This 3-hour session builds an understanding of the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the workplace and wider society.
Understand the difference between equality and equity
Explore intersectionality, privilege, unconscious bias and discrimination
Discuss microaggressions and how they can escalate without intervention
Consider how collective trauma, cultural trauma and racial trauma can impact wellbeing and good mental health
Reflect on how we can create a more inclusive workplace and society
Whether you’re a team leader, HR professional, educator, or simply someone committed to positive change, this training will help you foster fairness in your community or workplace.
This World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October), our friends at Renew Counselling, in partnership with Chelmsford City Council, will be creating a calm and welcoming space on Chelmsford High Street (outside Barclays) from 10am–4pm.
Everyone is invited to take a moment for their wellbeing and enjoy:
✨ Mindfulness and self-care activities, including mini massages from The Beauty Room ✨ Opportunities to chat about counselling and mental health support ✨ Fundraising to help keep counselling affordable and accessible for all
Every year, around 55,000 women and 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection, support, and access to the right services make a life-changing difference.
📍 If you or someone you know in Essex needs support — from local support groups to wellbeing services — visit Essex Map to find help near you.
Are you a charity, group, or organisation supporting people affected by breast cancer? ✨ Make sure your service is visible to those who need it most. ✉️ Email communications@essexalliance.org.uk to get listed.
Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and help communities across Essex stay connected.
We’re excited to launch the Your Essex Community Learning Series, brought to you by Active Essex in partnership with Essex communities and organisations. Through this series of free webinars and online seminars, we aim to support, equip and inspire community groups, voluntary organisations, local leaders and grassroots networks across Essex.
As part of the Your Essex Community place-based offer, these sessions are designed based on insights gathered directly from local communities. They focus on the issues, skills, and challenges that matter most — whether that’s funding, community engagement, impact evaluation, leadership, or inclusive communication.
Each session is hosted online, making it accessible across the county. You can join live, ask questions, engage with facilitators and peers — all with zero travel required.
Upcoming Sessions & What You’ll Learn
Here’s a rundown of the forthcoming Learning Series webinars (all free to attend):
Date / Time
Title
What You’ll Gain
23 October, 2-3pm
Securing Grant Funding Successfully
Tips, strategies, and real examples of how to write compelling proposals — from both small and large grant perspectives.
11 November, 10-11am
Utilising Marketing to Promote Your Offer
Practical marketing methods, language, campaign ideas, social media approaches — delivered by the Active Essex Marketing team.
11 November, 11am-12pm
Engaging Local Communities Effectively
Approaches to community leadership, resident-led initiatives, building belonging, and creating system change through local engagement.
3 December, 10.30-11.30am
Effective Leadership for VCS During Change
Navigating uncertainty in times of reform, funding shifts, and organisational pressures — resilience, courage and adaptive leadership.
21 January 2026, 12-1pm
Inclusive Language and Communication
Gain tools to foster equity, accessibility, and amplify community voice; explore the Social Model of Disability and inclusive communication.
5 February 2026, 4-5pm
How to Demonstrate Your Impact
Learn the fundamentals of impact measurement: planning, data collection, analysis, reporting — and making your case with confidence.
Whether you’re fairly new to running a community project or a seasoned lead, these sessions are built to add value — practical tools, peer learning, and insight to help your organisation grow stronger.
Why It Matters
In Essex, we see a wealth of voluntary organisations, resident groups, and community networks doing vital work. Yet many face shared challenges: limited funding, competing priorities, evolving local structures, and navigating change. The Learning Series is part of our commitment to help meet those challenges head on — not by prescribing solutions, but by building skills, sharing best practice, and growing collective capacity.
As we roll out more sessions, the Learning Series will evolve — shaped by your feedback and the emerging needs across the county.
Join Us
Sign up now to access the webinars and be part of a growing community of practice across Essex. You’ll be able to attend live and revisit recordings (where available).
The Abbeyfield Waltham Abbey Society is excited to invite the local community to two fantastic opportunities to connect, socialise, and network!
Free Weekly Coffee Mornings
Starting Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 at 10:30am, we will be hosting a free coffee morning every Wednesday at Abbeyfield Waltham Abbey House (EN9 3DJ).
This is a perfect chance to meet new people, enjoy a friendly chat over a warm drink, and become part of the welcoming Abbeyfield community. Everyone is welcome – whether you are a neighbour, a friend, or simply looking for some good company midweek.
Cheese & Wine Business Networking Evening
On Tuesday, 11th November 2025 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, join us for a special Cheese & Wine Business Networking Evening.
This free event is designed for local business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and grow their network in a relaxed and friendly setting. Cheese boards and wine will be provided.
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
