News
Celebrating ‘A Million Acts of Hope’ during Refugee Week
We, in partnership with the Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network, invited residents to take part in A Million Acts of Hope during Refugee Week this month - celebrating the everyday actions that bring people together and strengthen communities.
A Million Acts of Hope is a national initiative recognising the small but meaningful contributions people make to their community each day. From coaching youth teams and volunteering at food banks to supporting neighbours and caring for shared spaces, these acts may go unnoticed, but they play an important role in building compassionate and connected communities.
Running from 15 June to 21 June, Refugee Week offered an opportunity to recognise the contributions of refugees, while celebrating the diversity, resilience and community spirit that enrich local life. This year, we marked A Million Acts of Hope during the same week, highlighting how simple actions can help create a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
These shared values are reflected in the work of the Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN), which supports refugees to feel welcomed, connected and part of the community. EERN, which is partly funded by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, delivers a range of services, including: group activities, helpdesk support, language classes and community initiatives - all designed to help foster inclusion and understanding.
To encourage residents to get involved, A Million Acts of Hope boards were installed at Epsom Library and Ewell Library (Bourne Hall) during Refugee Week. The CEO of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Jackie King, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Lucie McIntyre and Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network Lead, Jo Sherring, all added their messages to the board. We encouraged visitors to share messages of kindness, gratitude or community spirit.
Participants could write a short note on a postcard, available at both locations, and add it to the display, creating a collective expression of hope across the borough.
Speaking of the upcoming events, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said:
“Epsom & Ewell is a borough defined by the strength of its community, and initiatives like A Million Acts of Hope highlight the kindness, compassion and generosity that bring our residents together. It has been truly heartwarming to read the many stories already shared on the boards across the borough, each one reflecting small but meaningful acts of care, gratitude and support.
These stories capture what makes Epsom & Ewell such a special place to live, and I encourage residents to continue adding their voices as we come together to celebrate hope and the power of community.”
Armed Forces Day 'Fly the Flag' Ceremony
We would like to thank everyone who joined us on the morning of 22 June in Epsom Market Place as we proudly raised the #ArmedForcesDay flag.
The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell was joined by the Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, representatives from 135 Geographic Squadron, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR) and the Royal British Legion, along with the Chief Executive, councillors and officers from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council for this year’s ‘Fly the Flag’ ceremony.
This was a truly meaningful occasion to recognise and thank our Armed Forces community.
Epsom & Ewell's Local Plan Consultation - latest update
Epsom & Ewell's Local Plan consultation closed on Monday 15 June 2026. Thanks to everyone who submitted comments.
Next steps
We will share all comments received with the Planning Inspector and will also publish on our website.
There will be a further one-day hearing on proposed changes on Thursday 2 July 2026 at Epsom Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5BY. The hearing can be attended by interested members of the public who wish to observe.
About Epsom & Ewell's Local Plan consultation
Covering the period up to 2040, the Local Plan is at Examination Stage - the final stage of the process before the plan can be legally adopted.
As part of the examination, the council had been instructed by a government-appointed Planning Inspector to undertake additional work in relation to potential additional sites that could be allocated through the Inspector's main modifications to the plan.
In response, we launched a consultation to invite comments on specific documents submitted to the Inspector since October 2025 which identified potential additional sites that could be allocated in the borough's Local Plan to increase housing delivery.
The documents, along with instructions on how to comment, were made available on the council's planning policy consultation platform with printed copies located in local libraries and Epsom Town Hall.
For information about Epsom & Ewell's Local Plan Examination including the latest updates: Local Plan Examination Webpage
Where to find Future Surrey Questions & Answers including about Section 24
The creation of East Surrey Council is part of a wider local government reorganisation across Surrey, designed to simplify services, strengthen local decision-making and deliver long-term value for residents.
Through the Future Surrey Hub you can find the latest information about the local government reorganisation taking place in Surrey.
What is Section 24 and why does it matter?
Section 24 is a statutory direction set by central government to help all Surrey councils make major financial decisions during local government reorganisation. Under Section 24, most councils cannot make big financial decisions on their own and must seek approval from the Shadow Authorities, elected in May 2026. This will help the new councils start in the strongest financial position possible on 1 April 2027.
Shadow Authorities have also agreed to give ‘General Consent’. This allows councils to continue with normal service provision and approved projects from their 2026/27 budgets, so you can access services without interruption.
Section 24 comes into force later this summer. It does not apply to Woking Borough Council and Spelthorne Borough Council as there are already existing commissioning arrangements for best value.
See
Your questions answered
To help keep you informed, we regularly update a set of frequently asked questions. You can view the latest questions and answers here: https://www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk/frequently-asked-questions
Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline
The men’s football World Cup this summer will generate excitement and emotion.
But it’s also a time when incidents of domestic abuse can rise – reports can go up whether England win, lose or draw.
Whatever the situation, domestic abuse crosses the line and is never acceptable.
For help and support call Surrey's Domestic Abuse helpline on 01483 776822, provided by Your Sanctuary.
Stay safe in the heat: use water fountains located around the borough
Stay safe in the heat by keeping hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself during the hot summer months. If you're heading to one of our green spaces or walking through the town centre, look out for our public water fountains to top up your bottle:
- Alexandra Park
- Auriol Park
- Bourne Hall
- Court Recreational Ground
- Epsom Town Centre Market Place
- Gibraltar Recreation Ground
- Horton Country Park
Also, please look out for vulnerable neighbours, keep pets off hot pavements, and stay in the shade during the peak of the day.
For more essential heatwave safety advice and guidance, visit: Staying safe and well in summer | Healthy Surrey
Serve Up Some Summer Fun: Tennis in Epsom & Ewell
For those looking to embrace summer and get active outdoors, tennis offers an ideal blend of fitness, fresh air, and social connection.
Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time in months or returning as a regular player, our courts are ready.
There are flexible options available to suit every lifestyle. For those who prefer spontaneity, a pay-as-you-go option makes it easy to fit in a quick session whenever the mood strikes. Alternatively, households can take advantage of an annual subscription, which allows up to five people to enjoy unlimited court access throughout the year - an excellent way to stay active together and make the most of the facilities.
In addition to court access, free weekly coaching sessions are available for players of all abilities. These sessions provide a welcoming and supportive environment to develop skills, build confidence and meet others in the community. Coaching takes place at Auriol Park on Saturdays from 10am to 11am, and at Court Recreation Ground on Sundays at the same time.
With warmer weather ahead, there’s no better moment to get back on court, so book your session now: Epsom & Ewell Parks Tennis | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
EGYM App at Rainbow Leisure Centre: Fitness Tailored Just for You
Our Health and Wellbeing Strategy is all about helping residents live healthier, happier and more independent lives. At Rainbow Leisure Centre, there are lots of ways to get moving — whether you want to build fitness, improve your mobility, or just feel a bit more active day to day.
You can take things at your own pace by using the gym in a way that suits you using EGYM or supported programmes like the Exercise Referral Scheme or by using the gym in a way that suits you.
If you feel unsure about going to the gym, you’re not alone — and there is plenty of support to help you get started and feel comfortable.
One of the ways this is made easier is through EGYM. If you have a mobile phone, the EGYM app can guide you through simple, personalised workouts that adjust to your ability.
With EGYM you can:
- Use equipment that adjusts automatically to suit you
- Follow clear, step-by-step instructions
- Track your progress over time
- Go at a pace that feels right for you
Getting started is simple
You can book a friendly 1:1 introduction with a fitness instructor at Rainbow Leisure Centre. They will help you get set up, show you how everything works, and support you every step of the way. There’s no pressure — just a chance to try something new in a supportive environment.
Recently, Councillor Clive Woodbridge visited Rainbow Leisure Centre to try out the EGYM equipment in the newly refurbished gym.
Councillor Woodbridge said:
“I really enjoyed visiting the centre and trying out the EGYM equipment. It’s easy to use and takes away a lot of the worry about getting started. It’s great to see facilities like this that make it simpler for residents of all abilities to feel confident about being active and looking after their health.”
Find out more about the Rainbow Leisure Centre's EGYM App: EGYM | Places Leisure
Access to Activity Bursary for 12-15 year olds who meet the criteria
Our Access to Activity Bursary is designed to help tackle financial challenges that may prevent 12-15 year olds in the borough from taking part in sport. Eligible young people can receive up to £200 to help with sports club memberships, subscriptions or match fees.
Applications can be submitted any time before 31 December 2026, or until all funding has been distributed.
The bursary supports the aims of EEBC’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2025-28) which focuses on increasing physical activity, improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities in Epsom and Ewell. A variety of local sports clubs will participate throughout the year, and more clubs are welcome to apply to take part.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- live in the borough of Epsom & Ewell
- be 12 to 15 years old
- are in receipt of free school meals and/or
- have parents or guardians who are in receipt of Universal Credit payments
Those who are living or have lived in care are also welcome to apply.
Application process
This is a one-off grant, and priority will be given to eligible residents who have not received an Epsom & Ewell Borough Council grant aimed at facilitating access to physical activity in the past five years.
If the 12–15-year-old is eligible, applicants will need to follow this process:
- arrange a taster session directly with participating sports club – the list of participating clubs can be found on our website and it will be updated on an ongoing basis
- following the taster, if the 12–15-year-old wants to continue and enrol with the club, the council’s application form will need to be completed
- EEBC will then be in touch to confirm next steps.
Note: If the application is successful, the applicant will be asked to contact the sports club directly to enrol in their chosen activity.
All information about the Access to Activity bursary including the application form and participating sports clubs (updated as the year progresses) can be found here: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/access-to-activity
For any questions, email the Community Development team at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: cdevelopment@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Community support services for the elderly and vulnerable
Our Community Support Services provide a personal and caring service, offering a helping hand to you and your loved ones. Talk to us if you, or someone you know, could use:
- Door-to-door transport
- Meals delivered
- A personal alarm
- Respite care at our Dementia Hub
- Friendship and fun at our Community & Wellbeing Centre
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from extra support, we’re here to help.
Mental Health support and resources available
A key aim of our proposed Health & Wellbeing Strategy is to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of our community, with a greater emphasis on helping residents build connections with each other, be more active and take advantage of opportunities available through the council and our partners through, for example, training.
Through a range of initiatives and activities, we’re proud to continue creating opportunities that nurture wellbeing, encourage open and honest conversations about mental health, and help break down stigma.
Following Mental Health Awareness Week, 11-17 May, we would like to highlight the mental health support and resources available across the borough - please click here for information about some of the different organisations, and services, available to support anybody facing mental health challenges.
If you or someone you know could benefit from support, please explore what’s available – you are not alone.
Simpler Recycling: New items you can now recycle
Don't forget you can now add the following items to your recycling:
- Clean and empty cartons such as juice and plant milk cartons
- clean foil scrunched into a ball no smaller than the size of a tennis ball
- clean foil trays
- clean, non-black plastic plant pots
- empty squeezy metal tubes such as tomato puree tubes
- empty squeezy plastic tubes such as toothpaste tubes
- empty aerosol cans care also part of the changes although EEBC already collect those for recycling. You can continue to add empty aerosol cans to your recycling.
This is part of Simpler Recycling which is part of the UK government’s Collection and Packaging Reforms, and will introduce changes to how recycling and waste is collected across England.
Why is Simpler Recycling happening?
Currently, bin collections across England vary between areas, which can create confusion and misinformation among residents. The changes are designed to make recycling the same across all households, reducing confusion and improving recycling rates.
The reforms shift costs to producers to fund improved local authority waste and recycling services and are also expected to lead to the production of fewer hard-to-recycle items.
How should I recycle the new items?
The new items should go in mixed recycling bins in the following ways:
- cartons should be clean and empty
- foil should be clean and scrunched into a ball no smaller than the size of a tennis ball
- foil trays should be clean
- non-black plastic plant pots should be clean
- squeezy metal tubes should be empty
- squeezy plastic tubes should be empty.
Find out more about weekly recycling in Epsom & Ewell here: Simply Weekly Recycling
Hints and tips to help 'Green Your Home' and garden!
Our Green Your Home Guide is designed to help you take simple, everyday steps that contribute to a healthier environment and help combat climate change. Find some tips below to help you make one small change.
From reducing waste and conserving energy to choosing sustainable transport and supporting biodiversity, the guide highlights how everyone can play a part.
Did you know...
- Draught-proofing and insulating your home is an effective way to stay comfortable while reducing energy use.
- Using outdoor lighting carefully - such as choosing downlighters - helps direct light where it's needed, reduces upward light spill and protects wildlife.
- Installing a water butt onto any downpipe (even a shed roof) allows you to collect rainwater to help your plants thrive naturally. It also reduces tap water use, which may help lower household bills.
- Planting native shrubs, trees and wildflowers provide essential food and shelter for local birds, insects and other wildlife.
- Choosing peat-free compost helps protect vital ecosystems.
If you're thinking about making a change, we suggest you:
Review what you are currently doing
Compare this with other suggested activities
Commit to make one small change
For more information - Green Your Home Guide | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council