The Bridge is a community hub offering practical support for working families across Elmbridge.

The Bridge is open to working families (with children under 18) who are struggling financially but cannot access government (or other) support.

It is also open to families who are going through a change in their financial circumstances (eg, just lost a job) and are waiting to receive government support.

Families must also be based within Elmbridge. It’s not aimed at single people or couples.

You can find The Bridge at 17 Bridge Street, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 1AE, just down the road from Aldi.

From November 1:

The Bridge is open on Monday 12:30pm-2:30pm (appointment only), Tuesday 10-12pm (appointments only) and 4pm-6pm (no appointment needed from October 1), Wednesday 10am-12pm (appointments only) and Wednesday 4pm-6pm (appointments only), Thursday 10am-12pm (appointments only). Please note that all sessions still require a referral.

There is also meeting space available throughout the week for local charities and community organisations to run workshops, meetings or one-to-one support sessions.

The Bridge includes a shop-without-a till where families can pick up food and household supplies at no cost, bringing down weekly shopping bills and freeing up money for other essentials like utility bills and school uniforms.

Families can also access one-to-one support and advice from Citizens Advice, Surrey Lifelong Learning, Elmbridge Family Centre among other local organisations.

Weekly yoga sessions are available on Wednesdays.

Families can be referred by local charities like Citizens Advice, HomeStart or Elmbridge Family Centre, or by local schools, churches and GPs.

Once a referral has been made, The Bridge team will contact families directly and arrange a time to visit the shop. After the first visit, the team will book another visit for a fortnight’s time. Families can visit the shop up to six times over three months.

After the six visits, families will need a new referral.

The Bridge is not an emergency service. If a family needs food in an emergency they should be referred to the foodbank through the usual referral system.

If you’re unsure whether to refer someone to the foodbank or The Bridge, please contact Nina at info@waltonhersham.foodbank.org.uk or Suzy at bridge@waltoncharity.org.uk.

We are very grateful for any financial or food donations to The Bridge. We also have volunteering opportunities available.

Contact Suzy bridge@waltoncharity.org.uk to find out more.