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.
📍 Location: Maldon Golf Club 📅 Date: Friday 5th September 2025 ⏰ Tee-Off Time: 10:00 AM (Check-in from 8:30 AM) 💷 Entry Fee: £75 per person
Get ready for an incredible day of golf, connection, and community impact! Heads2Minds and Ending Life’s Taboo are teaming up to host a Charity Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the beautiful Maldon Golf Club – and you’re invited.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just enjoy the game, this is your chance to enjoy a fun-filled day while supporting vital mental health and suicide prevention causes.
🏌️♀️ What’s Included:
☕ Tea, coffee & bacon rolls on arrival
🍽️ Delicious two-course lunch
🎁 Exciting prize raffle
⛳ Competitions like “Nearest to the Pin” and “Beat the Pro”
🎟️ How to Join:
Registration fee: £75 per person
Check-in begins from 8:30 AM
Tee-off at 10:00 AM
This is more than just a game of golf – it’s a chance to connect, raise awareness, and make a real difference. All proceeds go toward supporting mental health initiatives and breaking the stigma around suicide.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a day on the green while giving back. Rally your team, grab your clubs, and help us create positive change – one swing at a time.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
The Carers Voices team continues to expand its reach across Essex, listening to unpaid carers and offering a vital platform for their experiences to be heard and valued. From supporting carers with employment struggles to offering training and social opportunities, we’re building a stronger, more connected network for carers across the county.
Upcoming Carers Voices Events
Come and meet us in person at one of our summer engagement events:
Healthier Habits Hub 📅 Thursday, 3rd July | 🕘 9am–4pm 📍 The Lounge, Esplanade Hall, Harwich CO12 3ES
Basildon Hospital Atrium 📅 Monday, 7th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Broomfield Hospital Atrium 📅 Monday, 14th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Colchester Carnival 📅 Saturday, 19th July | 🕘 9am–5pm
Billericay Town FC Fella’s Fair 📅 Saturday, 19th July | 🕚 11am–5:30pm 📍 New Lodge, CM12 9SA | Free entry before 1pm
Colchester Hospital Atrium 📅 Thursday, 24th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Warley Family Fun Day 📅 Friday, 1st July | 🕘 9am–5pm 📍 Warley Playing Fields, CM13 3AZ
Harlow Care Weekender 📅 Sunday, 3rd August | 🕛 12pm–5pm 📍 Playhouse Square, Harlow
Share Your Experience: Carers and Employment
Balancing work and caring responsibilities is one of the biggest challenges faced by unpaid carers. Many experience real barriers in the workplace.
We’re currently running a live survey to gather insights. 👉 Take the survey here
Your feedback helps shape better services and support.
1 in 4 pregnancies ends in loss, yet only 10% of UK employees say their workplace has a baby loss or miscarriage policy. Even more concerning: over 20% report receiving no support at all from their employer.
As of 2024:
🔹 Only 36% of organisations have a pregnancy loss policy
🔹 Just 24% of leaders say employees feel comfortable speaking about it
🔹 38,000 employees have been trained in bereavement support by Sands — a great start, but we need more
🔹 In sectors like private equity, only 7% have a written policy in place
🔹 NHS England has advised trusts to offer 10 days’ paid miscarriage leave — a step in the right direction
This isn’t just about policy — it’s about compassion, culture, and leadership. Employers must do better in supporting colleagues through unimaginable loss.
👉 If your organisation hasn’t yet implemented baby loss training or support policies, now is the time.
Our next workplace training session takes place on 10th October in Witham and is only £60 per person!
How Compassionate Community Meetups are making a difference in Colchester…
These monthlyCompassionate Community Meetupsare an opportunityto be part of a special group of people, places and projects who are helping build networks of support for others experiencing life’s biggest challenges.
Starting at 10am with a cuppa, Thompson Smith & Puxon and Essex Search & Rescuewill be sharing why & how they are supporting local communities.
There will be an opportunity for further networking, sharing, and learning with other community ambassadors to 11am.
Our wellbeing walk will start at 11am for those who wish to join.
PTSD affects people from all walks of life — veterans, survivors, emergency responders, and everyday people who’ve faced trauma.
On this important day, let’s raise awareness, show support, and make sure help is easy to find.
💻 At www.essexmap.co.uk, you can discover local mental health services, support groups, and community initiatives that offer a safe space for those affected by PTSD and other mental health challenges.
✨ Are you part of a group or service that supports people with PTSD in Essex?
List it on the Essex Map to reach more people who need you.
Together, we can help break the stigma and build a stronger, more supportive community. 💚
Chelmsford Star Co-op is calling on volunteers to participate in the Big Co-op Clean Up at Central Park, Chelmsford.This community-driven event aims to bring together residents, families, and local groups to help keep our cherished green spaces clean and vibrant.
Date & Time: Friday 27th June 2025: 2pm – 3.30pm
Location: Central Park, Chelmsford
Meeting Point: Meet at the gazebo at Bell Meadow CM2 0PD
Please wear sturdy footwear.
Volunteers will be provided with all necessary equipment, including litter pickers, gloves, high-visibility vests, and bin bags. Please bring your own if you can.
Why volunteer?
Make a Visible Impact: Your efforts will contribute to a cleaner, more inviting park for everyone to enjoy.
Community Engagement: Meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in Chelmsford.
At Dementia Adventure, we believe that life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis. That’s why we offer 5-day supported breaks across the UK—giving people living with dementia and their caregivers the chance to relax, reconnect, and recharge.
What’s Included?
Our breaks are fully supported by a dedicated team of trained staff and volunteers. Here’s what you can expect:
All-Inclusive Care – All meals are freshly prepared for you.
Planned Day Trips – Explore beautiful locations and create lasting memories.
Time to Relax – Rest and recharge in a safe, welcoming environment.
The Benefits
Guests often experience:
Improved appetite
Better sleep
A brighter mood
Time away from routine in the right setting can make a big difference—for both the person living with dementia and their companion.
Need Help with Funding?
We understand that finances can be a concern. Talk to us—we’re here to help. Funding doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting the break you need.
Mind in West Essex are looking for people to volunteer, both as individuals and in small groups, at our Community Allotment in the Saffron Walden area!
Our vision is for local people to be involved in aspects of running the allotment – from planning, building beds and planting, to watering and ongoing maintenance.
Getting outdoors, moving more and learning new skills all have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, which is why we’re so passionate about this project.
We’ve cleared the space, replaced the fence so that it’s a safe place to go and built a shed.Now, we need your help to get the allotment up and running – we have beds to build, prepare and sow; a shed to waterproof; a planting schedule to create; ongoing maintenance to do and more.
If you are interested or want to find out more, please contact Lisa on 07511 178438 or email community@mindinwestessex.org.uk today!
