Stories

*Note, some names in these stories have been changed to protect privacy

Ahlam

After fleeing Syria, Ahlam and her family settled in Elmbridge. She started to learn English but lacked the confidence to apply for jobs. A language course funded by Walton Charity improved her spoken English so she could start to look for work.

Samantha

A Delegated Fund from Walton Charity enabled HomeStart Elmbridge to support Samantha and her family when they moved to Elmbridge, including buying Samantha a new pair of glasses which stopped her getting teased at school.

Liam

Liam was experiencing anxiety attacks at school and finding it difficult to cope. Using funding from Walton Charity, Liam’s school enrolled him on a course of art therapy. Since starting the sessions, he is feeling much more positive about school.

Tracey

After losing her husband, Tracey moved into Fenner House seeking friendship. Joining the gardening club has given her the sense of community she was looking for.

Malcolm

When Malcolm started to feel isolated, he moved to Mayfield to start socialising again. The friendliness of the people and his beautiful garden are his biggest sources of happiness.

Shelley

When Walton Charity opened the second of their key worker almshouse properties, Shelley was keen to move in and give her kids the stability they need.

Sarah

A delay in benefit payments meant Sarah couldn’t afford to cover bills and feed her children. Emergency food parcels from the Walton and Hersham foodbank were a lifeline until she could get back on her feet.

Anna

When Anna came to Walton-on-Thames to be closer to her family, she found that the high cost of living was a barrier to living in Surrey. An advert for Mayfield, one of our independent living schemes, provided a solution.

Annabel

Annabel found herself in desperate need of help. A referral to The Bridge gave her the tools she needed to transform her life. The comprehensive support offered by The Bridge gave a safe space to work through her challenges.

Chloe

Struggling to settle into her new school, Chloe joined a dance group funded by Walton Charity’s school Opportunities Fund. The sessions helped Chloe to build her confidence and self esteem and make new friends.

Mary

Mary adopted her nieces after they lost their mum. Struggling with the extra cost of uniform and shoes, she turned to the school for help. Using funding from Walton Charity, they were able to help Mary kit out her niece ready for new school.

Oliver

When Oliver was facing difficulties at home and at school, his behaviour became increasingly challenging. One-to-one counselling sessions, funded by his school’s Opportunities Fund, helped Oliver to better manage his emotions and change his behaviour at school.

Ian

When Ian’s health deteriorated, he had to retire from his job as a hospital porter. Having lived in a flat provided with the job, Ian found himself homeless with nowhere to turn.

Katie

Before coming to Walton Charity’s Community Allotment, Katie spent a lot of time at home on her own. Now she loves being part of a regular activity, learning new skills and making new friends.

Lara

Suffering from OCD and depression, Lara was reluctant to join a local gardening group. Going along to Walton Charity’s community allotment turned out to be the first step in restarting her new life.

Anthony

When Anthony came to the UK from Sri Lanka, he was keen to find somewhere to plant his vegetables. A friend encouraged him to hire a plot at our allotment and pursue his love of growing and cooking.

Daniel

Daniel has been attending our community allotment since 2019 and loves the companionship of the sessions. He reflects on how joining a group helps with a feeling of routine.