Her Majesty The Queen

We are deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Surrey Choices would like to offer our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this time. 

The Queen’s State Funeral

Monday 19 September, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, will be a national bank holiday. 

We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity on the day of the State Funeral to mark Her Majesty’s passing and celebrate Her reign. Therefore, we will be adjusting the support that we provide accordingly. 

Community Choices, Vocational Projects, Flexi-Choices and Travel Choices

These services will be closed on Monday 19 September, the day of the funeral. 

If you have any questions, please contact 01483 806806.   

EmployAbility and Future Choices

EmployAbility and Future Choices will be closed on Monday 19 September. The only exception to this will be where direct support is required for someone who needs it to maintain their employment.  

You can contact EmployAbility by calling 01483 806590. 

Short Breaks, Banstead

Short Breaks will remain open on Monday 19 September, colleagues will be given an additional day of annual leave to compensate.  

You can contact Short Breaks by calling 01483 806720. 

Shared Lives

Shared Lives will be closed for support. However, colleagues will be on call if there is an emergency.  

You can contact Shared Lives by calling 01483 806522. 

Corporate Support Teams

HR and Development, IT, Marketing and Communications and Finance will not be working on Monday 19 September, but emergency support will be available from our on-call team if needed.  

Recognising You: Surrey Choices Colleague Awards

The Recognising You: Surrey Choices Colleague Awards were due to be held on Monday 19 September 2022. This coincides with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral. As a mark of respect, we will be postponing the Colleagues Awards. We are working with Gorse Hill to find a new date to hold the awards.  

National Moment of Reflection Sunday 18 September

A National Moment of Reflection to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on her life and legacy will be held on Sunday 18 September at 8pm. This is the night before the State Funeral, and will be marked by a one-minute silence. More details are on the Government web page National Moment of Reflection (GOV.UK)

Books of Condolence

Our thoughts remain with The Royal Family. An online book of condolence has been opened on the Royal website where people can pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen: The Royal Family 

Letters to the King sending condolences should be sent to: FAO The King’s Private Secretary, Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA 

A Memorial Book will be open at Guildford Cathedral from 12 noon on Friday 9 September for any members of the community who would like to add their name in thanksgiving for the life of the Queen and the lasting contribution she has made to the life of our nation and the Commonwealth. An online Book of Condolence has also been set up. Book of Condolence Guildford Cathedral (guildford-cathedral.org) 

Local Area Information

To find out what is happening in your local area please visit the Surrey County Council website for more information. 

Health and Wellbeing

For some people, this may be a particularly difficult or intense time, or trigger emotions related to grief and bereavement. For information about wellbeing support in Surrey, visit the Healthy Surrey Mental Wellbeing web pages.