Training

Equity and Inclusion training workshop

Are you passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard?
Join Mind in West Essex’s upcoming Equity & Inclusion workshop!
This 3-hour session builds an understanding of the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the workplace and wider society.
  •  Understand the difference between equality and equity
  •  Explore intersectionality, privilege, unconscious bias and discrimination
  •  Discuss microaggressions and how they can escalate without intervention
  •  Consider how collective trauma, cultural trauma and racial trauma can impact wellbeing and good mental health
  •  Reflect on how we can create a more inclusive workplace and society
Whether you’re a team leader, HR professional, educator, or simply someone committed to positive change, this training will help you foster fairness in your community or workplace.
Tuesday 14 October, 10am-1pm
Uttlesford Community Hub, Great Dunmow CM6 1DQ

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

Introducing the ‘Your Essex Community’ Learning Series

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.

What is the Learning Series?

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).

For full details and registration links, visit the Your Essex Community — Learning Series page on the Active Essex website. 

We look forward to seeing you in a session soon — and to building stronger, more empowered communities across Essex.

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

Batch Cooking on a Budget – Learn, Cook & Connect!

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

Spaces are limited – book your place today!

📧 Email: nicky.plumb@moat.co.uk
📞 Call/Text: 07711 438 513

Come along, cook together, and leave with new skills, new friends, and tasty meals to enjoy!

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

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
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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

Free Mental Health Training Sessions Coming to Braintree District

Mid and North East Essex Mind is bringing a series of free mental health training sessions to Braintree, Halstead, Witham, and surrounding villages over the next eight months.

These community-based courses are designed to help individuals strengthen their mental wellbeing, but the charity is also encouraging businesses and community groups to get in touch to arrange bespoke sessions. This could be particularly valuable for employers supporting staff, local organisations, or anyone looking to improve wellbeing in their community.

A Toolkit for Better Mental Health

The sessions form part of the pioneering Mental Health Toolkit, developed by Mid and North East Essex Mind to help people understand their emotions and strengthen resilience.

Natalie Britt, Mental Health Education Lead, explains:

“We all feel different from one day to the next. Our mental wellbeing can be affected by so many things – whether we’ve had enough sleep, eaten well, or are experiencing pressures from work, relationships, or stress.

Through the ‘Mental Health Continuum’, we help people become more aware of their own feelings, understand others, and learn practical ways to manage emotions. We’ve already seen great results, and we’re excited to reach more people in the Braintree area.”

The training has been fully funded by Braintree District Council through the HM Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund, making it free for all participants.


Mental Health Toolkit – The Essentials

In-person sessions across Braintree District:

  • 11th September – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree

  • 16th September – Team Kinetix, Witham

  • 9th October – Queens Hall, Halstead

  • 23rd October – The Plaza, Great Notley, Braintree

  • 11th November – Team Kinetix, Witham

  • 27th November – I-construct, Braintree

  • 6th January – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree

  • 20th January – The Plaza, Great Notley, Braintree

  • 29th January – Team Kinetix, Witham

  • 5th February – Queens Hall, Halstead

  • 24th February – Online session

  • 10th March – Online session

  • 12th March – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree


Sleep Well, Work Well & Keeping Calm

Workshops run 9.30am–11am (Sleep Well, Work Well) followed by 11.30am–12.30pm (Keeping Calm):

  • 4th September – Online

  • 18th November – Online

  • 7th January – Online

  • 4th March – Online


For more details and to book your place, visit 👉 mnessexmind.org/training

Download the flyers here:

2025

2026

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News, Training

Discover the New E-Portal and AI Chatbot: Join Our Upcoming Webinars!

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.

Webinar Highlights:

  • Explore the E-Portal site and key topics

  • Demo of self-assessment tools

  • Live AI Chatbot walkthrough

  • Insights into planned updates

  • Q&A session

Upcoming Dates:

  • Thursday 24 July | 10:00 – 11:30

  • Friday 8 August | 10:00 – 11:30

  • Monday 18 August | 13:00 – 14:30

Reserve your spot today by visiting bit.ly/EPortalWebinar

Stay connected and explore more at:
🌐 e-portal-essex.co.uk
🌐 youressexcommunity.org

Join us to discover how digital tools can make a big difference in the way your organisation works and connects.

Download the flyer HERE

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

Stay Updated: Mental Health First Aid Refresher Training Course

Is It Time to Refresh Your Skills?

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.

Book Your Place Now – click here

For more information, contact us at info@heads2minds.co.uk
or visit www.heads2minds.co.uk

Join us in making mental health support accessible, effective, and ongoing.

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

Baby Loss in the Workplace: Time for Change

Baby Loss in the Workplace: Time for Change 💼

1 in 4 pregnancies ends in loss, yet only 10% of UK employees say their workplace has a baby loss or miscarriage policy. Even more concerning: over 20% report receiving no support at all from their employer.

As of 2024:

🔹 Only 36% of organisations have a pregnancy loss policy

🔹 Just 24% of leaders say employees feel comfortable speaking about it

🔹 38,000 employees have been trained in bereavement support by Sands — a great start, but we need more

🔹 In sectors like private equity, only 7% have a written policy in place

🔹 NHS England has advised trusts to offer 10 days’ paid miscarriage leave — a step in the right direction

This isn’t just about policy — it’s about compassion, culture, and leadership. Employers must do better in supporting colleagues through unimaginable loss.

👉 If your organisation hasn’t yet implemented baby loss training or support policies, now is the time.

Our next workplace training session takes place on 10th October in Witham and is only £60 per person!

To book email support@littlewingsofhope.co.uk

Let’s make the workplace a kinder place. One where grief is met with support, not silence.

 

Organised by Little Wings of Hope – Baby Loss Charity 

 

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

Free counselling available for young people in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood

Is a young person you work with struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating or body image concerns?

Renew Counselling and Training is now offering free specialist support for young people in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood.

To find out more or make a referral, just mention “YP Re-Ed” when you get in touch.

📍 Learn more at: https://renew.org.uk/free-counselling-available-for-young-people-struggling-with-eating-disorders-or-body-image/

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