Spotlight Series: Meet ECL
In this edition of our Spotlight Series, Amy spoke with Eleanor Miller from Elmbridge Community Link (ECL), a small but impactful local charity enhancing the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Based in Charities House in Walton-on-Thames, ECL provides safe, inclusive spaces for people to learn new skills, grow their confidence, and feel part of a wider community.
At ECL, the aim is clear: everyone deserves to feel included, valued, and connected, and it’s important that “people feel good about themselves” after visiting.
“Everyone says how happy ECL makes them feel. That’s the word people use the most”
A Growing Community
ECL has continued to grow over the years, shaped by the needs and voices of the people it serves. With a wide range of weekly sessions on offer, such as board game nights, AllSports, multi activity days, music workshops, and outings, the charity plays an important role in the lives of local people.
“Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or autism”
Their mission underpins everything Eleanor and the team of committed volunteers and staff do, from designing inclusive sessions to making people feel welcome from the moment they walk in.
Eleanor describes how they “want to prevent people feeling isolated. Especially nowadays when young people spend so much time on their screens. We want to make sure people get out and socialise”.
Celebrating Confidence and Skill
ECL’s sessions are about more than just fun. Although this is a key part, the sessions are also a chance to learn new skills and improve confidence. Eleanor explains how some people that come to their AllSports session “have now gone on to mainstream sports teams” and others into paid employment.
That kind of progression - whether it’s joining a sports team or gaining a qualification - is always celebrated. Recently, “two clients went to Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership and then came to our Wednesday session to show off their certificates. They were so proud and happy with their achievements and they both said that it was by coming to ECL that they have gained the self-confidence to go out and learn a new skill”.
Putting People First
ECL listens to what people want, and this makes a profound difference to the people that come along. For one of their members who has multiple and complex needs, attending regular weekly sessions has benefitted him in a multitude of ways, including his physical health and mental wellbeing. “His enjoyment is evident at every session and the volunteers are delighted to see his self-confidence grow as he masters new skills. He now protests at returning home at the end of a session and says he’d rather spend more time at ECL! Thanks to their brilliant sessions, he is happy and content with his peers”.
This impact isn’t just felt by the members - it runs through the whole team and community. For Eleanor, “going to the sessions is the highlight” of her working week.
The Challenge
Like many small charities, ECL is aware of the bigger picture. “The biggest challenge is how competitive funding has become. Nationally and locally, funding has gone down, but we can see that the need is increasing”.
Despite these challenges, the team continues to show up with the help of their highly dedicated group of volunteers.
“Our volunteers are the bedrock of our organisation”
Behind the scenes, collaboration is just as important. ECL benefit from the discounted office space provided by Walton Charity at Charities House. “I love the ethos in Charities House. We share an office with Walsingham Care [one of ECL’s funders] which is lovely, and we really appreciate their support”.
The Motivation
When I asked Eleanor what keeps her motivated, she made it clear that the charity “feels like family”. That sense of community is built day by day through consistent support, a dedicated team of volunteers, and a range of life enhancing activities. In Eleanor’s words, it’s “pure joy”.
“ECL feels like family”
The goals of ECL are simple but crucial: to continue their vital work, sustain attendance, and reach even more people who need regular support. “The future plans are to keep our numbers buoyant. We’re always looking for more members, volunteers, and donors”.
Want to get involved?
ECL is always looking for new volunteers, donors, and members. If you’d like to find out more, please visit their website at https://www.eclwalton.org.uk/, or donate to their latest fundraiser!
Article by Amy Dixon, Walton Charity’s Policy and Communications Officer