Renew Counselling offers fully funded and low-cost counselling to make mental health support accessible for children and young people in our community:
Fully funded counselling for children and young people in Basildon and Brentwood
Low-cost counselling for children and young people in Chelmsford
Fully funded specialist counselling for young people struggling with eating disorders or body image (thanks to The Prudence Trust and the Stone Family Foundation)
To find out more or make a referral, please contact Renew via info@renew.org.uk or call 01245 359 353.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Emergency Alerts is a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby. In an emergency, such as severe flooding, fires or extreme weather, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
On Sunday 7 September at 3pm, UK Government will be testing emergency alert system (EAS) for the second-ever nationwide test. The test causes a mobile phone or tablet to:
make a loud siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds, even if it’s set on silent,
It may also cause a device to vibrate or read out the alert.
A message will appear on your screens making it clear the alert is only a test.
If you are affected by domestic abuse and have a concealed mobile phone from your abuser, you may not wish the sound of the alert to draw attention to your phone. How you opt out depends on your device. Full instructions telling you how to opt out are available at [https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out]
Support for you
If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important to tell someone and remember you’re not alone.
If you do not feel safe or believe there is an immediate threat, call 999.
Men can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm), or visit the webchat at Men’s Advice Line (Wednesday 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm) for non-judgemental information and support.
LGBT+: if you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support
Forced marriage and honour crimes: anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes. You can also call 020 7008 0151 to speak to the GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
When: Second Monday of every month, 12:30pm – 2:30pm Where: CVST, Imperial House, 22 Rosemary Road, Clacton, CO15 1NZ Cost: £3 per person for refreshments Contact: 01255 425692
The Sight Friendship Group is a welcoming social gathering for blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as their relatives and carers.
Meeting once a month, the group offers a relaxed and friendly space to enjoy a cuppa, share stories, and make connections — and yes, sometimes there’s even cake!
This monthly meet-up is a wonderful opportunity to:
Build friendships and share experiences
Connect with others who understand the challenges of sight loss
Enjoy a warm and supportive community atmosphere
The group is supported by Kinder Essex, Grassroots, Essex Sight, and CVST – Bringing Unity to Our Community.
Everyone is welcome — so if you or someone you know would enjoy an afternoon of good company, conversation, and refreshments, come along!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Date: Friday, 29th August Time: 11:00 AM Meeting Point: Outside Chelmsford Library
Join us for a fun and engaging community walk through the heart of Chelmsford as part of the Buzz in the City initiative. This 10km walk will take you on a journey to discover the beautiful Farleigh Hospice Bee Sculptures scattered across the city.
Whether you’re a keen walker, a lover of the outdoors, or simply looking for a way to connect with others in the community, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore, chat, and enjoy Chelmsford’s vibrant atmosphere.
What You Need to Know
Distance: 10km
Theme: Finding the Farleigh Hospice Bee Sculptures
Weather: Please dress appropriately for the day’s conditions
Refreshments: Bring your own snacks and drinks
This event is brought to you with the support of Kinder Essex. Let’s get moving, connect with nature, and celebrate the buzz in our city!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Kinder Essex, in partnership with Danbury Parish Council, is delighted to bring Hug in a Shrug to Danbury Leisure Centre – a warm and welcoming space for craft, conversation, and community kindness.
Join Kelly in the Dawson Cafe Bar for a relaxing session of creativity and connection. Whether you knit, crochet, sew, or enjoy any other craft, you’re welcome to bring your own project or join in with community kindness activities that support local people.
Event Details:
Where: Danbury Leisure Centre, Dawson Field, Main Road, Danbury, CM3 4NQ (Free parking available)
When:
First Wednesday of every month: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Third Monday of every month: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
There’s no need to book – simply come along with your craft materials. Refreshments are available for purchase from the lounge bar café.
Why join Hug in a Shrug?
Meet friendly, like-minded people from the local area
Share your skills or learn new ones
Take part in kindness projects making a real difference in the community
Looking for a fun, friendly, and active way to start your Friday mornings? Join the Walk, Talk, and Coffee group in Hockley and Hawkwell!
Every Friday at 9:30 AM, members meet at 1st Hawkwell Scout Hall, White Hart Lane, SS5 4DF for a refreshing walk in and around the scenic Hockley area. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, keep active, and meet new people.
The walks are relaxed and social, with plenty of chances to chat along the way. Afterward, you can unwind over a comforting cup of tea or coffee – the perfect way to end the week and begin the weekend.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, connect with your community, or simply enjoy nature, this welcoming group is open to everyone.
Details:
When: Every Friday, 9:30 AM
Where: 1st Hawkwell Scout Hall, White Hart Lane, SS5 4DF
Contact: Corrina O’Donnell, Kinder Essex Rochford Coach
Looking for a friendly way to connect with others, enjoy nature, and get some gentle exercise?
Mind in West Essex invites you to join our Walk & Talk sessions held every Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the beautiful Waltham Abbey Gardens.
This weekly community event offers the perfect opportunity to take a gentle stroll among the stunning gardens while engaging in friendly conversation with others. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, enjoy fresh air, or simply take a mindful break from your week, Walk & Talk is here for you.
On Saturday, 13th September, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., CISCA House will open its doors for a special Services Open Day at Long Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JA (adjacent to Paddocks Primary Care Centre).
This free community event is designed to connect older residents and their families with a variety of local services offering advice, information, and support. Visitors can drop in at any time—no booking required—and speak directly with organisations that can help with everything from staying safe at home to recognising scams.
Representatives from several key services will be present, including:
Hearing Help Essex
Oath Healthcare
Kinder Essex
Carers Choices
Castle Point Active
Rocialle Healthcare (formerly Ward Mobility)
And more, including local community and financial advice services.
Whether you have an elderly family member, a friend in need, or simply want to learn about available resources, this is the perfect opportunity to get informed in a friendly, welcoming environment.
And don’t forget—the CISCA House café will be open during the event, so you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you browse and chat.
Everyone is welcome—come along and discover the support available in your community!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
The Robin Cancer Trust is calling on Essex to pull on their walking shoes (and maybe some pants over their clothes!) for a fantastic day out – all in the name of raising awareness for testicular and ovarian cancer.
On Sunday 21st September, walkers will set off from Clacton Pier and stroll the scenic 7-mile route along the promenade to Walton Pier. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly event where you can walk at your own pace, enjoy the sea views, and even bring your four-legged friends along.
For those feeling extra energetic, there’s an optional return route – making it a 14-mile challenge.
Why “Pants to Cancer”?
The Robin Cancer Trust’s cheeky twist on the walk encourages participants to wear pants over their clothes, shouting “Pants to Cancer!” along the way. It’s a light-hearted way to spark conversations about serious cancers that often go undiscussed.
Event details:
Date: Sunday 21st September 2025
Start: Clacton Pier
Finish: Walton Pier (or return walk back to Clacton)
Distance: 7 miles (14 miles optional return)
Entry: £10 per person
Includes: Finisher’s medal for all participants
Dogs: Welcome!
Funds raised will help the Robin Cancer Trust continue its life-saving awareness campaigns and community outreach.
A new Government consultation has been launched, inviting views on proposals to strengthen partnerships between emergency responders and voluntary, community, and faith-based organisations.
This consultation follows recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and considers whether there should be legislative changes to reinforce these vital partnerships. The goal is to ensure Category 1 emergency responders—such as Essex County Council—are better supported through effective collaboration with civil society during times of emergency.
The Government is actively seeking feedback from a wide range of organisations, including those involved in:
Community support and mutual aid
Faith and religious communities
Emergency planning and response
Social services and disability advocacy
Culture, education, youth programmes, and more
This is an important opportunity for organisations across Essex to shape future policy and ensure the essential role of the voluntary, community, and faith sectors is both recognised and strengthened.
We encourage members of the Essex Faith Covenant, voluntary and community sector (VCS) networks, and other relevant groups to review the consultation and consider responding.
