Day: 2 August 2023

Free The Great Woolly Hat Trail 2023

Looking for something Free to do with the kids this summer?

Enjoy some time out with family and friends. Walk, roller skate, bike, use your scooter or even a pogo stick to hunt the woolly post box hats. During the summer of 2023, an amazing, colourful and fun, free public art trail has arrived in Carshalton providing a stunning must-see attraction for all to enjoy – and everyone is invited to enjoy the adventure! Your challenge is to find all 15 of them!

Share your adventure using #carshaltonpostbox and #thegreatwoollyhattrail2023

The Great Woolly Hat Trail Map will be available from

The Great Woolly Hat Trail 2023 map was released on 22ndJuly 2023. This can be used on your phone, tablet or printed from your computer

When is the Great Woolly Hat trail happening?

The Great Woolly Hat Trail starts on 22nd July and runs until the 14th September 2023.

Where is the Great Woolly Hat trail going to be?

Located within the stunning surroundings of Carshalton. Access to the River Wandle, Carshalton Park and Hackbridge Community Gardens are all close to the trail. Visitors can bring a picnic or support one of our many independent cafes while passing through Carshalton high street.

Who is behind the Great Woolly Hat Trail?

Carole Baker has been producing post box hats since December 2020. With a variety of themes produced over the last two years. Pepper Pig (and family), The Queen and Pokemon were amongst the most popular with residents and visitors to Carshalton. This trail is designed to give everyone a reason to get out and explore Carshalton and have some fun together.

Employment Hub expands to support more residents.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce that the Epsom & Ewell Employment Hub is expanding its service to help all residents who are looking for work.

The Hub is a free employment and skills service, designed to help residents plan their next steps. Since the service launched in December 2021, the Hub has focused on those aged 16-24 in receipt of Universal Credit and has supported more than 600 young people. The team will now be able to help people of all ages in Epsom & Ewell find lasting work, including those who are refugees and people with additional needs.

The dedicated team at the Hub mentor residents who are looking for work, offering friendly support and advice on all aspects of job searching as well as helping them overcome barriers to employment. This includes holding workshops to develop interview skills, build CVs and improve interpersonal skills, as well as liaising with local employers to offer apprenticeships and work placements. The team hold regular job fairs where local employers and job seekers are matched.

The expansion of services at the Hub has been made possible following a change in funding; the Hub will now be funded by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council from the UK Prosperity Fund. The council continues to lead on the project with Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership. Both organisations work with a steering group of partners, including NESCOT, Go Epsom and Coast to Capital.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, – Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said “The Epsom & Ewell Employment Hub is an incredible resource for our community and the team there are already doing a fantastic job supporting young people to find employment.  It is great news that they will now be able to help even more people in the borough find meaningful and lasting work.”

Kevin Delf, from Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, said “The employment market can be daunting. The team at the Hub can now ensure that all residents who are looking for employment are given the skills and support they need to succeed.”

Anna, a previous Employment Hub client, said “The workshops at the Hub helped me improve my body language and build my confidence, as well as giving me useful interview tips. Thanks to the support provided by the Hub, I was successful in my application for a new role.” Read Anna’s case study at the end of this release.

The Hub has relationships with charities including the Workers Educational Association, National Careers Advice, Multiply (Maths & English), Step Forward YMCA, Mary Francis Trust and Work Stress Solutions.

The Hub assists local businesses with their recruitment needs, connecting employers with local residents who are actively searching for their next move. Local business owners who would like to be involved should email:[email protected]

The Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm and is based in Global House in the Ashley Centre, in Epsom town centre.