Are you a new dad? Is your partner expecting soon?
Then why not come and join Parents 1st at our Dads and Baby morning?
Bring your little ones along for a play (0-5 year olds welcome) and meet other dads or dads-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 bacon sandwich or croissant!
Where: Belmont Village Hall, Parker Road, Grays, Essex RM17 5YW
When: Saturday 11th October, 9:30-11:30am
Cost: Free
To book your free space, please visit the Parents 1st website:
Parenting a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN) can be an incredible journey — full of joy, discovery, and, at times, unique challenges. But you don’t have to face those challenges alone.
That’s why Kinder Essex is inviting parents to join their monthly meetups at Rhea’s Bespoke Bakes. These relaxed gatherings are designed to bring parents together in a friendly, supportive space where everyone can share experiences, swap ideas, and connect with others who understand what life with SEN is really like.
The meetups take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:30 AM — perfect timing after the school run. Whether you’re looking for advice, emotional support, or simply a hot drink and a chat, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.
“Parenting a child with SEN can sometimes feel isolating,” says organizer Kelly McKenzie. “Our goal is to create a safe, friendly space where parents can talk openly, support each other, and maybe even make new friends.”
Where: Rhea’s Bespoke Bakes – Canvey Island When: 9:30 AM
Looking for a cosy weekend activity? Join Screentime Free Film Club at Harlow Central Library every Saturday from 2 PM – 4 PM for a free film screening. No booking is needed, and refreshments are available at a small charge — perfect for a relaxed Saturday afternoon.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Sat, 20 Sep – Southern Comfort National Guardsmen face danger and paranoia deep in the Louisiana swamp. (1h 46m)
Sat, 27 Sep – Cop au Vin French mystery with Inspector Lavardin untangling small-town secrets. (1h 50m)
Sat, 4 Oct – She Wore a Yellow Ribbon John Wayne stars in this iconic cavalry Western. (1h 44m)
Sat, 11 Oct – Pirosmani A poetic biopic of Georgian painter Nikoloz Pirosmanishvili. (1h 25m)
Sat, 18 Oct – The Cat and the Canary Classic haunted-house mystery with humor and suspense. (1h 12m)
Sat, 25 Oct – Rec (Halloween Special) A chilling found-footage Spanish horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. (1h 14m)
📍 Location: Harlow Central Library, Upstairs Screening Room 🆓 Entry: Free (no booking required) ☕ Extras: Snacks & soft drinks available for a small charge
Come along, bring a friend, and enjoy great films in great company!
Looking to save money, eat well, and meet new people? Join us for Batch Cooking on a Budget – a fun and relaxed series of cooking sessions designed to help you make delicious meals without breaking the bank.
This six-session programme is perfect for everyone – no experience needed! Each session is packed with friendly vibes, hands-on learning, and plenty of practical tips.
Here’s what you can expect: ✅ All ingredients and equipment provided – just bring yourself! ✅ Free Hygiene Level 1 course & certificate – a great addition to your CV. ✅ Take home your own slow cooker and utensils at the end of the course!
When: Every other week, starting 10th September, 12:15 PM – 2:00 PM Where: The Hive URC, North Street, Southminster, CM0 7DF
Do you look after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without you?
Action for Family Carers, in partnership with Essex Carers Support, is commissioned by Essex County Council to deliver support for adult carers across West Essex (Epping, Harlow & Uttlesford districts) and Northeast Essex (Colchester & Tendring districts).
What We Offer
Our service is designed to help unpaid carers navigate the challenges of caring while looking after their own wellbeing. We provide:
✅ Information, advice and practical guidance to make caring easier
✅ Emotional support and someone to talk to
✅ Free counselling service
✅ Groups to connect with other carers
✅ Time 4 You grants to support your wellbeing
How to Access Support
You can get in touch with us in two ways:
📞 Call the Essex Wellbeing Service on 0303 303 9988 (Phone lines are open Mon–Fri 8:00am–7:00pm, Sat 9:00am–12:00pm)
Essex County Council has published its Proposal for Greater Essex, setting out a bold and evidence-based vision for the future of local government in our county.
This proposal represents the most significant change to local government in Essex in over 50 years. It outlines the creation of three new, all-purpose unitary councils, covering North, Mid, and South Essex – bringing decision-making closer to residents and ensuring services are joined-up and efficient.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said:
“Our proposal is about creating a better future for the people we serve. By bringing services under three new councils, we can deliver better outcomes, simplify governance, and make the most of every pound we spend. This is about unlocking the potential of Essex and ensuring our communities have the local government they deserve.”
The proposal will be considered at Essex County Council’s Cabinet and Full Council meetings on 18 September before being submitted to Government on 26 September. The Government will then decide which proposal(s) will go forward to public consultation later this autumn.
While there are alternative proposals from other councils, what unites all of Greater Essex is the shared ambition to create a local government system that works better for residents, businesses, and communities.
Transpire Training is excited to share the Mindful Impact Initiative– a program designed to make mental health training more affordable and accessible for front-line volunteers and charity staff who support individuals and communities.
Through this initiative, Transpire Training provides:
✅ 50% funding towards any of our Mental Health training for volunteers ✅ 30% funding towards any of our Mental Health training for charity staff ✅ FREE monthly Mental Health Awareness webinars offering simple, effective ways to support mental health, build knowledge, and help break stigma
The goal of the initiative is to empower those working on the front lines with the skills and confidence to support others experiencing mental health challenges.
Mindful Impact is a dedicated initiative by Transpire Training, aimed at empowering charitable organisations and volunteers through accessible and affordable Mental Health First Aid and Awareness training. This initiative recognises the invaluable contributions of charitable organisations and volunteers and seeks to support their missions by equipping them with essential Mental Health skills.
Mind in West Essex offers arange of training workshops help you to manage your mental health and provide support to others – at work, home or in the community.
Complex Mental Health and Personality Disorders
📆 3 October, 12.30pm-3.30pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Understand complex mental health conditions and self-harm, explore stigma and learn how you can support recovery. Info and tickets
Equity and Inclusion
📆 14 October, 10am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Build an understanding of the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the workplace and wider society. Info and tickets
Learn about brain development and how this impacts behaviour and life chances. This session is ideal for people who work in helping professions. Info and tickets
The Mental Health Toolkit: The Essentials
📆 11 November, 9.30am-1pm
📍 Wellbeing Hub, Bush Fair, Harlow
The foundation for workplace wellbeing, introducing you to the Mental Health Continuum and the Emotional Needs & Resources approach. Info and tickets
Suicide First Aid Lite
📆 26 November, 9.30am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Gain skills to have a conversation with someone who may be thinking about suicide and signpost them to appropriate help using a first-aid approach. Info and tickets
Qualified MHFAider® (4-day course, half-day sessions)
📆 1, 3, 8 and 10 December, 9am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Train as a Mental Health First Aider, certified for 3 years with access to ongoing benefits like resources, learning and 24/7 support. Info and tickets
You can find out more about all of our face-to-face and online workshops, as well as our self-help and e-learning courses, on the Training Academy website.
📢 Mind in West Essex are looking for corporate sponsors in Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest for our Mental Elf 2025 fun run / walk on December 7th 2025.
You’ll be helping to sleigh mental health stigma and raise vital funds for our work in West Essex.
🏅 Event, route, goodie bag and medal sponsorship packages are available. If you’d like to partner with us for this day of festive family fun for a great cause, get in touch today!
𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 – let’s stand together to raise awareness, break the stigma, and remind everyone that help is always available.
If you or someone you know is struggling, find local support services on The Essex Map
If your group or organisation provides support around suicide prevention or mental health, please add your details to the Essex Map — or email communications@essexalliance.org.uk so more people can find the help they need.
