Insights from the VVU/ECVYS Listening Report and Community Grant Opportunity
Nearly 2,500 young people across Essex have had their say on how safe they feel in their communities, thanks to the Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) and Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services (ECVYS) Listening Report 2024/25.
This important piece of youth consultation provides not only a county-wide perspective but also breaks down feedback by individual districts. From parks and public transport to school life and social spaces, the report gives a powerful insight into the real concerns, challenges, and hopes that young people are voicing.
📄 The full report is available to read or download on the ECVYS website: 👉 ECVYS Youth Voices
VVU Community Grant 2026/27 – Now Open
Applications close: 10th September 2025
Local voluntary and community organisations are invited to apply for the VVU Community Grant 2026/27, under the theme #ConnectBelongStaySafe.
Organisations based in and delivering work with young people in Essex, Southend or Thurrock can apply for up to £22,000 to run projects between 1st April 2026 and 31st March 2027.
This year’s funding priorities are shaped directly by the findings in the VVU/ECVYS Youth Listening Report, reflecting what young people themselves have said is most important to them — with a focus on safety, connection, and belonging in their local areas.
📌 Key Details:
For not-for-profit, voluntary or community organisations
Must have a registered office and deliver work within Essex, Southend, or Thurrock
Projects must be youth-focused and align with district-level needs highlighted in the report
We’re excited to introduce a powerful new digital tool for the voluntary and community sector in Essex: the E-Portal and its companion AI Chatbot. These resources are designed to streamline support, provide easier access to vital information, and empower local organisations with user-friendly self-assessment tools.
To help you get the most out of these tools, we’re hosting a series of free webinars. These interactive sessions will guide you through the key features of the E-Portal and demonstrate how the AI Chatbot can assist with queries and navigation. You’ll also get a preview of future developments and the opportunity to share your feedback.
Let’s Talk Mental Health is about coming together to connect, support and inspire; and drawing on our own experiences to engage, empower and educate.
It’s a safe space where you can share your mental health journey, express yourself creatively through art or poetry, participate in a podcast and find meaningful opportunities to make change.
Help shift the narrative around mental health in Essex and beyond by having positive conversations, telling real stories and challenging stigmas.
We’re pleased to invite your organisation to apply to become a delivery partner for the Place-Based Support Element of the Your Essex Community Programme – a coordinated effort to strengthen and empower the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across Essex.
As part of this offer, we’re seeking organisations with experience in delivering high-quality, locally relevant infrastructure support – such as training, mentoring, peer learning, network facilitation, and organisational development – to help grow skills and resilience across VCS groups.
This resource is designed to respond directly to the unique needs of each area. The priorities for each district and borough have been informed by local listening events, feedback from VCS organisations, and system insight. Applicants should demonstrate their understanding of the local landscape, and proposals must align with the identified Place Plan priorities which can be found in the attached guidance document.
We’re particularly interested in working with partners who:
Understand the local VCS context and existing networks
Bring subject expertise in areas highlighted in place priorities
Are open to collaboration, innovation, and sharing learning across sectors
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted via our online form here by Sunday 27th July, 11:59pm. The full Guidance for Applicants document can be found attached.
As the Labour Government begins to implement its local government reorganisation and devolution agendas, significant changes are on the horizon. But what do these reforms mean for voluntary and community groups, and social enterprises across Essex?
Join the Conversation
The Social Spark Seminar offers an opportunity for VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations across mid and south Essex to explore the implications of these political and structural shifts. With insights from key decision-makers and policy thinkers, the event will provide a platform for meaningful discussion, strategic reflection, and proactive planning.
Why Attend?
Understand how the evolving landscape of local government could impact your organisation and the communities you serve.
Explore ways to prepare for change and influence the outcomes in your area.
Connect with peers, leaders, and changemakers across the region.
This is your chance to pause before the summer holidays, reflect on what’s ahead, and network over drinks in a collaborative setting.
Essex-based charity CanalAbility has reached a major milestone in its mission to make the waterways more inclusive.
Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers, donors, and the National Lottery Community Fund, the charity has now placed an order for a brand new fully-electric, specially adapted and accessible canal boat.
The new boat will allow CanalAbility to offer more trips to people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and those facing social isolation — all while reducing the charity’s environmental impact.
But the journey doesn’t stop here. CanalAbility is now appealing for further support from the local community, businesses, and funders to help equip the boat and sustain its long-term impact.
““This new electric boat will offer a quieter, cleaner experience for our clients, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy the peace and beauty of the waterways in an accessible and inclusive way. It will allow us to run more trips for those who need them most while helping us reduce our carbon footprint and champion the benefits of green technology.”
This summer, join Rhiannon Faith Company & Harlow Playhouse for a weekend of FREE, family-friendly fun celebrating care, kindness & community in the heart of Harlow. 💛
This round builds on the success of previous years, offering enhanced support and greater flexibility to help organisations like yours make a lasting impact in the journey to end homelessness.
🌱 About Hopestead
Hopestead is a charity committed to ending homelessness together. We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, and we work in partnership with communities and organisations to make that vision a reality. Through funding, collaboration, and capacity-building, we support innovative and sustainable solutions that prevent and address homelessness.
💡 What’s on offer in Round 5:
Grants of up to £20,000
Funding period: November 2025 – March 2027 (17 months)
We’re especially keen to hear from organisations we haven’t worked with before. If you’re passionate about creating a future free from homelessness, we’d love to explore how we can support your work.
Renew Counselling is offering a limited number of bursary-funded counselling places for people who are finding life difficult but may struggle to afford support.
Sessions are available at our centres in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood.
To find out more please contact Renew via info@renew.org.uk or calling 01245 359 353, mentioning our bursary when you get in touch.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
If you’re a qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), staying up to date with the latest knowledge and best practices is crucial. To maintain your active membership with the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, you are required to complete a refresher course every three years. This ensures you continue receiving essential support, development, and the confidence needed to perform your role effectively.
Upcoming Refresher Training Details
We’re excited to offer an upcoming Mental Health First Aid Refresher Training Course designed to update your skills and reinforce your confidence in supporting mental health in the workplace or community.
🗓️ Date: Wednesday 23rd July 🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Half-Day Course) 💻 Format: Online 💷 Cost: £125 per person 🎁 What’s Included: A new workbook, lanyard, and crisis card
Why Take This Course?
The MHFA Refresher course is essential for:
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Renewing your MHFA England membership
Building confidence in applying mental health first aid techniques
Continuing your journey in mental health advocacy and support
Who Should Attend?
This course is for anyone who has previously qualified as a Mental Health First Aider through MHFA England. Whether you’re in a corporate, educational, healthcare, or voluntary setting, this training will support your continued commitment to mental health awareness and intervention.
