Bellringers across Essex will open the doors to historic local bell towers as part of the Heritage Open Days 2026. Visitors will have the opportunity to inside a ringing room, meet the bellringers and discover how change ringing works.
Check out the participating towers by contacting news@eacr.org.uk
Stagetext, a deaf-led charity based in Colchester, has some free deaf awareness training for people working or volunteering in Essex in arts, culture, museums or heritage venues.
When: Tuesday 22nd September
Where: Chelmsford City Museum, Wells Suite in Essex
Time: There are two available sessions, in the morning or afternoon: 10.00am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 4.00pm.
How to book: Click on the link below to find out more.
https://www.stagetext.org/free-deaf-awareness-training-in-essex/
Ace Music Therapy have announced the next 2 blocks of free Wiggles and Jiggles groups for babies and their mums in Chelmsford this autumn.
This fun and friendly group combines music, movement, and baby massage to support babies’ early development while giving parents a chance to connect, chat, and enjoy time with their little ones.
Designed and delivered by a qualified Music Therapist and Paediatric Physiotherapist, the sessions combine live music, baby massage & movement to support childhood development, enhance parent-child bonds, and improve maternal mental health.
This evidence-based program uses music as a clinical tool to promote communication, emotional regulation, creativity, and self-confidence. These benefits are especially impactful for mothers experiencing postnatal depression (PND) or isolation, as research demonstrates that structured baby classes improve maternal mood, enhance early interactions, and foster secure attachments. Babies gain from the developmental benefits of live music and tactile activities.
The sessions will be led by Amelia – our CEO & HCPC Registered Music Therapist and Natalie – Paediatric Physiotherapist from Happy Little Feet. The sessions are gentle, engaging, and accessible for babies of all abilities, including those with special needs, from 12 weeks to pre-crawling.
The group will run for 6 weeks, with resources given to parents for practising some of the skills learnt in the group at home. The group can accommodate up to 8 babies and their mums (one parent should attend the entire block where possible.)
Please note – our aim with this group is to reach the people who need it most – Please do not share the group details on social media at this time, we are trying to reach social prescribers, family support teams and those who work with vulnerable parents, who can signpost the mothers they support to our group.
Group Timings:
We are sharing this information on behalf of Fareport.
We are delighted that Essex County Council have agreed funding for our short training course, focused on Digital Skills for the Community and Voluntary Sector.
The course is designed specifically for charities, community groups and VCSE organisations in Essex, and covers practical digital skills in cyber security and GDPR, digital marketing and storytelling, online income generation, data and impact reporting, and using automation and AI responsibly within mission‑led organisations.
The course will start on the 6th of October, and runs 1 day a week, live online with our expert trainers.
If someone in your team or your network would benefit from the training, you can find all the details on our website:
Parents 1st UK are looking for an exceptional individual to lead our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity as we continue to grow, strengthen our impact and support more parents and families.
If you share our values and can bring strategic insight, sound judgement and a commitment to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Application deadline: Friday 25th September 2026
Find out more by visiting our website: https://parents1st.org.uk/acti…/vacancy-chair-of-the-board
The Robin Cancer Trust and InColchester BID are inviting local businesses to join them at an upcoming September event, featuring a relaxed afternoon of mini-golf, food, drinks and networking in support of life-saving cancer awareness.
Taking place on 10th September 2026 from 4pm to 8pm at Putt in the Park in Colchester, the Putt & Connect event will bring together local businesses for an informal social, designed to help teams connect, build relationships and support an important cause.
Open to any business or organisation, the event offers an alternative approach to traditional networking, with no presentations, formal introductions or golf experience required. Attendees can enjoy a round of mini-golf, refreshments and the opportunity to meet other local business owners, teams and potential partners in a relaxed setting.
The event has been created by The Robin Cancer Trust and InColchester BID to
highlight the important role businesses can play in supporting their local communities, while raising awareness of testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers and the charity’s work to educate and save lives.
The Putt & Connect event is open to individuals and teams of four, making it suitable for businesses looking for a summer team social, as well as those wanting to expand their local network.
Attendees will receive:
● A round of mini-golf at Putt in the Park
● A burger and drink included in the ticket price
● The chance to meet and connect with fellow local businesses
● An opportunity to support cancer awareness in the community
Tickets cost £25 per person and businesses can register as a team of four or attend individually.
Toby Freeman, founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust said: “We’re delighted to bring local businesses together for Putt & Connect. It’s a great opportunity for people to meet others in the local business community while helping us continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early action.”
Vincent Geaves, BID Manager, InColchester BID said: “Putt & Connect is exactly the kind of event we love to support at InColchester BID. It brings people together, showcases a fantastic city centre venue, and creates valuable opportunities for local businesses to network in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. We’re particularly proud to be partnering with The Robin Cancer Trust, helping to raise awareness of their important work while encouraging connections across Colchester’s business community.”
The event takes place at Putt in the Park, Ryegate St Peters Street, Lower Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1HL, on Thursday 10th September 2026, 4pm–8pm.
Businesses can register their place or ask questions by contacting tracy@therobincancertrust.org or visiting: https://www.therobincancertrust.org/event-details/putt-and-connect-2026
Today, more than 24,000 people in Essex are living with dementia, and its impact reaches far beyond those diagnosed, affecting families, carers, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and professionals. With numbers expected to rise significantly by 2030, it is more important than ever that we work together to ensure our services, communities, and support are ready for the future.
2026 marks an important milestone as Greater Essex, (ECC, Southend and Thurrock) refreshes its Dementia Strategy. The strategy sets out our shared vision to help people live well with dementia through priorities such as prevention, timely diagnosis, information and advice, support for carers, dementia-inclusive communities, and high-quality care. As part of the refresh, we are reviewing what is working well, where there are gaps, and what improvements are needed.
Share your views:
Dementia priorities in Southend, Essex & Thurrock (SET) – Fill in the form
We want this strategy to be shaped by the people it affects most. Every voice matters, and we are particularly keen to hear from people across Essex’s diverse communities so the refreshed strategy reflects a wide range of experiences, needs, and aspirations.
Your feedback will help us build a strategy that supports people living with dementia, their families, and carers, and helps make Essex an even better place to live.
Our current strategy can be found here: Essex dementia strategy | Essex County Council
Thank you for taking the time to share your views and help shape the future of dementia support in Essex.
Find out more and book your placce here: https://mentalhealthtraining.
