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
You don’t have to do it alone ❤️ Discover local stop-smoking support groups, wellbeing services and community help near you with Essex Map.
Your healthier future could start today. 🔎 Find support near you: www.essexmap.co.uk
Helping people live healthier lives in Essex? Join Essex Map – it’s free to list your group or service and reach those who need your support. email: communications@essexalliance.org.uk
Looking for a cosy weekend activity? Harlow Library are hosting Screentime Free Film Club every Saturday from 2pm – 4pm in the ACL Classrooms.
No need to book, and refreshments available at a small charge. Perfect for a relaxed Saturday afternoon.
Films showing include:
Saturday 28th February – Compañeros (1970)
Spaghetti Western with great Morricone soundtrack. Two men form an uneasy alliance rescue a pacifist professor and seize a fortune during the Mexican Revolution. English, 2hrs long.
Saturday 7th March – Belle de Jour (1967)
A wealthy yet emotionally repressed young housewife spends her afternoons secretly working in a high-class brothel. Gorgeous surreal film with costumes by Yves Saint Laurent. French with English subtitles, 1hr 40 mins long.
Saturday 14th March – Deep Red (1975)
An English pianist in Rome gets embroiled in a dangerous investigation after witnessing the brutal murder of a psychic, teaming up with a journalist to track down the serial killer. Italian with English subtitles, 2hrs long.
Saturday 21st March – The Smoking Fish (1977)
A cunning madam maintains control over her Caracas bordello, even as she manages, rotates and manipulates lovers and henchmen who vie for power with her operation. Spanish with English subtitles, 2hrs long.
Saturday 28th March – The Flesh and the Fiends (1960)
In 19th-century Edinburgh, an anatomist purchases fresh corpses from the notorious grave-robbing duo Burke and Hare. English, 1hr 40 mins long.
Saturday 4th April – The Yellow Teddy Bears (1963)
British social drama, with scenes filmed in Harlow swimming pool and good 60s style music. A group of schoolgirls wear a badge to show off their experience with men; Linda, their leader, fears she may be pregnant. English, 1hr 30 mins long.
Saturday 11th April – The Vagabond, Part 1 (1951)
Bollywood musical with ‘heaven and hell’ showstopper. A slum-dwelling thief falls for a privileged lawyer but unbeknownst to him, the judge presiding over his case is his estranged father. Hindi with English subtitles, 2hr 50 – this film will be shown in parts across two weeks.
Saturday 18th April – The Vagabond, Part 2
📍 Location: Harlow Central Library 🆓 Entry: Free (no booking required) ☕ Extras: Snacks & soft drinks available for a small charge
For the full programme, including film descriptions, see here: Film Programme
We’re pleased to announce that the Essex Alliance newsletter is back!
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we worked to resolve the recent issue that temporarily interrupted our regular updates. We know how important the newsletter is for keeping our community informed, connected, and up to date with the latest news, events, and opportunities across Essex.
Our team has now fully resolved the issue, and we’re excited to resume sharing valuable updates with you.
We truly appreciate your continued support and patience while we worked behind the scenes to get everything back on track.
If you have any questions or would like to contribute to a future newsletter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via communications@essexalliance.org.uk
Renew Counselling and Training is hosting a CPD workshop on Eating Disorders & Body Image on Saturday 14 March (10am–4.30pm, Chelmsford).
Led by CEO and therapist Nikki Schuster (former associate trainer for Beat), this practical session supports counsellors to work confidently with clients experiencing eating disorders, body image concerns and body dysmorphia.
6.5 CPD hours | £40 external attendees
Suitable for adult & CYP counsellors and trainees on placement.
Every booking supports Renew’s charitable work providing affordable counselling locally.
Book your place now by emailing justinecolley@renew.org.uk – spaces are limited, so please book promptly to avoid disappointment.
