Elmbridge Council Launches ‘Connected Communities’ to Support Local Residents

Source: Elmbridge Borough Council Newsroom

Elmbridge Borough Council has announced a major new initiative to improve local wellbeing and expand access to support services across the borough, including areas like Molesey.

The new ‘Connected Communities’ model is designed to reach more people in need — including older residents, unpaid carers, low-income families, and those facing isolation or health challenges. After a year of consultation and data gathering, the council is introducing changes to make community support more inclusive, preventative, and sustainable.

According to the Council, current community services reach fewer than 1% of the local population, despite 12% of residents experiencing real difficulty in living well. The new approach aims to ensure that every resident, regardless of background or age, can access the help they need to feel connected, valued and supported.

Key proposals include:

• Establishing Local Area Coordinators to provide more personalised support.

• Expanding the role of community hubs, including local centres in Molesey.

• Increasing collaboration with the voluntary sector and training local Community Connectors.

• Phasing out the existing Meals on Wheels programme and replacing it with more holistic well-being services.

The Council expects the changes to reduce costs by up to £1 million annually while investing £700,000 to strengthen voluntary and community sector organisations throughout the borough.

The implementation of this new model is set to take place over 18 months. For more information, residents can visit the official Elmbridge Borough Council website:
👉 elmbridge.gov.uk/news

Why this matters to Hurst Park

At the Hurst Park Residents’ Association, we believe in highlighting local initiatives that affect our neighbours in Molesey and surrounding areas. Many of the issues identified by the Council — isolation, access to services, and the need for community connection — echo the challenges we’ve heard from our own members.

We encourage residents to read the full report and explore ways to engage, whether through volunteering, attending community events, or simply reaching out to neighbours.

As more details become available, HPRA will share updates and opportunities to get involved locally.

Original source: “Building a Connected Community to Help More People in Elmbridge Live Well”, Elmbridge Borough Council Newsletter, July 2025.
📌 Read the full article at: https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/news