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Essex County Council Launches ‘Clear the Air’ Campaign

What is ‘Clear the Air’?

Clear the Air is an Essex County Council campaign supporting parents and carers to talk with children aged 10-12 about vaping. Before misinformation or social pressure becomes established.

Parents can explore information via an AI-powered chat tool or by scrolling animated key facts: Clear the air about vaping.

The campaign focuses on:

  • challenging common myths children hear about vaping
  • addressing how seeing vaping online or among other young people can make it seem normal, even though most children do not vape
  • supporting early, calm conversations at home
  • helping children feel confident, not confused

How can organisations support?

  • sharing campaign materials with parents via newsletters, apps or websites
  • displaying posters or digital assets
  • signposting parents to the Clear the Air website
  • encouraging parents and carers to have a conversation with their child about vaping

Partner resources can be downloaded here: Support the campaign

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

Mind in West Essex Recruiting CYP Mental Health Support Clinical Team Manager

The Essex Alliance is sharing this opportunity on behalf of Mind in West Essex.

Mind in West Essex have an exciting opportunity in their schools team! They’re looking for a CYP Mental Health Support Clinical Team Manager.

An appropriately registered practitioner, you’ll be part of the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) management team, responsible for supporting clinical governance and development of the MHST.
This includes providing case management supervision, clinical supervision and line management to Supervisors and EMHPs. You’ll be responsible for helping to shape and develop the service and for a small clinical caseload.

– Based in Mind in West Essex’s Harlow and Dunmow offices, with the ability to travel throughout Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford.

– Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

– £49,387 to £56,515 (dependant on experience) which is equivalent of NHS Agenda for change Band 7 + HCAS Fringe where applicable

– Closing date: 19th June 2026

Full details, including job description and person specification, here: Mind in West Essex Vacancies

Author: Niamh Gibson
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Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs

HMRC Announces Increase to Volunteer Mileage Rates

HMRC has announced a long-awaited increase to volunteer mileage rates – rising from 45p to 55p per mile. This change follows years of campaigning from voluntary sector organisations and will have important implications for volunteer expenses, budgeting and recruitment.

We’ve broken down what this means for charities, community groups and volunteer-involving opportunities – including what you may need to review next.

Read the full update here.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

CARA Recruiting Sessional Play Therapist and Advocacy Volunteer

The Essex Alliance is sharing these opportunities on behalf of CARA

Sessional Play Therapist

We are currently seeking a sessional Play Therapist to work with CARA, supporting clients age 4 and over who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

For a role description, please click here
For an application form, please click here 

Application deadline: 10am, Friday 19th June 2026.
Interviews: Week commencing 29th June 2026

Start date: As soon as possible, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.
This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

 

Advocacy Volunteer

CARA is looking for a Volunteer to support our Advocacy Co-ordinator in providing advocacy support to victims and survivors of any kind of sexual violence. You would have an allocated case load, and work would include support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues.

For a role description, please click here
For an application form, please click here
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview as they are received

Start date: As soon as possible, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.
This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs

Sport for Confidence Recruiting Community Occupational Therapist

Sport for Confidence are recruiting a Community Occupational Therapist.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference and impact to people’s lives locally in the community by providing practical support to empower individuals to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the meaningful activities that matter to them.

Full Job Description

  • Based in Witham, Essex
  • 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract
  • £32,100 – £40,800 FTE, depending on experience
  • Part Time – 3 days per week

If you are interested in applying for the role, please send your CV to careers@sportforconfidence.com.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs

Pregnancy in Mind – Parents 1st

The Essex Alliance is sharing this information on behalf of Parents 1st.

Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) is a free mental health support group for parents-to-be to find space for whatever they’re feeling. It is designed for parents experiencing or at risk of mild anxiety or depression, who are between 12 and 26 weeks pregnant.

Our PiM online groups are safe spaces where we support you with whatever emotions you’re feeling during pregnancy. PiM typically meets once a week for eight weeks. Sessions are for either parent. You can come on your own or bring a support person.

We’ll explore:
– Coping strategies
– How to understand your mental health
– Mindfulness and ways to boost your mood
– Relaxation
– Connecting with your baby

DATES
Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th June & 7th, 14th, 21st July (you will need to be able to attend all the sessions)
TIME
6:30-8:00pm
LOCATION
Online via Zoom
COST
FREE

For more information and to register your interest in joining a group, please visit the Parents 1st website: Pregnancy in Mind – Parents 1st

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities

Community Support Volunteer Training with Parents 1st – June/July

The Essex Alliance is sharing this opportunity on behalf of Parents 1st.

Could you volunteer to make a difference of a lifetime? Help us to support parents through pregnancy, birth & beyond….

Join us for our Community Support volunteer training courses this June and July!

Having a baby should be an exciting life changing event for any parent. However, this is not the case for all parents – at the moment, we are experiencing a huge demand for emotional support pre- and post-birth from mothers, fathers and birthing people.

Peer support can be a lifeline for parents who are feeling vulnerable, anxious or isolated. Some friendly, informal and free peer support can make the difference of a lifetime. We are looking for kind, friendly individuals who have a listening ear, who are non-judgemental and who have experience and an understanding of the pressure of having a baby.

To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for volunteers to help support new and expectant parents at our outreach events. We currently run regular outdoor walk and talk sessions, antenatal information sessions, coffee mornings, fitness and first aid courses and need volunteers to assist our friendly team at these events. Volunteers will help our peer supporters run the events – you might be welcoming parents, making tea, chatting and connecting with parents or holding a baby whilst mum has a drink!

DATES
Wednesdays 17th & 24th June and 8th & 15th July 2026
TIME
10:00am-1:00pm
LOCATION
Corringham Fire Station, 37 Fobbing Rd, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex SS17 9BG
COST
FREE

For more information and to sign up to the course, please visit the Parents 1st website:
https://parents1st.org.uk/activity/volunteer-training-south-essex-junejuly-2026

 

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Training

Crossroads Volunteer Opportunity – Day Centre Support Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunity – Day Centre Support Volunteer

Days: Wednesday and Friday
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Crossroads Day Centre, Braintree

We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers to join our Day Centre team, supporting adults living with Dementia, Parkinson’s, cognitive delay, and age‑related memory challenges. Our Day Centre provides a safe, welcoming space where people can enjoy activities, social interaction, and a sense of community.

What the role involves
As a Volunteer, you will help create a warm, enjoyable environment by supporting with light, meaningful activities such as:
• Crafts and creative sessions
• Bingo, quizzes and games
• Music, entertainment and group activities
• Chatting with service users and offering companionship
• Making and serving tea, coffee and refreshments
• Fetching and serving lunch prepared by our volunteer cook
• Helping staff set up and tidy away activity materials

What you won’t be asked to do
• No toileting or personal care
• No lifting or physical handling
• No lone working — you will always be alongside 3–4 paid staff and other volunteers

Who we’re looking for
• Friendly, patient and compassionate
• Comfortable chatting with older adults
• Reliable and able to commit to regular sessions
• Happy to follow staff guidance and safeguarding procedures
• Enjoys being part of a supportive team

What you’ll gain
• A rewarding role supporting local families and unpaid carers
• Experience working with people with dementia and similar conditions
• Training, support and a warm welcome from our team
• The chance to make a real difference to someone’s day

For more information or to apply, call 01376 529985 or email crossroads1974@outlook.com

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities

Mind in West Essex Looking for Befriending Support Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunity!

 Mind in West Essex are looking for a Befriending Support Volunteer for 2 – 4 hours a week (flexible).

Their free befriending service helps reduce loneliness and isolation by creating meaningful connections that support emotional wellbeing.

As a Befriending Support Volunteer, you will play an important role in helping people access the right support at the right time.

This includes…
  • Making initial phone calls to people waiting to access the service, having supportive wellbeing conversations to understand their needs.
  • Checking in regularly with our volunteer befrienders, offering encouragement and identifying any support they may need.

…and more.


If you are empathetic, reliable, and committed to reducing loneliness and promoting positive mental wellbeing in our community, get in touch!

👉 Email volunteering@mindinwestessex.org.uk for more information and a full role description.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities

Just Launched – Community Roots Accounting Services

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/

 

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News