This is where we’ll post third sector news and important updates that are useful for your organisation.
Bees play a vital role in our environment—and our local communities can play a role in protecting them too.
Across Essex, there are groups, gardens, and community projects helping to support pollinators and create greener spaces 🌱
👉 Discover what’s happening near you on Essex Map: https://www.essexmap.co.uk/
Are you part of a local environmental or community project?
Get listed and help more people connect with your work.
Volunteer Opportunity – Day Centre Support Volunteer
Days: Wednesday and Friday
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Crossroads Day Centre, Braintree
We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers to join our Day Centre team, supporting adults living with Dementia, Parkinson’s, cognitive delay, and age‑related memory challenges. Our Day Centre provides a safe, welcoming space where people can enjoy activities, social interaction, and a sense of community.
What the role involves
As a Volunteer, you will help create a warm, enjoyable environment by supporting with light, meaningful activities such as:
• Crafts and creative sessions
• Bingo, quizzes and games
• Music, entertainment and group activities
• Chatting with service users and offering companionship
• Making and serving tea, coffee and refreshments
• Fetching and serving lunch prepared by our volunteer cook
• Helping staff set up and tidy away activity materials
What you won’t be asked to do
• No toileting or personal care
• No lifting or physical handling
• No lone working — you will always be alongside 3–4 paid staff and other volunteers
Who we’re looking for
• Friendly, patient and compassionate
• Comfortable chatting with older adults
• Reliable and able to commit to regular sessions
• Happy to follow staff guidance and safeguarding procedures
• Enjoys being part of a supportive team
What you’ll gain
• A rewarding role supporting local families and unpaid carers
• Experience working with people with dementia and similar conditions
• Training, support and a warm welcome from our team
• The chance to make a real difference to someone’s day
Volunteer Opportunity!
…and more.
Friday 15th May marks International Day of Families, a global awareness day led by the United Nations to recognise the importance of families and the role communities play in supporting them.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and at different times, everyone may need a little extra support—whether that’s finding activities to enjoy together, accessing advice, or connecting with local services.
Across Essex, there is a wide range of support available for families, from community groups and children’s activities to wellbeing services and practical advice. Essex Map brings these services together in one place, making it easier to find help close to home.
👉 Visit Essex Map: https://www.essexmap.co.uk/
Whether you’re looking for:
Essex Map can help you explore what’s available in your area and connect with the right support.
Strong communities play a vital role in supporting families to thrive. By improving access to local services and opportunities, Essex Map helps strengthen those connections and ensures support is visible and accessible to all.
If your organisation offers services that support families, International Day of Families is a great opportunity to increase your visibility.
By listing your service on Essex Map, you can:
This International Day of Families, take a moment to explore what’s available near you. Whether you’re looking for support, connection, or something new to do together, Essex Map is here to help.
👉 Start exploring today: https://www.essexmap.co.uk/
The Essex Alliance is sharing this news on behalf of Community360.
Community360 are delighted to introduce our new suite of services, designed to better serve the needs and support the growth of charities, CICs, small businesses, and organisations in our communities.
Community Roots has been created to provide flexible, accessible and affordable financial support. With our values at the very core of our delivery – integrity, innovation, and collaboration – our aim is to offer practical, reliable help that reduces pressure, supports compliance, and lets you stay focused on delivering impact.
Our services include:
You might be interested in one or all of the portfolio on offer, and we would welcome conversations about how we can make this work for your organisation. If you would like to find out more or arrange a conversation, please get in touch at crservices@community360.org.uk or visit our website at https://community360.org.uk/community-roots-memberships/
The Essex Alliance is sharing this news on behalf of Home-Start Essex.
Families with young children across the Epping Forest District are at risk of losing a vital, free support service unless urgent funding is secured. Home-Start Essex is calling on individuals, businesses and the wider community to rally behind its Family Support Group in Waltham Abbey, a weekly lifeline for families with children under give facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Without immediate financial support, this essential service which supports 20 vulnerable families each year faces closure.
“This group is more than just a weekly meeting; it’s a safe haven. For many parents, it’s the only place they feel heard, supported and connected.” – Nic O’Brien, CEO of Home-Start Essex.
The Family Support Group provides a welcoming, nurturing space for families dealing with issues such as:
One parent shared: “The family group was the first time I had properly talked to a group of adults since leaving the refuge nearly a year ago. It was good to listen to other people’s views, to open up about my anxiety and share tips”.
An urgent crowdfunding appeal launches on 14th May, with all donations matched pound-for-pound by the Aviva Foundation until 24th June 2026, doubling the impact for families in crisis. This means that:
Help keep this essential service alive and ensure families in Epping Forest District continue to receive the support they desperately need. Donate online here:
https://communitiesfund.avivafoundation.org.uk/p/hse
A series of monthly Recovery from Addiction workshops are being delivered by experts in their fields. These are intended to educate and inform both service users, professionals, and anyone who has an interest in these topics. Sessions will include time for Q&As.
The topic for this month’s workshop is Chemsex – A Growing Epidemic and How to Stay Safe. This session focuses on chemsex, offering clear, non-judgemental information alongside space for open and respectful discussion.
Delivered by Amy Brown, Health Promotion Specialist at Essex Sexual Health Service, the workshop will cover:
These sessions are open to anyone with an interest in recovery and wellbeing, including people in recovery, professionals and members of the wider community.
No prior knowledge needed. Just come along and take part in a supportive, welcoming space.
This is a drop-in session and part of the Rainbow Recovery workshop series. You’re welcome to attend one or join multiple sessions.
Where? Cornerstone Cafe, Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2XL
When? Tuesday 26th May 2026
What Time? 14:00 – 15:30
If you’d be interested in speaking at a future workshop, or have any questions, feel free to get in touch by emailing rainbowrecoverycafe@aol.com
This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week (4–10 May) – a national campaign led by Hospice UK encouraging more open conversations about death, dying and grief. The aim is to break down stigma, help people feel less alone, and make it easier to find support when it’s needed.
If you’re looking for support in Essex — or if your organisation offers services that could help others — The Essex Map is here for you.
💙 Whether you provide bereavement support, counselling, end of life care, community groups, practical advice or wellbeing services, you can add your organisation to the map and help people find the support they need.
🔎 And if you or someone you know needs guidance, care or support, you can explore local services here:
https://www.essexmap.co.uk/
Because talking matters. Support matters. Community matters.
Working in Primary, Secondary and Further Education settings in West Essex, with an office base in Harlow. Some remote working is possible. Occasional travel across West Essex may be required.
Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
£33,677 inc fringe allowance and 26-27 pay uplift (Negotiable
Closing date: 29th May 2026
Chelmsford City Racecourse are delighted to offer two community events in May.
Walk & Talk – Thursday 14th May
Fancy a walk and a natter? Then join us for a Walk & Talk event on Thursday 14th May at 9:45am.
Enjoy a gentle walk (short and long routes available), then hang around afterwards for refreshments and an optional wellbeing talk.
No need to book, just come along!
Meet at our main car park off the northbound carriageway of the A131 (CM3 1QP).
Free parking and tea & coffee. Dogs are welcome.
For more information, please contact info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
Dementia ‘Time for a Cuppa’ Event – Wednesday 20th May
We are supporting local residents living with dementia. By the time we have boiled the kettle, another person will have developed dementia, with over 944,000 people in the UK affected.
We are inviting local residents who are living with dementia to join us for a cuppa and cake.
Join us in a safe space with Dementia UK on hand for support, a cuppa, cake, fun activities and a meet and greet with Manny, our ex-racehorse ambassador.
When? Wednesday 20th May
Where? Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, CM3 1PZ
What Time? 2:00pm-4:00pm
How Much? £5 per head, booking is essential
For more information, contact info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com