November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month — a vital time to shine a light on the unique pressures men face, the stigma that still surrounds asking for help, and the importance of connecting with others. It’s also a powerful opportunity to raise awareness of how local support networks and platforms can make a real difference.
This year, we’d like to highlight the role of one such resource: the digital directory The Essex Map (www.theessexmap.co.uk). Whether you’re supporting friends, family or colleagues — or reaching out for yourself — The Essex Map is a centralised hub to find mental-health support across Essex, for men and anyone who needs support.
Why this matters
Research shows that men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems compared to women.
Many mental illnesses begin before the age of 25; early intervention matters. (Source: UK Parliament)
In Essex, the mental-health support system is complex and can be difficult to navigate. (Source: UK Parliament)
Platforms like The Essex Map help bridge that gap by putting many options in one place.
What The Essex Map offers
A searchable, browsable directory of local services, groups and activities across Essex, tailored for a range of needs (community groups, peer support, wellbeing-activities).
Support both for individuals looking for help and for groups/organisations offering support to get listed, so the network keeps growing.
Sign-posting to services specifically designed for men (or all genders) — for example, courses like Men4Mental Health run by Essex County Council’s Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing team.
A free, accessible, online resource: you can explore from home, pick what’s relevant and share it easily with someone you think might benefit.
How you can use it
If you’re looking for help: Go to www.theessexmap.co.uk, enter your postcode or browse by category (e.g., “mental health – men”, “wellbeing groups”), and see what’s available locally.
If you run or know a group: Consider getting listed on The Essex Map so others can find you. It’s a way to amplify your reach and make sure men who may otherwise struggle to access help can discover what you offer.
For workplaces, community groups or families: Share the link internally, raise awareness during November (and beyond) about men’s mental health, and encourage people to check what support exists locally.
For men’s health conversations: Use this month as a prompt — have a check-in with yourself and others: How am I doing? What’s my support network? What local resource could I connect with if needed?
Practical suggestions for this month
Choose one day this November to pause and reflect: maybe take 10 minutes to check The Essex Map for local support.
Organise a small group chat (among colleagues, friends or in a men’s group) about mental health: what it means for each of you, what support is out there, what stops you asking for help.
Share a local group listing or resource from The Essex Map with someone you know — you don’t need to be a mental health professional to sign-post.
Make a “wellbeing plan”: simple actions like getting outdoors, regular sleep, talking to someone when things feel heavy — and “if it escalates, here’s the link to The Essex Map”.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign—it’s a chance to open the door to conversations, break down barriers and connect people with tangible support. The Essex Map gives us a practical way to locate that support right here in our community.
If you’re navigating tough times — or know someone who is — visit www.theessexmap.co.uk, explore what’s available, and remember: you don’t have to go it alone.
Let’s make this November count. Let’s talk. Let’s reach out. Let’s use what’s available. Together, we can build stronger connections and healthier lives.
Hamelin Trust, a local charity dedicated to supporting people with disabilities across Essex, is expanding its team and currently recruiting for several rewarding roles. These positions offer a chance to make a real difference in the lives of others while joining a passionate, community-focused organisation.
Current Vacancies:
Links Project Co-ordinator Location: Mid & South Essex Salary: £27,398 (37.5 hours per week) Deadline: 7th November Interviews: 18th & 19th November This role supports the growth of Hamelin Trust’s Links project, working closely with key stakeholders to strengthen community connections.
Ability Works Employment Support Co-ordinator Location: Rochford, Basildon & Castle Point Salary: £16,439 (22.5 hours per week) Deadline: 7th November Interviews: 18th & 19th November A fantastic opportunity to help people with disabilities access employment and develop workplace skills.
Volunteer Co-ordinator Location: Mid & South Essex Salary: £21,918 (30 hours per week) Deadline: 14th November Interviews: 25th & 26th November This role focuses on supporting Hamelin’s volunteer network and enhancing community engagement.
Renew Counselling and Training, a local mental health charity, is offering a free online session for parents and carers on Wednesday 12 November from 12pm – 1pm.
Led by experienced therapist and CEO Nikki Schuster, the workshop explores practical ways to support young people in building a healthier relationship with their bodies and themselves.
Free to attend and open to all. A recording will also be available.
We want to explore how people are using their local community pharmacies and how they think services could be improved. As part of this project, we have launched a new survey and are hosting one-to-one interviews to hear your views and provide you with the opportunity to share your experiences. We are interested in speaking with anyone from West Essex about their experiences using local pharmacies.
Whether it’s picking up prescriptions, getting health advice, or using walk-in services, your voice matters. By getting involved you’ll be shaping how pharmacy services are delivered and improving access to healthcare.
We are particularly interested in hearing from:
Children and young people
Frail/housebound residents
Parents and carers
People with neurodiverse conditions
People with sensory disabilities
For more information, visit the Healthwatch Essex website:
All responses will be kept anonymous and any personal information you provide will be strictly private and confidential.
Get in touch: If you would like to speak to us directly to share your story, please email our Project Officer Lily Boag, lily.boag@healthwatchessex.org.uk or call 07742 072740. (Please get in touch if you would like this survey to be provided in an alternative format.)
Our engagement period closes on February 20th 2026.
Warm Spaces in association with EFDC are delighted to invite local residents to join us at The Abbeyfield Society, Waltham Abbey (EN9 3DJ) for our Warm Places sessions.
As the colder months set in, everyone deserves a comfortable and welcoming space to relax, connect, and keep warm. Whether you’d like a friendly chat, a hot drink, or simply a cosy spot to unwind, our doors are open to all.
🕓 Opening Times
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
🚗 Accessibility
Plenty of free parking is available onsite, making it easy for everyone to visit.
💛 Why Visit a Warm Space?
Warm Spaces provide more than just warmth — they’re a place to meet new people, share stories, and feel part of the community. We welcome all ages and backgrounds, and there’s no need to book in advance — just come along during opening hours.
Author: Emily Smith
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Categories: Events, News
Join Screentime Free Film Club at Harlow Central Library every Saturday from 2 PM – 4 PM for a free film screening. No booking is needed, and refreshments are available at a small charge — perfect for a relaxed Saturday afternoon.
📍 Location: Harlow Central Library, Upstairs Screening Room 🆓 Entry: Free (no booking required) ☕ Extras: Snacks & soft drinks available for a small charge
Come along, bring a friend, and enjoy great films in great company!
Parents 1st are pleased to announce our new Stay, Play and Chat Drop-In Sessions for pregnant and new parents in Southend.
Join our friendly, informal drop-in group where you can connect with other Southend parents who truly understand the ups and downs of this stage of life.
Whether you’d like to share your experiences, ask questions, or simply enjoy a cuppa while your baby plays nearby, you’ll find a warm welcome here. Together, we’ll talk openly about the joys and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and know that you’ll be met with kindness, understanding, and encouragement. (Older children are also welcome to come along with you).
The Wise Group is offering fully funded, one-to-one Home Energy Advice and Relational Mentoring to help households across England and Wales manage their energy challenges.
With energy costs still high, many families are struggling with bills and winter energy debt. Our team is here to help you or your customers access the right support — and we have a large number of energy vouchers currently available to provide immediate assistance.
We also have mentors who speak a variety of languages, ensuring support is accessible to everyone in our community.
About the HEAT Programme
Our HEAT (Home Energy Advice Team) service provides personalised, ongoing support to help households in energy crisis. Through relational mentoring, we offer independent, holistic advice tailored to each person’s needs.
Our Energy Mentors can help with:
Tackling energy emergencies
Managing fuel debt and related issues
Advocating on your behalf with suppliers and agencies
Accessing grants and energy vouchers
Improving energy efficiency and reducing bills
This service doesn’t just address immediate challenges — it’s designed to help households build long-term resilience and confidence in managing energy costs.
How to Access Support
If you or someone you work with could benefit from this service, please complete the referral form using the link below.
Trauma isn’t always visible, but it can change how someone thinks, feels and acts. Understanding trauma can help us make sure people feel safe and supported.
If you work in a helping profession (like health care, mental health, emergency services, education or youth services), or you simply want to be more trauma-informed, don’t miss Mind in West Essex‘s upcoming workshop.
Trauma & Recovery Awareness helps you understand brain development and how this impacts behaviour and life chances. Topics include:
💙 The impact of trauma
💙 Toxic stress and adverse childhood experiences
💙 Neuroscience research in relation to trauma
💙 Working in a trauma-informed way
💙 How vicarious trauma affects us and those around us
💙 Practical resources for self care for ourselves and those we support.
You’re Invited: Cheese & Wine Business Networking Evening 📅 Tuesday, 11th November 2025 | 🕠 5:30pm – 7:30pm | 📍 The Abbeyfield Society, Waltham Abbey
We’re delighted to invite you to an exclusive Cheese & Wine Business Networking Evening, hosted at The Abbeyfield Society, Waltham Abbey.
Join us for a relaxed and friendly gathering where local business owners and professionals come together to connect, collaborate, and share ideas — all while enjoying a selection of fine cheeses and wines.
This is a fantastic opportunity to: 🧀 Build valuable local connections 🍇 Promote your business in a warm, informal setting 🍷 Meet like-minded professionals passionate about community and growth
Whether you’re looking to grow your network, discover new partnerships, or simply unwind after work, this event promises great company, great conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Event Details: 📍 The Abbeyfield Society, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3DJ 📅 Tuesday, 11th November 2025 🕠 5:30pm – 7:30pm
While RSVP isn’t essential, it helps us plan ahead — ensuring everyone enjoys plenty of nibbles and a perfect pour.
👉 Simply email or contact us on 07353 125111 (calls, WhatsApp, and text messages welcome).
There’s plenty of free parking on site.
We look forward to raising a glass with you and celebrating the spirit of local business together!
