The Essex Alliance is sharing this news on behalf of Community360.
Community360 are delighted to introduce our new suite of services, designed to better serve the needs and support the growth of charities, CICs, small businesses, and organisations in our communities.
Community Roots has been created to provide flexible, accessible and affordable financial support. With our values at the very core of our delivery – integrity, innovation, and collaboration – our aim is to offer practical, reliable help that reduces pressure, supports compliance, and lets you stay focused on delivering impact.
Our services include:
Payroll
Independent Examinations
Accounts Preparation
Bookkeeping
Personal Tax (Making Tax Digital)
You might be interested in one or all of the portfolio on offer, and we would welcome conversations about how we can make this work for your organisation. If you would like to find out more or arrange a conversation, please get in touch at crservices@community360.org.uk or visit our website at https://community360.org.uk/community-roots-memberships/
The Essex Alliance is sharing this news on behalf of Home-Start Essex.
Families with young children across the Epping Forest District are at risk of losing a vital, free support service unless urgent funding is secured. Home-Start Essex is calling on individuals, businesses and the wider community to rally behind its Family Support Group in Waltham Abbey, a weekly lifeline for families with children under give facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Without immediate financial support, this essential service which supports 20 vulnerable families each year faces closure.
“This group is more than just a weekly meeting; it’s a safe haven. For many parents, it’s the only place they feel heard, supported and connected.” – Nic O’Brien, CEO of Home-Start Essex.
The Family Support Group provides a welcoming, nurturing space for families dealing with issues such as:
Financial hardship and poverty
Isolation and loneliness
Poor mental health
Bereavement
Housing insecurity
Domestic abuse
One parent shared: “The family group was the first time I had properly talked to a group of adults since leaving the refuge nearly a year ago. It was good to listen to other people’s views, to open up about my anxiety and share tips”.
An urgent crowdfunding appeal launches on 14th May, with all donations matched pound-for-pound by the Aviva Foundation until 24th June 2026, doubling the impact for families in crisis. This means that:
A £30 donation becomes £60
A £250 donation becomes £500
Every pound donated up to £250 will be doubled, but only until Wednesday 24th June 2026.
All funds raised will directly sustain the group.
Help keep this essential service alive and ensure families in Epping Forest District continue to receive the support they desperately need. Donate online here:
A series of monthly Recovery from Addiction workshops are being delivered by experts in their fields. These are intended to educate and inform both service users, professionals, and anyone who has an interest in these topics. Sessions will include time for Q&As.
The topic for this month’s workshop is Chemsex – A Growing Epidemic and How to Stay Safe. This session focuses on chemsex, offering clear, non-judgemental information alongside space for open and respectful discussion.
Delivered by Amy Brown, Health Promotion Specialist at Essex Sexual Health Service, the workshop will cover:
What chemsex is and why it happens
Risks to physical and mental health
Harm reduction and support options
These sessions are open to anyone with an interest in recovery and wellbeing, including people in recovery, professionals and members of the wider community.
No prior knowledge needed. Just come along and take part in a supportive, welcoming space.
This is a drop-in session and part of the Rainbow Recovery workshop series. You’re welcome to attend one or join multiple sessions.
Chelmsford City Racecourse are delighted to offer two community events in May.
Walk & Talk – Thursday 14th May
Fancy a walk and a natter? Then join us for a Walk & Talk event on Thursday 14th May at 9:45am.
Enjoy a gentle walk (short and long routes available), then hang around afterwards for refreshments and an optional wellbeing talk.
No need to book, just come along!
Meet at our main car park off the northbound carriageway of the A131 (CM3 1QP).
Free parking and tea & coffee. Dogs are welcome.
For more information, please contact info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
Dementia ‘Time for a Cuppa’ Event – Wednesday 20th May
We are supporting local residents living with dementia. By the time we have boiled the kettle, another person will have developed dementia, with over 944,000 people in the UK affected.
We are inviting local residents who are living with dementia to join us for a cuppa and cake.
Join us in a safe space with Dementia UK on hand for support, a cuppa, cake, fun activities and a meet and greet with Manny, our ex-racehorse ambassador.
When? Wednesday 20th May
Where? Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, CM3 1PZ
What Time? 2:00pm-4:00pm
How Much? £5 per head, booking is essential
For more information, contact info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
Through the generosity of The Prudence Trust and The Stone Family Foundation, Renew is now offering freeParent Support Sessions.
These groups are for parents, carers and professionals supporting young people with issues around negative body image, disordered eating or low self-esteem. We aim to help build confidence and equip them to support their child through these challenges.
Our sessions will provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions and gain support and practical strategies from trained professionals.
You can attend these on an adhoc basis or more regularly to suit your needs. You do not need to have an existing relationship with Renew to access these sessions.
When?Every Wednesday
Where?Either in person at Chelmsford Counselling Centre or online
What time?In person at 10:00am until 11:30am, or Online at 6:00pm – 7:00pm
The Baytree Shopping Centre in Brentwood is set to host Brentwood’s first ever Coffee Morning, bringing the local community together for a meaningful cause.
Taking place on Friday 15th May and Saturday 16th May from 10am to 3pm, the two-day event will raise vital funds to support hospice care, helping to provide compassionate support for people living with illnesses that cannot be cured, as well as care and guidance for their families and loved ones.
Visitors are invited to enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the centre, with tea, coffee and a selection of delicious cakes available throughout the event. The Coffee Morning offers the perfect opportunity for friends, families and visitors to come together, support an important cause and take a moment to connect. Hospices play a vital role within communities, offering specialist care, comfort and dignity to those who need it most. Support from events like this helps ensure these essential services can continue, both now and for future generations.
Charlotte Winder from Saint Francis Hospice commented: “We’re delighted to be working with The Baytree Shopping Centre to host Brentwood’s first ever Coffee Morning. Community is at the heart of everything we do at Saint Francis Hospice, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to bring local people together while raising awareness and support for the care we provide across the community. We look forward to welcoming visitors for what promises to be a really special and meaningful day.”
Visitors are also encouraged to make the most of everything The Baytree has to offer, combining their visit with a day of shopping and exploring the centre’s mix of high street favourites.
Maria Kyriacou-Edwards from The Baytree Shopping Centre commented:“We’re incredibly proud to be hosting Brentwood’s first ever Coffee Morning. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and this event is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together while supporting such an important cause. We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the event alongside everything The Baytree has to offer.”
Every cup of coffee and every donation made during the event will contribute towards supporting hospice care, helping to make a real difference within the community.
The Essex Alliance is sharing this information on behalf of Essex County Council.
County, District, Borough and City council elections are taking place on Thursday 7th May 2026. To vote in person, by post or by proxy, you must be registered.
After you’ve registered, there are extra deadlines depending on how you want to vote, or if you need to apply for free voter ID. The deadline to apply is:
for a postal vote or a postal proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21st April
for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 28th April
if you need free voter ID is 5pm on Tuesday 28th April
Registering to vote helps make sure your voice is part of the decisions that affect local services, places and community life.
The Essex Alliance are sharing this event on behalf of Parents 1st.
Are you a new parent? Are you expecting soon? Then why not come and join Parents 1st at our Couples Coffee Connections morning?
Bring your little ones along for a play (0-5 year olds welcome) and meet other parents or parents-to-be from your area.
Our local Thurrock peer supporters will be on hand for a chat and to let you know how Parents 1st can help you on your parenting journey. We’ll even be providing hot drinks and a croissant!
Where? Tilbury Family Hub, Anchor Field, London Road, Tilbury, RM18 8EY
