We’re excited to launch the Your Essex Community Learning Series, brought to you by Active Essex in partnership with Essex communities and organisations. Through this series of free webinars and online seminars, we aim to support, equip and inspire community groups, voluntary organisations, local leaders and grassroots networks across Essex.
As part of the Your Essex Community place-based offer, these sessions are designed based on insights gathered directly from local communities. They focus on the issues, skills, and challenges that matter most — whether that’s funding, community engagement, impact evaluation, leadership, or inclusive communication.
Each session is hosted online, making it accessible across the county. You can join live, ask questions, engage with facilitators and peers — all with zero travel required.
Upcoming Sessions & What You’ll Learn
Here’s a rundown of the forthcoming Learning Series webinars (all free to attend):
Date / Time
Title
What You’ll Gain
23 October, 2-3pm
Securing Grant Funding Successfully
Tips, strategies, and real examples of how to write compelling proposals — from both small and large grant perspectives.
11 November, 10-11am
Utilising Marketing to Promote Your Offer
Practical marketing methods, language, campaign ideas, social media approaches — delivered by the Active Essex Marketing team.
11 November, 11am-12pm
Engaging Local Communities Effectively
Approaches to community leadership, resident-led initiatives, building belonging, and creating system change through local engagement.
3 December, 10.30-11.30am
Effective Leadership for VCS During Change
Navigating uncertainty in times of reform, funding shifts, and organisational pressures — resilience, courage and adaptive leadership.
21 January 2026, 12-1pm
Inclusive Language and Communication
Gain tools to foster equity, accessibility, and amplify community voice; explore the Social Model of Disability and inclusive communication.
5 February 2026, 4-5pm
How to Demonstrate Your Impact
Learn the fundamentals of impact measurement: planning, data collection, analysis, reporting — and making your case with confidence.
Whether you’re fairly new to running a community project or a seasoned lead, these sessions are built to add value — practical tools, peer learning, and insight to help your organisation grow stronger.
Why It Matters
In Essex, we see a wealth of voluntary organisations, resident groups, and community networks doing vital work. Yet many face shared challenges: limited funding, competing priorities, evolving local structures, and navigating change. The Learning Series is part of our commitment to help meet those challenges head on — not by prescribing solutions, but by building skills, sharing best practice, and growing collective capacity.
As we roll out more sessions, the Learning Series will evolve — shaped by your feedback and the emerging needs across the county.
Join Us
Sign up now to access the webinars and be part of a growing community of practice across Essex. You’ll be able to attend live and revisit recordings (where available).
The Abbeyfield Waltham Abbey Society is excited to invite the local community to two fantastic opportunities to connect, socialise, and network!
Free Weekly Coffee Mornings
Starting Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 at 10:30am, we will be hosting a free coffee morning every Wednesday at Abbeyfield Waltham Abbey House (EN9 3DJ).
This is a perfect chance to meet new people, enjoy a friendly chat over a warm drink, and become part of the welcoming Abbeyfield community. Everyone is welcome – whether you are a neighbour, a friend, or simply looking for some good company midweek.
Cheese & Wine Business Networking Evening
On Tuesday, 11th November 2025 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, join us for a special Cheese & Wine Business Networking Evening.
This free event is designed for local business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and grow their network in a relaxed and friendly setting. Cheese boards and wine will be provided.
Help shape the future of Crossroads Braintree & Chelmsford
We’re looking for compassionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Whether you have lived experience, professional skills, or simply a passion for supporting unpaid family carers and older adults — your voice matters.
What you’ll gain:
✅ Use your skills for good
✅ Make a real difference in Mid Essex
✅ Be part of a warm, inclusive team
✅ No prior trustee experience needed — just commitment and care
Interested or want to learn more?
📩 Contact: Danni Perry
Finance and Business Development Manager
📧 braintreexroads@btconnect.com
📞 01376 529985
📍 Crossroads Braintree & Chelmsford, 8 Park Farm, Witham Road, Black Notley, Braintree CM77 8LQ
Are you a new dad? Is your partner expecting soon?
Then why not come and join Parents 1st at our Dads and Baby morning?
Bring your little ones along for a play (0-5 year olds welcome) and meet other dads or dads-to-be from your area.
Our local Thurrock peer supporters will be on hand for a chat and to let you know how Parents 1st can help you on your parenting journey. We’ll even be providing hot drinks and a bacon sandwich or croissant!
Where: Belmont Village Hall, Parker Road, Grays, Essex RM17 5YW
When: Saturday 11th October, 9:30-11:30am
Cost: Free
To book your free space, please visit the Parents 1st website:
Parenting a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN) can be an incredible journey — full of joy, discovery, and, at times, unique challenges. But you don’t have to face those challenges alone.
That’s why Kinder Essex is inviting parents to join their monthly meetups at Rhea’s Bespoke Bakes. These relaxed gatherings are designed to bring parents together in a friendly, supportive space where everyone can share experiences, swap ideas, and connect with others who understand what life with SEN is really like.
The meetups take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:30 AM — perfect timing after the school run. Whether you’re looking for advice, emotional support, or simply a hot drink and a chat, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.
“Parenting a child with SEN can sometimes feel isolating,” says organizer Kelly McKenzie. “Our goal is to create a safe, friendly space where parents can talk openly, support each other, and maybe even make new friends.”
Where: Rhea’s Bespoke Bakes – Canvey Island When: 9:30 AM
Are you looking to upskill, connect with others, and make a real difference in your community?
Every Child Online is seeking friendly Volunteer Ambassadors to help run our pop-up stalls across Essex.
As a Volunteer Ambassador, you’ll:
Promote online safety and digital inclusion
Raise awareness of our cause and support fundraising
Help children and young people access the tech they need to succeed in school and life
This is a flexible and rewarding opportunity where you can gain digital, client, and event skills, meet new people, and enjoy the satisfaction of helping others.
Looking for a cosy weekend activity? 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.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Sat, 20 Sep – Southern Comfort National Guardsmen face danger and paranoia deep in the Louisiana swamp. (1h 46m)
Sat, 27 Sep – Cop au Vin French mystery with Inspector Lavardin untangling small-town secrets. (1h 50m)
Sat, 4 Oct – She Wore a Yellow Ribbon John Wayne stars in this iconic cavalry Western. (1h 44m)
Sat, 11 Oct – Pirosmani A poetic biopic of Georgian painter Nikoloz Pirosmanishvili. (1h 25m)
Sat, 18 Oct – The Cat and the Canary Classic haunted-house mystery with humor and suspense. (1h 12m)
Sat, 25 Oct – Rec (Halloween Special) A chilling found-footage Spanish horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. (1h 14m)
📍 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!
Looking to save money, eat well, and meet new people? Join us for Batch Cooking on a Budget – a fun and relaxed series of cooking sessions designed to help you make delicious meals without breaking the bank.
This six-session programme is perfect for everyone – no experience needed! Each session is packed with friendly vibes, hands-on learning, and plenty of practical tips.
Here’s what you can expect: ✅ All ingredients and equipment provided – just bring yourself! ✅ Free Hygiene Level 1 course & certificate – a great addition to your CV. ✅ Take home your own slow cooker and utensils at the end of the course!
When: Every other week, starting 10th September, 12:15 PM – 2:00 PM Where: The Hive URC, North Street, Southminster, CM0 7DF
Do you look after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without you?
Action for Family Carers, in partnership with Essex Carers Support, is commissioned by Essex County Council to deliver support for adult carers across West Essex (Epping, Harlow & Uttlesford districts) and Northeast Essex (Colchester & Tendring districts).
What We Offer
Our service is designed to help unpaid carers navigate the challenges of caring while looking after their own wellbeing. We provide:
✅ Information, advice and practical guidance to make caring easier
✅ Emotional support and someone to talk to
✅ Free counselling service
✅ Groups to connect with other carers
✅ Time 4 You grants to support your wellbeing
How to Access Support
You can get in touch with us in two ways:
📞 Call the Essex Wellbeing Service on 0303 303 9988 (Phone lines are open Mon–Fri 8:00am–7:00pm, Sat 9:00am–12:00pm)
Essex County Council has published its Proposal for Greater Essex, setting out a bold and evidence-based vision for the future of local government in our county.
This proposal represents the most significant change to local government in Essex in over 50 years. It outlines the creation of three new, all-purpose unitary councils, covering North, Mid, and South Essex – bringing decision-making closer to residents and ensuring services are joined-up and efficient.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said:
“Our proposal is about creating a better future for the people we serve. By bringing services under three new councils, we can deliver better outcomes, simplify governance, and make the most of every pound we spend. This is about unlocking the potential of Essex and ensuring our communities have the local government they deserve.”
The proposal will be considered at Essex County Council’s Cabinet and Full Council meetings on 18 September before being submitted to Government on 26 September. The Government will then decide which proposal(s) will go forward to public consultation later this autumn.
While there are alternative proposals from other councils, what unites all of Greater Essex is the shared ambition to create a local government system that works better for residents, businesses, and communities.
