Salary: Up to £55,000 gross per annum FTE – depending on experience
Location: Hybrid – including offices in the local authority areas of Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock
Fixed Term Contract: Permanent
Due to the retirement of our existing Chief Executive officer we are looking for an inspirational and self-motivated leader to continue to develop Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex (CABSE). CABSE is a well-regarded local independent charity providing free, impartial and confidential information, advice and guidance to 20,000 people per annum.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful Local Citizens Advice in Essex serving a population of over 750,000 people spread across the local authority areas of Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock.
The successful candidate may be an experienced Citizens Advice professional, a Senior Manager with experience in the other parts of the voluntary sector or someone with an outstanding track record who is looking for a career change.
CABSE is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, satisfactory references and must meet the HMRC requirements to be considered a ‘Fit & Proper person’.
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Thursday 25th of September 2025
Stage 1 Interview dates: 13th and 14th of October 2025
Parents 1st’s Thurrock peer supporters invite any pregnant or new mums to join us at our regular walk and talk events.
These relaxed, gentle walks are a chance for you to meet other mums or mums-to-be from the area, and chat through any worries or concerns you may have about your pregnancy or life as a new mum. We meet at a different location in Thurrock each time, and finish each session with a hot drink at a local cafe.
Please join us in October at:
Monday 6th October – Coalhouse Fort Park, Princess Margaret Rd, East Tilbury, Tilbury RM18 8PB. Meet in the car park at 10.00am.
Friday 17th October – Belhus Park, Aveley, RM15 4PX. Meet outside Impulse Leisure at 10.00am.
Monday 20th October – Maple Park Community Centre, St. Andrews Way, Stanford-le-Hope SS17 0FL. Meet outside at 10.00am.
Each September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day on 21st September—a global moment to connect, learn, and support those living with dementia.
In Essex, we’re proud to spotlight the Essex Map, a community hub where people can find dementia-friendly groups, support networks, and services across the region.
Are you part of a dementia-focused charity or community group in Essex?
Help local families find you by registering your services on the Essex Map—for free!
A brand-new community event is coming to Waltham Abbey this autumn – and it’s one for the whole family (dogs included!).
On Saturday 20 September, from 11am to 5pm, Elmtree Canine Retreat will open its three-acre site on Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, for the first-ever Mad Hatter’s Dog Day – a joyful festival celebrating dogs, families, and community spirit.
What to Expect
This fun-filled day promises something for everyone, including:
Dog Show – showcase your four-legged friend and compete for prizes.
Hat Parade – bring your most creative headwear!
Demonstrations & Children’s Activities – from kids’ crafts to bouncy castles.
Stalls & Food – shop, browse, and enjoy tasty treats.
Pre-Loved Fashion & More – unique finds in support of a great cause.
And the best part? All funds raised will support Underdog International, a charity with the mission of “children helping dogs, and dogs helping children.”
The event is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and media-friendly – with spokespeople available for interviews and plenty of opportunities to get involved.
So grab your hat, bring the family, and join us for an unforgettable day out in support of an incredible cause.
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
Mid and North East Essex Mind is bringing a series of free mental health training sessions to Braintree, Halstead, Witham, and surrounding villages over the next eight months.
These community-based courses are designed to help individuals strengthen their mental wellbeing, but the charity is also encouraging businesses and community groups to get in touch to arrange bespoke sessions. This could be particularly valuable for employers supporting staff, local organisations, or anyone looking to improve wellbeing in their community.
A Toolkit for Better Mental Health
The sessions form part of the pioneering Mental Health Toolkit, developed by Mid and North East Essex Mind to help people understand their emotions and strengthen resilience.
Natalie Britt, Mental Health Education Lead, explains:
“We all feel different from one day to the next. Our mental wellbeing can be affected by so many things – whether we’ve had enough sleep, eaten well, or are experiencing pressures from work, relationships, or stress.
Through the ‘Mental Health Continuum’, we help people become more aware of their own feelings, understand others, and learn practical ways to manage emotions. We’ve already seen great results, and we’re excited to reach more people in the Braintree area.”
The training has been fully funded by Braintree District Council through the HM Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund, making it free for all participants.
Mental Health Toolkit – The Essentials
In-person sessions across Braintree District:
11th September – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree
16th September – Team Kinetix, Witham
9th October – Queens Hall, Halstead
23rd October – The Plaza, Great Notley, Braintree
11th November – Team Kinetix, Witham
27th November – I-construct, Braintree
6th January – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree
20th January – The Plaza, Great Notley, Braintree
29th January – Team Kinetix, Witham
5th February – Queens Hall, Halstead
24th February – Online session
10th March – Online session
12th March – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree
Sleep Well, Work Well & Keeping Calm
Workshops run 9.30am–11am (Sleep Well, Work Well) followed by 11.30am–12.30pm (Keeping Calm):
Are you a young mum or birthing person in Essex under the age of 25—or do you work with someone who is? We want to hear from you.
We’re running a short, anonymous survey to better understand the needs, experiences, and challenges faced by young mums and birthing people aged 16–25. The feedback gathered will help shape future peer support services, making sure they are relevant, meaningful, and designed around what matters most to you.
It only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and every response will make a real difference.
Why it matters
Becoming a parent at a young age can be both exciting and challenging. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help ensure that services in Essex provide the right kind of support, at the right time.
How you can help
If you work with or know young mums and birthing people in Essex, we’d be so grateful if you could share the survey link—or the flyer—through your networks, during appointments, or on social media.
Together, we can make sure young parents across Essex feel supported and understood.
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
Mind in West Essex are looking for more befriending volunteers in Uttlesford. If you live in the district and can spare 1 hour a week to support someone in your community, get involved today!
Befriending makes a real difference to the lives of people who may otherwise be lonely or isolated. And it can be a rewarding and valuable experience for yourself.
You’ll regularly chat with someone in the community by phone or in person. We’ll give you training and ongoing support to help you in the role.
