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021. SMEF is a […]

Mid Surrey Community Fridges receives Queen’s Award

Volunteers from Mid Surrey Community Fridges have received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021. Their dedicated work helps […]

Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre receives Queen’s Award

Volunteers from the Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre have received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021. Run by […]

Lieutenancy Award Presentation

Margarette Fulleylove was this week presented with a Lieutenancy Award in appreciation of her services to the community. It was […]

1-7 June 2021 / Volunteers’ Week

Across Surrey, the 37th annual Volunteers’ Week is celebrating the invaluable contribution volunteering makes in our county. This year, Volunteers’ […]

2021 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

The prestigious 2021 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) has been awarded to volunteers from five Surrey groups, it was […]

Whiteley Village 100th Celebrations

On 28th May 1921, King George V and Queen Mary visited Whiteley Village for its official opening, and on Friday […]

Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards of Appreciation

New Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards celebrateexceptional service to Surrey’s local communities The first four recipients of Surrey’s newly launched Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards of […]

Haslemere Museum Opening

The Lord-Lieutenant visited Haslemere Museum on Monday 17th May to celebrate the re-opening of the museum and to view their […]

Surrey Day 2021

Surrey Day has been running for three years, led by Visit Surrey, BBC Surrey and Surrey Life, and is a […]

Surrey Day 2021

Surrey Day has been running for three years, led by Visit Surrey, BBC Surrey and Surrey Life, and is a […]

International Nurses Day – Wednesday 12th May- A royal thank you for the nurses at Frimley Health Foundation Trust

Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit Frimley Park Hospital on International Nurses Day to thank nursing staff for their work during the Covid pandemic.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week’s theme for 2021 is ‘Connect with Nature.’ From 10-16th May, this provides a space for increased […]

Congratulations to the 4 companies in Surrey who are winners of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2021!

Many congratulations to all businesses recognised with a Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2021, especially to the 4 winning Surrey companies, […]

Cathedral Evening Service to include prayers of thanksgiving for HRH Prince Philip, Friday 16 April, 5.30pm

On the eve of his funeral in Windsor, in Guildford Cathedral there will be an Evening Service which will include […]

Stoke Community Support

The Lord-Lieutenant visited Stoke Community Support on Thursday 8th April where he helped the volunteers with their meal deliveries and […]

Lord-Lieutenant volunteers with Nourish our Nurses

On Tuesday 6th April, the Lord-Lieutenant, accompanied by Jo-Ann Airikkala and Joanne Cheetham from Nourish our Nurses visited Ashford St […]

Centenary of the Royal Australian Airforce

HM The Queen chose Surrey – and the CWGC Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede in Egham – for her first […]

Learning more about the QEF

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation at Leatherheadopened a new Care and Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) in July 2020. Now it is hosting a […]

‘Capable of more’- The Meath charity

‘Capable of more’ – a new short film showcasing The Meath charity, Surrey’s specialist residential care home and day service […]

HRH The Countess of Wessex volunteers at Knaphill Community Fridge.

The HRH The Countess of Wessex volunteered at Knaphill Community Fridge today. The Countess spent the morning sorting grocery deliveries, […]

The Lighthouse and Woking Foodbank receives Royal support

The Lighthouse and Woking Foodbank team was delighted to have HRH The Countess of Wessex volunteering with them at their […]

HRH The Earl of Wessex congratulates Surrey groups nominated for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021

Volunteers from the 10 impressive Surrey groups that have been nominated for the prestigious 2021 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service […]

Positive impact of the arts in Surrey highlighted in new Report

Evidence of the positive economic impact and social benefit that arts activities bring to communities right across Surrey is contained […]

Positive impact of the arts in Surrey highlighted in new Report

Evidence of the positive economic impact and social benefit that arts activities bring to communities right across Surrey is contained […]

Nourish our Nurses

Nourish our Nurses was set up on 20th March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the supermarket shelves being […]

Headway Surrey

Headway Surrey has introduced a new free counselling service to support its clients and their families in coming to terms […]

Oakleaf Enterprise

The current pandemic has highlighted just how widespread #MentalHealth issues are today , and as a result , it is […]

Explore the history of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

Although the Yvonne Arnaud is closed currently (February 2021), the enterprising team there are preparing everything for when the theatre […]

Calling all Veterans across Surrey and beyond!

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Board (SCMPB) are delighted to host their second online Veteran’s Hub […]

Freewheelers Theatre and Media Company

2021 has been quite different to how we had all hoped so far and lockdown life is certainly challenging for us […]

Spelthorne Rentstart – Re-building lives in our community

The homeless and vulnerably housed are especially susceptible to catching the coronavirus. That is why, during this pandemic, our service […]

Painshill Park

Covid-19 has made 2020 a difficult – and too often tragic – year for so many individuals, businesses and institutions. […]

Surrey New Year Honours 2021

Congratulations to all the recipients in Surrey who have been honoured in the New Year’s Honours list. All are extremely […]

The effect of the pandemic on Guildford Crown Court

Thankfully few of us have experience of the Crown Court and so the effects of the pandemic on our county’s […]

Coram Life Education delivers in Surrey

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and their teachers at a number of primary schools […]

Coram Life Education delivers in Surrey

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and their teachers at St Edmund’s primary school in […]

Brockham Emergency Response Team (BERT)

The BERT team has been busy in Brockham Village, making sure the heavy winter rains did not result in flooding […]

Face to face counselling sessions now available at Catalyst

Catalyst is pleased to report that some face to face counselling sessions are now up and running, using the group […]

Christmas message from the Chair of The Duke of Edinburgh Award’s Women in Business Committee, HRH The Countess of Wessex, GCVO.

The D of E have produced a special Christmas message themed around the poem ‘What is Christmas’ by Agnes Pharo

Lord-Lieutenant visits the new RBWA refuge.

During lockdown Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid’s refuge opened a new refuge in partnership with Surrey County Council, The Police […]

1st Sealord Cadet – A first at Reigate Grammar School

For the first time in the history of Reigate Grammar School a Cadet from the Royal Navy has been awarded […]

Mid- Surrey Community Fridges

The Earl and Countess of Wessex spent time volunteering at the Mid- Surrey Community Fridges’ new warehouse in Dorking on Tuesday […]

HRH The Countess of Wessex joins Surrey business leaders to discuss Covid response at a Lieutenancy digital event.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex joined more than 70 Surrey business leaders virtually on Wednesday 2nd December to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the county’s businesses.

Long-serving staff retire from The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society

The Royal Alfred Seafarers Society has, for over 150 years, provided residential and nursing care to former seafarers, their widows and dependents.

Lord-Lieutenant volunteers at Stripey Stork

The Lord-Lieutenant visited Stripey Stork last Friday to see their Christmas campaign in action at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill. The […]

Patchwork Gardening Project re-opens

After a challenging and difficult lock down, volunteers are now welcomed back to the support and mental well-being of Dorking’s […]

HRH The Countess of Wessex visits Manna Food Bank in Staines upon Thames

Volunteers at the Manna Food Bank in Staines upon Thames last week welcomed The Countess of Wessex who joined the […]

“Your Fund Surrey”

An exciting and innovative new Capital Projects Fund, with £100 million budget to encourage new ideas for community-led projects, was […]

Surrey Hills Virtual Artisan Market

Surrey Hills Artisan Experiences The Surrey Hills are home to an incredible community of artisans who keep both traditional as […]

Surrey Remembers

The Lord- Lieutenant attended the Remembrance Service at Guildford Cathedral.

Lord-Lieutenant becomes Patron of Oakleaf

Following a visit on Tuesday, 27th October, the Lord-Lieutenant has accepted the invitation to become a Patron for Oakleaf, joining […]

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ST GEORGE RAISING FUNDS FOR NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER – BY TEAM ‘SIXES & SEVENS’.

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ST GEORGE RAISING FUNDS FOR NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER – BY TEAM ‘SIXES & SEVENS’. The Chairman […]

Farnham scouts celebrate socially distanced conferment of Chief Scouts Award

Eight scouts from Fox Troop in Farnham paraded recently to receive their long sought after Chief Scouts Award, following four […]

Royal British Legion Surrey Poppy Appeal Launch 2020

The Lord-Lieutenant wishes to share the following message from the Royal British Legion about the 2020 Poppy appeal. “Unfortunately, due […]

Surrey’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Award Ceremony 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) hosted the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant Award Ceremony […]

National Day of Prayer for the life of our nation- 18th October 2020

The Cathedrals of the Church of England are joining together for a national Day of Prayer for the life of […]

How Surrey residents can show their respects this Remembrance Sunday

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent Government guidance, showing respect on Remembrance Sunday will need to be conducted in […]

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre receives emergency funding award

The Lord-Lieutenant is delighted that The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, has been awarded £248k in emergency support from the Arts […]

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List

The Lord-Lieutenant is delighted to congratulate the 40 Surrey residents who have been conferred with an honour by The Queen […]

Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex wins national award

Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) has won the magazine Charity Times’ 2020 Charity of the Year Award (income over […]

World Homeless Day

Life can be very hard without the security of a home. In the uncertain world we find ourselves in, homelessness […]

Local hero works with the Surrey Local Resilience Forum

The Surrey LRF declared a major incident in relation to Covid-19 on 19 March 2020. The following day a multi-agency […]

Home-Start Spelthorne

Home-Start Spelthorne, like all organisations, have been required to make changes and adapt to new ways of working in order […]

The Faith Awareness in Children Trust

The Faith Awareness in Children Trust is a small charity, based in Spelthorne, which helps to teach children and families […]

VJ Day 75 in Farnham

VJ Day 75 was commemorated in Farnham at the War Memorial in Gostrey Meadow on Saturday 15th August 2020.

VJ Day in Spelthorne

August 15th 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War. In the […]

VJ 75th Anniversary 15th August 2020

I am very much looking forward to taking part in the Cathedral Eucharist with a Commemoration of VJ Day Service […]

GASP Motor Project update.

Many schools were unable to continue their sessions with GASP by the middle of March. When schools closed for most […]

Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – Promoting Opportunity ( through social mobility)

The Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) category of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, will be going live for applications on Monday 20 July.The Promoting […]

“Rising To The Challenge,” Lord – Lieutenant pays tribute to heroic NHS In 72nd birthday tribute.

“Today we celebrate 72 years of our National Health Service. In what has been its most difficult period in history […]

Huckleberries Nurture Farm helps children re-connect after lockdown

Huckleberries was established in 2019 to build resilience in primary aged children and young people by helping them to adjust […]

Change of Scene Campaigns For New Space for Vulnerable Children

Change of Scene Campaigns For New Space for Vulnerable Children Change of Scene is about to start a capital fundraising […]

Local Minibus Provides Lifeline for Sheltered Housing Residents

For residents of Fenner House and Mayfield, the two sheltered housing schemes managed by Walton Charity, the popular minibus service […]

Cathedral shines red, white and blue for armed forces day

Armed Forces Day is a chance for all of us to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Week 2020

A flag raising ceremony took place on 22nd June at 10.30am outside Guildford Cathedral to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

Surrey History Centre

Residents of all ages and communities across Surrey are being invited to keep a personal record of what life has been like for them during shutdown.

Chiddingfold Bonfire Association

The group of about 40 village volunteers who make-up the Chiddingfold Bonfire Association have worked selflessly throughout the coronavirus crisis to support those in need in this rural community, especially more elderly and vulnerable residents.

Voluntary Action South West Surrey

The support and community spirit in Guildford and Waverley during the coronavirus pandemic has been truly amazing. To share this […]

Oakleaf Enterprise

Mental health charity, Oakleaf Enterprise – which draws clients across Surrey out of isolation and loneliness by providing award-winning mental wellbeing services.

Fairlands, Liddington Hall, and Gravetts Lane Community Association (FLGCA), Guildford

The FLGCA recognised the pressing need to support local residents who were elderly and/or vulnerable and who needed to self-isolate.

Fairwood Helpers and Worplesdon community groups

Since the start of the Covid-19 crisis Fairwood Helpers have worked with, and alongside, other local groups.

The Guildford Institute

We are working hard to keep the spirit of the Guildford Institute alive and thanks to the efforts of our team of tutors, we now offer our courses online.

Tandridge District Council

We thank our staff, residents, businesses, parish councils, Tandbridge Voluntary Action and many community groups for their support and community teamwork over the past months.

Runnymede Foodbank/The Trussell Trust

We rely on the support of our local community for food donations, volunteering and finances. For more information, please visit our website.

Coast to Capital Growth Hub

The Coast to Capital Growth Hub team provides fully funded advice, signposting and support helping enterprises address business challenges.

The Brigitte Trust

The Brigitte Trust is a charity offering support and practical help at home to people facing cancer, MND, MS, heart, lung failure and other illness.

Right at Home

Our owner and Managing Director shares concerns over people who are avoiding help in the current situation and reassures us that it is Safe to Care.

The Meath Epilepsy Charity

The Meath is a specialist residential care home and day service for adults who live with complex epilepsy and disabilities.

Step by Step

These are challenging times for everyone, not least the young people in our care. With your support, we continue to work with those who rely on our help.

Jigsaw, South-East

Information, advice and guidance to help support bereaved children and young people and those facing the loss of a loved one during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Guildford Borough Villages and Parishes

Parish councils and local groups have set up initiatives, supporting communities through the current coronavirus pandemic and to help coordinate volunteers.

Manna Foodbank

Manna Food Bank is currently operating as normal although demand is up significantly. Some donation points have closed, but we have new ones in place.

Spelthorne Borough Council

Spelthorne Borough Council makes every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in the documents on this site.

Surrey Youth Focus

If you have any Covid related questions not answered in this bulletin please let us know and we will endeavour to find the information.

Citizens Advice free support in Surrey

As people encounter unprecedented problems related to Covid-19, more are turning to Citizens Advice, the network of independent charities.

Surrey Care Trust

Surrey Care Trust is helping vulnerable young people and families who are being affected by the mental health and financial effects of Covid-19.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospice

Chief Executive of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is urging the community to donate what they can as they face the crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Headway

Even though our doors are currently closed we are still offering services to our clients and their families in need of support.

Catalyst

Catalyst, providing specialist drug, alcohol and mental health and wellbeing support, remains open during COVID-19 for referrals to our support services.

Elmbridge Borough Council

If you have received a food package and there are unwanted items in the package or you don’t need the whole package, donate them to a local food bank.

Shah Jahan Mosque

The Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking has launched a 24-hour service offering food and other help to those affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Lighthouse, Woking

Closing our food distribution centres at Woking Town Centre, Sythwood, Sheerwater and Byfleet Village, we had a team help us move stocks to Sheerwater.

Haslemere Help

350 volunteers are providing for the community support group Haslemere Help, for those who are self-isolating or vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Godalming & Villages Community Store

The Godalming & Villages Community Store was launched by Godalming Town Council in the Wilfred Noyce Centre, next to the town’s Crown Court Car Park.

Farnham COVID-19 Co-ordinating Group

Following the government’s decision to put the country into lockdown, an immense amount of work has been done to ensure the most vulnerable are cared for.

Holy Cross Hospital

The Physiotherapy Centre at Holy Cross Hospital is offering a free telephone or video physiotherapy consultation to NHS staff.

Merstham Mix, Community Café CIC

Working with food surplus partners and using high quality donated goods alongside our suppliers, we ensure our meals are affordable and nutritious.

Foodbank at St Matthew’s Redhill

The Foodbank at St Matthew's is working to meet the challenges of coronavirus (COVID-19). Low income families and older people are hit particularly hard.

Surrey Heath PREPARED

Surrey Heath PREPARED was set up by voluntary groups and Surrey Heath Borough Council to support to those self-isolating and the vulnerable.

Surrey Heath Borough Council – charity grant scheme

Surrey Heath BC has launched a rapid response fund to help smaller charitable organisations affected by the impact of Covid-19.

Nourish Our Nurses – Engelfield Green

Nourish our Nurses in north Surrey, supply fresh fruit, vegetables and pasta to the NHS frontline staff at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals Trust.

Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Reigate – visors for the NHS

Staff from the Design Technology Department at Royal Alexandra and Albert School working with laser cutters and 3D printers producing visors for NHS staff.

Samaritans across Surrey

The current pandemic – and its impact on the physical and mental health of our nation – has created unprecedented demand for Samaritans nationally.

Army Training Centre Pirbright ATC(P)

After they had completed 14 days in isolation under HM Government direction, the Army Training Centre Pirbright returned nearly all recruits.

Dorking Area Foodbank

Dorking Area Foodbank open for free food in Dorking and the surrounding villages who are in financial need, including those affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

Five surrey residents awarded British Empire Awards

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey meets with five Surrey Residents awarded the British Empire Awards in the New Year Honours List 2020.

Six Surrey organisations nominated for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2020

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, meets the six nominees at a Reception at Loseley Park, sponsored by Surrey County Council.

HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates for Meritorious Service presented to members of Surrey’s Reserve and Cadet Forces

The Awards Ceremony took place at Denbies in Dorking and recognised outstanding volunteering for the county.

Dedicated volunteers from the Friends of Ash Link receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

The volunteering group of Spelthorne Natural History Society gathered on Splash Meadow in Shepperton to accept the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey.