News

This is where we’ll post third sector news and important updates that are useful for your organisation.

Are you LGBTQ+ or supporting an LGBTQ+ person?

The OutHouse supports LGBTQ+ individuals to find their community and achieve their full potential.

Services include:

  • Adult social groups
  • Youth (11-17) and Young Adult (18-25) groups
  • Parents/carers of trans+ people support group
  • 1-to-1 wellbeing and advocacy sessions
  • Accessible specialist counselling
  • Comprehensive Awareness Training for individuals and businesses to help your staff develop understanding of LGBTQ+ issues

To find out more, visit https://theouthouse.org.uk/ or contact The OutHouse by calling 01206 871 394 or by emailing info@theouthouse.org.uk

 

 

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

Hello November!

A new month brings new opportunities to connect, get involved and discover what’s happening in your local community.

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it’s a great time to explore the community groups, activities and support available across Essex.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, try something different, volunteer or find local support, The Essex Map is a great place to start.

📍 Discover what’s happening near you!

🌐 www.essexmap.co.uk

#HelloNovember #EssexMap #CommunityConnections #ExploreEssex #EssexCommunity

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News

Age Well East are Recruiting a Finance and HR Administrator

The Essex Alliance is sharing this opportunity on behalf of Age Well East.

Job Title: Finance and HR Administrator

Salary: £22,848.00 per annum (£28,560.00 FTE)

Reports to: Head of Finances and Resources

Location: Home based with some occasional travel across Essex.

Hours: 30 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Annual Leave: 24 days pro rata per annum from 1st April to 31st March, plus birthday day (or day nearest). Bank holidays pro rata. Office closure between Christmas and New Year.

Purpose of the Role:

To provide efficient, accurate support across the Finance, Human Resources, and general administration functions, helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of financial processes, recruitment, employee records, HR compliance, organisational records, and administrative systems. The post holder will work with confidentiality, attention to detail, and a strong customer-service focus while supporting the effective operations and the organisation’s mission to improve the lives of older people across Essex.

Applications close on 8th November 2026, with first stage interviews taking place online week commencing 16th November 2026.

To find out more or to apply, click: Finance and HR Administrator Recruitment pack

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs

Maldon CVS Hosting ‘Making AI Work for You’ Webinar

Maldon CVS are hosting a ‘Making AI Work for You: From the Basics to Funding Bids’ webinar.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday charity work, but how can you use it safely, effectively and responsibly?

This practical 2 hour webinar will introduce AI tools, explain the risks and safeguards charities need to consider, and demonstrate how AI can support you to write compelling funding applications. This includes research, evidence gathering, bid planning and application writing. You’ll learn where AI can save time, where human judgement remains essential, and how to use AI to strengthen funding applications without compromising quality, accuracy or confidentiality.

When? Monday 23rd November

What Time? 10am-12pm

Cost? £20 per person

Booking is required. You can book HERE.

For further information, contact sarah@maldoncvs.org.uk or call 01621 732251

 

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, Funding, News, Opportunities

Join the Parents 1st UK team as a Young Parents 1st UK Peer Supporter

The Essex Alliance are sharing this opportunity on behalf of Parents 1st.

Location: Home-based, with regular visits to parents, outreach activities and groups in and around North Essex (Tendring and Colchester)
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Salary: £13.85 per hour
Contract: Fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the potential for extension or expansion for up to three years, subject to funding

We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated Peer Supporter to support young expectant and new parents through pregnancy, birth and the first two years of parenthood.

If you have lived experience of being a young parent yourself (under 25), passionate about supporting others, and able to build warm, trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries, we’d love to hear from you!

We are seeking:

  • Someone with current or previous lived experience of  being a young parent, having been aged 25 or under at the time
  • A warm, non-judgemental and empowering communicator with excellent listening and relationship-building skills
  • Someone who understands the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries
  • A well-organised and confident individual
  • Someone committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring young parents’ voices shape the development of Young Parents 1st UK
How to Apply
For more information about the role, please visit the Parents 1st website to view the job description and to download our application form: Job vacancy: Young Parents 1st UK Peer Supporter – Parents 1st
Application deadline: Wednesday 28th October 2026
Interview dates: Monday 9th November 2026

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs

Introducing Celebrating Essex Stars

Shining a light on the people and organisations making a difference across Essex.

The Essex VCSE Alliance is delighted to introduce Celebrating Essex Stars — a new weekly feature celebrating the incredible people, organisations, teams and projects that make a real difference to communities across Essex.

From dedicated volunteers and passionate individuals to inspiring charities, community groups and social enterprises, there are so many people working hard to support others, strengthen communities and make Essex a better place to live.

We believe these contributions deserve to be recognised and celebrated!

Each week, we’ll share the story of an Essex Star, highlighting the people and organisations making a positive impact and inspiring others through their work.

So, who can be an Essex Star?

We want to hear from you! Is there an individual you know who goes above and beyond? An organisation making a real difference? A community group bringing people together or a project creating positive change?

We’d love to hear their stories and help give them the recognition they deserve.

Keep an eye on our social media channels as we celebrate the brilliant people and organisations at the heart of Essex’s VCSE sector.

Nominate your Essex Star here

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

Hearing Help Essex Hiring an Outreach Worker

Hearing Help Essex are hiring an Outreach Worker to support people affected by hearing loss in Essex. This is a rewarding role that combines community engagement, service delivery, and partnership work.

Hours: 15 per week

Location: Home based with travel across Mid Essex

If you are passionate about supporting people, enjoy working within local communities, and are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a tangible difference, they would love to hear from you.

To find out more and apply, please click HERE

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Third Sector Jobs

ECL Hiring Learning Disabilities Support Worker in Saffron Walden

ECL are looking to hire a Learning Disabilities Support Worker to join their team at Saffron Walden Day Centre.

The role involves supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to build confidence, develop life skills and achieve greater independence.

  • Based at Saffron Walden Day Centre
  • £12.91 per hour
  • 28 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
    Permanent, Part-Time
If you’re caring, compassionate and passionate about helping others thrive, they would love to hear from you.
Please note, a full driving licence and own car is essential.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs

Harlow Stroke Support – Rehab Centre are Recruiting Trustees

Harlow Stroke Support – Rehab Centre are recruiting trustees.

About the Charity

Harlow Stroke Support – Rehab Centre is the only dedicated long-term support and rehabilitation provider for stroke survivors across Harlow and the Wider Essex and East Hertfordshire area. Core services include:

  • Speech, language and communication sessions
  • Emotional rehabilitation and mental health support groups
  • Seated exercise classes
  • An under-60s group
  • A family carers group
  • A community minibus service

These services collectively support 517 members – stroke survivors and their unpaid carers – who would otherwise have no long-term rehabilitative provision following NHS discharge. Our work directly addresses isolation, loss of communication, reduced mobility, anxiety and loss of independence. In a town with Harlow’s significant socio-economic challenges, including income levels among the lowest in Essex, life expectancy below the national average, and the highest prevalence of common mental health disorders in the county – this support is critical.

Trustee Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate would have a knowledge of charity finance, business plans and ideally the use of the software package ‘Quickbooks’.

If the person has lived experience of stroke or impairments, that would be great but is not mandatory.

Trustee meetings are held monthly in Harlow.

To apply, please contact Mark Cadman (Lead Trustee) on mcadman@ntlworld.com

Please note there would be a telephone introduction initially and then an in-person interview. Successful applicants would need an enhanced DBS check.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities

Could You Be Age Well East’s Next Chief Executive Officer?

Age Well East are looking for an inspiring leader with the vision, passion, and commitment to help transform later life across Essex and Suffolk.

At Age Well East, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated organisation, influence positive change, and make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of older people.

Join us as we embark on our next exciting chapter and help shape the future of ageing well.

Further information can be found here:  recruitment pack

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs