We are thrilled to announce that the Jack Petchey Foundation is now accepting new applications from youth organisations to host an intern on our next internship programme. We will part-fund up to 20 internships for one year in youth organisations across London and Essex.
The Jack Petchey Internship Programme is designed to give young people a flying start in the youth sector and to help youth organisations increase the support they provide for young people in London and Essex. This will be the eighth cohort of our successful internship programme, which has so far supported over 170 young people into essential jobs in the youth sector.
You are eligible to apply for a grant to help fund a paid intern at your organisation starting in March 2026, if you:
🌟 are a youth charity or CIO working with young people in London or Essex
🌟 are currently running the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme
🌟 have an income between £150k and £5m
📅 Application deadline: 9am, Monday 8 September 2025.
🚨 Before starting your application, please read the application guidance notes very carefully, which includes details on eligibility criteria, what kind of roles we are looking to fund and what else is involved in hosting a Jack Petchey intern.
Insights from the VVU/ECVYS Listening Report and Community Grant Opportunity
Nearly 2,500 young people across Essex have had their say on how safe they feel in their communities, thanks to the Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) and Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services (ECVYS) Listening Report 2024/25.
This important piece of youth consultation provides not only a county-wide perspective but also breaks down feedback by individual districts. From parks and public transport to school life and social spaces, the report gives a powerful insight into the real concerns, challenges, and hopes that young people are voicing.
📄 The full report is available to read or download on the ECVYS website: 👉 ECVYS Youth Voices
VVU Community Grant 2026/27 – Now Open
Applications close: 10th September 2025
Local voluntary and community organisations are invited to apply for the VVU Community Grant 2026/27, under the theme #ConnectBelongStaySafe.
Organisations based in and delivering work with young people in Essex, Southend or Thurrock can apply for up to £22,000 to run projects between 1st April 2026 and 31st March 2027.
This year’s funding priorities are shaped directly by the findings in the VVU/ECVYS Youth Listening Report, reflecting what young people themselves have said is most important to them — with a focus on safety, connection, and belonging in their local areas.
📌 Key Details:
For not-for-profit, voluntary or community organisations
Must have a registered office and deliver work within Essex, Southend, or Thurrock
Projects must be youth-focused and align with district-level needs highlighted in the report
We’re excited to introduce a powerful new digital tool for the voluntary and community sector in Essex: the E-Portal and its companion AI Chatbot. These resources are designed to streamline support, provide easier access to vital information, and empower local organisations with user-friendly self-assessment tools.
To help you get the most out of these tools, we’re hosting a series of free webinars. These interactive sessions will guide you through the key features of the E-Portal and demonstrate how the AI Chatbot can assist with queries and navigation. You’ll also get a preview of future developments and the opportunity to share your feedback.
Let’s Talk Mental Health is about coming together to connect, support and inspire; and drawing on our own experiences to engage, empower and educate.
It’s a safe space where you can share your mental health journey, express yourself creatively through art or poetry, participate in a podcast and find meaningful opportunities to make change.
Help shift the narrative around mental health in Essex and beyond by having positive conversations, telling real stories and challenging stigmas.
As the Labour Government begins to implement its local government reorganisation and devolution agendas, significant changes are on the horizon. But what do these reforms mean for voluntary and community groups, and social enterprises across Essex?
Join the Conversation
The Social Spark Seminar offers an opportunity for VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations across mid and south Essex to explore the implications of these political and structural shifts. With insights from key decision-makers and policy thinkers, the event will provide a platform for meaningful discussion, strategic reflection, and proactive planning.
Why Attend?
Understand how the evolving landscape of local government could impact your organisation and the communities you serve.
Explore ways to prepare for change and influence the outcomes in your area.
Connect with peers, leaders, and changemakers across the region.
This is your chance to pause before the summer holidays, reflect on what’s ahead, and network over drinks in a collaborative setting.
This summer, join Rhiannon Faith Company & Harlow Playhouse for a weekend of FREE, family-friendly fun celebrating care, kindness & community in the heart of Harlow. 💛
Renew Counselling is offering a limited number of bursary-funded counselling places for people who are finding life difficult but may struggle to afford support.
Sessions are available at our centres in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood.
To find out more please contact Renew via info@renew.org.uk or calling 01245 359 353, mentioning our bursary when you get in touch.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Major changes are planned to councils across Greater Essex as part of the largest reorganisation of local government in over 50 years.
The Government is requiring 21 areas of England to restructure and this includes Chelmsford. In Essex, there are nearly 1.9m people, currently served by 15 councils. These must reorganise to form a smaller number of new unitary authorities.
Public consultation launched
Right now, Essex councils are developing various different proposals about how all this could work. A public consultation to give people a chance to have their say has just been launched by one proposal to guide their vision for new unitary councils across Greater Essex.
The ‘5’ Council Proposal
A group of councils, including Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Southend and Uttlesford is developing a proposal for 5 future unitary authorities in Greater Essex, each centred around a major town or city. For residents of Chelmsford, this would mean a new unitary authority covering its existing city council area, combined with Brentwood and Maldon.
Your feedback matters
This isn’t the only proposal. Some councils are working on other recommendations for fewer than 5 councils, most of which would serve bigger areas across Essex.
Chelmsford City Council is backing the 5 council option and your feedback is needed to shape this proposal before it’s sent to the Government in late September.
Have your say
Businesses can have their say until 20 July 2025 by visiting a consultation page hosted by Southend-on-Sea City Council on behalf of the group of councils developing the ‘5 council’ proposal.
Alternative formats are also available on request. You can ask for a paper version of the survey by calling 01702 215408 or by emailing consultations@southend.gov.uk.
If you’re a qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), staying up to date with the latest knowledge and best practices is crucial. To maintain your active membership with the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, you are required to complete a refresher course every three years. This ensures you continue receiving essential support, development, and the confidence needed to perform your role effectively.
Upcoming Refresher Training Details
We’re excited to offer an upcoming Mental Health First Aid Refresher Training Course designed to update your skills and reinforce your confidence in supporting mental health in the workplace or community.
🗓️ Date: Wednesday 23rd July 🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Half-Day Course) 💻 Format: Online 💷 Cost: £125 per person 🎁 What’s Included: A new workbook, lanyard, and crisis card
Why Take This Course?
The MHFA Refresher course is essential for:
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Renewing your MHFA England membership
Building confidence in applying mental health first aid techniques
Continuing your journey in mental health advocacy and support
Who Should Attend?
This course is for anyone who has previously qualified as a Mental Health First Aider through MHFA England. Whether you’re in a corporate, educational, healthcare, or voluntary setting, this training will support your continued commitment to mental health awareness and intervention.
Healthwatch Essex has published its Annual Report for 2024–2025, showcasing a remarkable year of impact, innovation, and influence across the health and care system in Essex. Despite a challenging landscape marked by system-wide pressures and financial cuts, the organisation has continued to shine a light on the real experiences of people across the county and use those voices to drive change.
From the powerful and moving “Expressions of Trauma” art exhibition to the ever-growing success of the Fella’s Forums and comedy-led wellbeing events, Healthwatch Essex has continued to explore new ways of engaging communities and breaking down stigma around mental health, trauma, and social isolation. Over 1,400 people accessed support through their Information and Guidance service, and nearly 260 volunteers and ambassadors worked alongside the team to ensure lived experience remained at the heart of decision-making.
The report also highlights vital research into the needs of unpaid carers, women with multiple long-term conditions, and people affected by mould, homelessness, and the care system. Healthwatch Essex’s work with the Integrated Care Boards, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners is helping to improve access to services, tackle inequalities, and shape more inclusive support.
CEO Sam Glover reflected on the impact of projects such as the Carers Voices programme and the Trauma Ambassador network, noting the growing influence of peer-led insight and co-production. The organisation was also recognised this year as a Silver Veterans Accredited Employer and a Fostering Friendly Employer.
Read the full Annual Report to learn more about how people across Essex are helping to shape health and care services with their voices and experiences.
