Through the generosity of The Prudence Trust and The Stone Family Foundation, Renew is now offering freeParent Support Sessions.
These groups are for parents, carers and professionals supporting young people with issues around negative body image, disordered eating or low self-esteem. We aim to help build confidence and equip them to support their child through these challenges.
Our sessions will provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions and gain support and practical strategies from trained professionals.
You can attend these on an adhoc basis or more regularly to suit your needs. You do not need to have an existing relationship with Renew to access these sessions.
When?Every Wednesday
Where?Either in person at Chelmsford Counselling Centre or online
What time?In person at 10:00am until 11:30am, or Online at 6:00pm – 7:00pm
The Baytree Shopping Centre in Brentwood is set to host Brentwood’s first ever Coffee Morning, bringing the local community together for a meaningful cause.
Taking place on Friday 15th May and Saturday 16th May from 10am to 3pm, the two-day event will raise vital funds to support hospice care, helping to provide compassionate support for people living with illnesses that cannot be cured, as well as care and guidance for their families and loved ones.
Visitors are invited to enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the centre, with tea, coffee and a selection of delicious cakes available throughout the event. The Coffee Morning offers the perfect opportunity for friends, families and visitors to come together, support an important cause and take a moment to connect. Hospices play a vital role within communities, offering specialist care, comfort and dignity to those who need it most. Support from events like this helps ensure these essential services can continue, both now and for future generations.
Charlotte Winder from Saint Francis Hospice commented: “We’re delighted to be working with The Baytree Shopping Centre to host Brentwood’s first ever Coffee Morning. Community is at the heart of everything we do at Saint Francis Hospice, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to bring local people together while raising awareness and support for the care we provide across the community. We look forward to welcoming visitors for what promises to be a really special and meaningful day.”
Visitors are also encouraged to make the most of everything The Baytree has to offer, combining their visit with a day of shopping and exploring the centre’s mix of high street favourites.
Maria Kyriacou-Edwards from The Baytree Shopping Centre commented:“We’re incredibly proud to be hosting Brentwood’s first ever Coffee Morning. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and this event is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together while supporting such an important cause. We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the event alongside everything The Baytree has to offer.”
Every cup of coffee and every donation made during the event will contribute towards supporting hospice care, helping to make a real difference within the community.
The Essex Alliance is sharing this information on behalf of Essex County Council.
County, District, Borough and City council elections are taking place on Thursday 7th May 2026. To vote in person, by post or by proxy, you must be registered.
After you’ve registered, there are extra deadlines depending on how you want to vote, or if you need to apply for free voter ID. The deadline to apply is:
for a postal vote or a postal proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21st April
for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 28th April
if you need free voter ID is 5pm on Tuesday 28th April
Registering to vote helps make sure your voice is part of the decisions that affect local services, places and community life.
World Health Day is a reminder that good health is about more than medical care. Community support, wellbeing activities, advice services, and local organisations all play an important role in helping people live healthier lives.
The Essex Map helps people across Essex find local services that support health and wellbeing – from community groups and support organisations to advice and activities.
If your organisation offers services that support health and wellbeing in Essex, make sure people can find you on the map.
If you’re looking for support, explore what’s available in your area.
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about stress and help people find the support they need.
One practical way we can all support our communities is by making it easier for people to find local services quickly and easily.
The Essex Map (www.essexmap.co.uk) is a free online directory that helps residents, professionals and community organisations discover services across Essex that support health, wellbeing, community connection and more.
We would love your help to make the map even more useful during Stress Awareness Month.
How you can get involved:
• Promote the Essex Map to people you support so they can find local help and resources when they need it.
• Add your organisation or service to the map so more people can find the support you provide.
• Share the map with colleagues and partners to help grow the network of support across Essex.
The more organisations that are listed, the easier it becomes for people experiencing stress or other challenges to find the right support at the right time.
Every year on World Autism Awareness Day (2 April), communities around the world come together to raise awareness, promote understanding, and celebrate autistic people. The day encourages us to move beyond awareness and focus on acceptance, inclusion, and meaningful support for autistic individuals and their families.
At The Essex Alliance we believe that access to the right support, information, and community connections can make a huge difference. That’s why we’re encouraging organisations across Essex to take part by sharing their services and connecting with others through the Essex Map.
Helping People Find Support in Essex
The Essex Map is a free online directory designed to help people easily find local services, support groups, activities, and organisations across Essex.
For autistic individuals, parents, carers, and families, finding the right support can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The Essex Map brings together services in one place so people can quickly discover:
Autism support groups
Parent and carer networks
Specialist services and organisations
Inclusive activities and community groups
Advice and wellbeing support
By making these services more visible, we help ensure that people across Essex can access the help and community they need.
Do You Offer Autism Support?
As part of World Autism Awareness Day, we are inviting organisations across Essex to join the map.
If your group or organisation offers:
Autism support services
Inclusive activities
Advice or guidance for families
Community groups or peer support
we would love to include you. Being listed helps ensure that individuals and families who are searching for support can find your organisation quickly and easily.
The Essex Map isn’t just for organisations—it’s also a valuable tool for anyone looking for help, connection, or community.
Whether you are an autistic person, a parent, a carer, or a professional supporting someone else, you can use the map to discover local services and supportive communities across Essex.
Working Together for Acceptance
World Autism Awareness Day reminds us that creating inclusive communities requires collaboration, understanding, and visibility. By sharing services and connecting organisations through The Essex Map, we can help ensure that no one in Essex has to search alone for the support they need.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone — and support is closer than you think.
The Essex Map brings together local groups, services, and community activities in one easy-to-use place, helping you find the right support for your mental health and wellbeing when you need it most.
✨ Looking for support?
Discover wellbeing groups, safe spaces, practical help, and friendly communities across Essex.
✨ Running a group or service?
Make sure people can find you. Listing your organisation on the Essex Map is free, simple, and helps connect you with those who need your support.
This Stress Awareness Month, let’s make it easier for everyone in Essex to access the help that’s out there — and remind each other that no one has to cope alone.
The Essex Alliance are sharing this event on behalf of Parents 1st.
Are you a new parent? Are you expecting soon? Then why not come and join Parents 1st at our Couples Coffee Connections morning?
Bring your little ones along for a play (0-5 year olds welcome) and meet other parents or parents-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 croissant!
Where? Tilbury Family Hub, Anchor Field, London Road, Tilbury, RM18 8EY
