Article

Maldon CVS Hosting ‘Making AI Work for You’ Webinar

Maldon CVS are hosting a ‘Making AI Work for You: From the Basics to Funding Bids’ webinar.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday charity work, but how can you use it safely, effectively and responsibly?

This practical 2 hour webinar will introduce AI tools, explain the risks and safeguards charities need to consider, and demonstrate how AI can support you to write compelling funding applications. This includes research, evidence gathering, bid planning and application writing. You’ll learn where AI can save time, where human judgement remains essential, and how to use AI to strengthen funding applications without compromising quality, accuracy or confidentiality.

When? Monday 23rd November

What Time? 10am-12pm

Cost? £20 per person

Booking is required. You can book HERE.

For further information, contact sarah@maldoncvs.org.uk or call 01621 732251

 

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

Join the Parents 1st UK team as a Young Parents 1st UK Peer Supporter

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

Location: Home-based, with regular visits to parents, outreach activities and groups in and around North Essex (Tendring and Colchester)
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Salary: £13.85 per hour
Contract: Fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the potential for extension or expansion for up to three years, subject to funding

We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated Peer Supporter to support young expectant and new parents through pregnancy, birth and the first two years of parenthood.

If you have lived experience of being a young parent yourself (under 25), passionate about supporting others, and able to build warm, trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries, we’d love to hear from you!

We are seeking:

  • Someone with current or previous lived experience of  being a young parent, having been aged 25 or under at the time
  • A warm, non-judgemental and empowering communicator with excellent listening and relationship-building skills
  • Someone who understands the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries
  • A well-organised and confident individual
  • Someone committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring young parents’ voices shape the development of Young Parents 1st UK
How to Apply
For more information about the role, please visit the Parents 1st website to view the job description and to download our application form: Job vacancy: Young Parents 1st UK Peer Supporter – Parents 1st
Application deadline: Wednesday 28th October 2026
Interview dates: Monday 9th November 2026

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

Introducing Celebrating Essex Stars

Shining a light on the people and organisations making a difference across Essex.

The Essex VCSE Alliance is delighted to introduce Celebrating Essex Stars — a new weekly feature celebrating the incredible people, organisations, teams and projects that make a real difference to communities across Essex.

From dedicated volunteers and passionate individuals to inspiring charities, community groups and social enterprises, there are so many people working hard to support others, strengthen communities and make Essex a better place to live.

We believe these contributions deserve to be recognised and celebrated!

Each week, we’ll share the story of an Essex Star, highlighting the people and organisations making a positive impact and inspiring others through their work.

So, who can be an Essex Star?

We want to hear from you! Is there an individual you know who goes above and beyond? An organisation making a real difference? A community group bringing people together or a project creating positive change?

We’d love to hear their stories and help give them the recognition they deserve.

Keep an eye on our social media channels as we celebrate the brilliant people and organisations at the heart of Essex’s VCSE sector.

Nominate your Essex Star here

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

Hearing Help Essex Hiring an Outreach Worker

Hearing Help Essex are hiring an Outreach Worker to support people affected by hearing loss in Essex. This is a rewarding role that combines community engagement, service delivery, and partnership work.

Hours: 15 per week

Location: Home based with travel across Mid Essex

If you are passionate about supporting people, enjoy working within local communities, and are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a tangible difference, they would love to hear from you.

To find out more and apply, please click HERE

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

ECL Hiring Learning Disabilities Support Worker in Saffron Walden

ECL are looking to hire a Learning Disabilities Support Worker to join their team at Saffron Walden Day Centre.

The role involves supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to build confidence, develop life skills and achieve greater independence.

  • Based at Saffron Walden Day Centre
  • £12.91 per hour
  • 28 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
    Permanent, Part-Time
If you’re caring, compassionate and passionate about helping others thrive, they would love to hear from you.
Please note, a full driving licence and own car is essential.

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

Harlow Stroke Support – Rehab Centre are Recruiting Trustees

Harlow Stroke Support – Rehab Centre are recruiting trustees.

About the Charity

Harlow Stroke Support – Rehab Centre is the only dedicated long-term support and rehabilitation provider for stroke survivors across Harlow and the Wider Essex and East Hertfordshire area. Core services include:

  • Speech, language and communication sessions
  • Emotional rehabilitation and mental health support groups
  • Seated exercise classes
  • An under-60s group
  • A family carers group
  • A community minibus service

These services collectively support 517 members – stroke survivors and their unpaid carers – who would otherwise have no long-term rehabilitative provision following NHS discharge. Our work directly addresses isolation, loss of communication, reduced mobility, anxiety and loss of independence. In a town with Harlow’s significant socio-economic challenges, including income levels among the lowest in Essex, life expectancy below the national average, and the highest prevalence of common mental health disorders in the county – this support is critical.

Trustee Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate would have a knowledge of charity finance, business plans and ideally the use of the software package ‘Quickbooks’.

If the person has lived experience of stroke or impairments, that would be great but is not mandatory.

Trustee meetings are held monthly in Harlow.

To apply, please contact Mark Cadman (Lead Trustee) on mcadman@ntlworld.com

Please note there would be a telephone introduction initially and then an in-person interview. Successful applicants would need an enhanced DBS check.

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

Could You Be Age Well East’s Next Chief Executive Officer?

Age Well East are looking for an inspiring leader with the vision, passion, and commitment to help transform later life across Essex and Suffolk.

At Age Well East, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated organisation, influence positive change, and make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of older people.

Join us as we embark on our next exciting chapter and help shape the future of ageing well.

Further information can be found here:  recruitment pack

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

Free Mental Health Training for VCSEs this Week!

Don’t miss out! Mind in West Essex is delivering The Mental Health Toolkit: The Essentials training for FREE for Essex VCSEs this week (usually £95pp!)
The workshop at Mind Sanctuary in Harlow on Friday, October 9, 10am-2pm, is fully funded by Essex County Council and spaces are still available.

The Mental Health Toolkit: The Essentials is the foundation for workplace wellbeing, introducing you to Mental Health Continuum and the Emotional Needs & Resources approach.

The practical half-day workshop helps you to better understand emotional needs and how to meet them, enabling you to take care of yourself and the people around you.
If you work or volunteer for any VCSE organisation in Essex sign up now: https://mentalhealthtraining.org.uk/event/tmht-vcse-091026/

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

Train as a Mental Health First Aider with Mind in West Essex

Help create mentally healthy workplaces where people, communities, and business thrive by training as a Mental Health First Aider!

The two-day Qualified MHFAider® course is for anyone who’d like to…

✅ Gain the knowledge and skills to spot the signs of someone experiencing poor mental health

✅ Be confident to start a conversation with someone and signpost them to appropriate support.

You’ll receive MHFAider® certification for 3 years. You can also gain access to ongoing learning, exclusive resources and expert support by joining the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®.

Want to be part of a national movement for better mental health? Sign up for our Mental Health First Aider training with Mind in West Essex!

👉  The next course will take place at Uttlesford Community Hub in Great Dunmow on October 21-22. Find out more and book your place here: https://mentalhealthtraining.org.uk/event/qualified-mhfaider23-240926/

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

Eligible Essex Residents Urged to Seek Support with Heating Oil Costs This Winter

Eligible residents who use heating oil may be able to access support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund this winter.

Essex residents who rely on heating oil to heat their homes are being encouraged to seek support early if they are worried about meeting costs this winter.

With heating oil prices remaining significantly higher than in previous years, many households across rural Essex may face additional financial pressure as temperatures begin to drop.

Latest figures suggest around 94,000 homes across Essex are not connected to the mains gas network. The highest concentrations are in Braintree (29%), North West Essex (26%) and Witham (26%). This means many residents rely on alternative fuels such as heating oil to keep their homes warm.

Residents who use heating oil as their main source of heating and are struggling with rising costs may be eligible for support through Essex’s Crisis and Resilience Fund. The fund is designed to help low-income households experiencing financial hardship or unexpected financial hardship.

Support may be available towards the cost of heating oil following an assessment of a household’s financial circumstances. Residents are encouraged to contact the service well in advance of their usual purchase date to help ensure fuel can be ordered and delivered when needed.

The reminder comes ahead of further energy cost increases, with the energy price cap set to rise from 1 October.

Councillor Chris Hossack, Cabinet Member for Resident and Community Services, said: “We know that many households across our rural communities rely on heating oil and may be concerned about rising costs as we approach the winter months.

“Nobody should have to choose between heating their home and paying for other essential items. We would encourage anyone who is struggling financially to seek support as early as possible.

“The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to help residents through difficult periods and ensure they can access the support they need.”

The Crisis and Resilience Fund can support residents facing difficulty paying for essential household costs, including food, energy, water, housing costs and heating oil.

Residents can find out more about the support available and check their eligibility by visiting https://www.southend.gov.uk/extra-financial-help/crisis-resilience-fund/4

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News