News

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

Have Your Say: Help Shape a New Domestic Abuse Support Campaign for Older People

Essex County Council is developing a new campaign to support victims of domestic abuse aged 70 and over — and they’d like your feedback.

The campaign will:

  • Equip professionals and caregivers with the tools to recognise the signs of abuse and access resources from SETDAB.

  • Raise awareness of domestic abuse in older people and encourage them, their families and friends to seek support from COMPASS.

Two campaign design options have been developed, and your input will help ensure the final creative reflects the campaign’s aims.

👉 Take the short survey here

Your feedback will directly influence how this vital message is shared across Essex.

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News

Support Volunteers with Mental Health Training – Mindful Impact Initiative

Introducing the Mindful Impact Initiative…

Transpire Training is excited to share the Mindful Impact Initiative – a program designed to make mental health training more affordable and accessible for front-line volunteers and charity staff who support individuals and communities.

Through this initiative, Transpire Training provides:

50% funding towards any of our Mental Health training for volunteers
30% funding towards any of our Mental Health training for charity staff
FREE monthly Mental Health Awareness webinars offering simple, effective ways to support mental health, build knowledge, and help break stigma

The goal of the initiative is to empower those working on the front lines with the skills and confidence to support others experiencing mental health challenges.

Mindful Impact is a dedicated initiative by Transpire Training, aimed at empowering charitable organisations and volunteers through accessible and affordable Mental Health First Aid and Awareness training. This initiative recognises the invaluable contributions of charitable organisations and volunteers and seeks to support their missions by equipping them with essential Mental Health skills.

📧 courses@transpiretraining.com

📞 01277 801844

🌐  https://www.transpiretraining.com/

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News, Training

Want to understand mental health better? 

Mind in West Essex offers a range of training workshops help you to manage your mental health and provide support to others – at work, home or in the community.

Complex Mental Health and Personality Disorders
📆 3 October, 12.30pm-3.30pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow

Understand complex mental health conditions and self-harm, explore stigma and learn how you can support recovery.
Info and tickets

Equity and Inclusion
📆 14 October, 10am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow

Build an understanding of the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the workplace and wider society.
Info and tickets

Trauma & Recovery Awareness
📆 21 October, 9.30am-12.30pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow

Learn about brain development and how this impacts behaviour and life chances. This session is ideal for people who work in helping professions.
Info and tickets

The Mental Health Toolkit: The Essentials
📆 11 November, 9.30am-1pm
📍 Wellbeing Hub, Bush Fair, Harlow

The foundation for workplace wellbeing, introducing you to the Mental Health Continuum and the Emotional Needs & Resources approach.
Info and tickets

Suicide First Aid Lite
📆 26 November, 9.30am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow

Gain skills to have a conversation with someone who may be thinking about suicide and signpost them to appropriate help using a first-aid approach.
Info and tickets

Qualified MHFAider® (4-day course, half-day sessions)
📆 1, 3, 8 and 10 December, 9am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow

Train as a Mental Health First Aider, certified for 3 years with access to ongoing benefits like resources, learning and 24/7 support.
Info and tickets

You can find out more about all of our face-to-face and online workshops, as well as our self-help and e-learning courses, on the Training Academy website.

 

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News, Training

Does your business or organisation want to show support for mental health in your local community?

📢 Mind in West Essex are looking for corporate sponsors in HarlowUttlesford and Epping Forest for our Mental Elf 2025 fun run / walk on December 7th 2025.
You’ll be helping to sleigh mental health stigma and raise vital funds for our work in West Essex.

🏅 Event, route, goodie bag and medal sponsorship packages are available. If you’d like to partner with us for this day of festive family fun for a great cause, get in touch today!

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News, Opportunities

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 – let’s stand together to raise awareness, break the stigma, and remind everyone that help is always available.
 
If you or someone you know is struggling, find local support services on The Essex Map
 
If your group or organisation provides support around suicide prevention or mental health, please add your details to the Essex Map — or email communications@essexalliance.org.uk so more people can find the help they need.
 
Together, we can create hope through action. 
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #MentalHealthMatters #Essex

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

Chief Executive Officer Vacancy – Braintree & South Essex Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Chief Executive Officer

Role: Full Time Role available

Hours of Work: 37 hours per week

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.

Full details in the Application Pack and supporting documents on our HR portal: https://hr.breathehr.com/recruitment/vacancies/42812

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

Stage 2 Panel Interview date: 21st October 2025

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News, Third Sector Jobs

Walkie Talkies

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:
Spaces are free. To book your spot, please visit our website: https://parents1st.org.uk/

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

September is World Alzheimer’s Month

Did you know?

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!

Email communications@essexalliance.org.uk to get your listing up.

Let’s ensure no one faces dementia alone—this September, let’s connect our communities.

#EssexTogether #DementiaSupport #WorldAlzheimersMonth

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

The First-Ever Mad Hatter’s Dog Day Comes to Waltham Abbey

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.”

Tickets & Entry

  • Adults: £3 online (£4 on the day)

  • Children & Dogs: FREE

Book your tickets now at 👉 www.madhattersdogday.com

Join the Fun

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.

Download the flyer HERE

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

Free and low-cost counselling for children and young people from Renew Counselling Charity – Basildon, Brentwood and Chelmsford

Counselling support for children and young people

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