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):
Are you a young mum or birthing person in Essex under the age of 25—or do you work with someone who is? We want to hear from you.
We’re running a short, anonymous survey to better understand the needs, experiences, and challenges faced by young mums and birthing people aged 16–25. The feedback gathered will help shape future peer support services, making sure they are relevant, meaningful, and designed around what matters most to you.
It only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and every response will make a real difference.
Why it matters
Becoming a parent at a young age can be both exciting and challenging. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help ensure that services in Essex provide the right kind of support, at the right time.
How you can help
If you work with or know young mums and birthing people in Essex, we’d be so grateful if you could share the survey link—or the flyer—through your networks, during appointments, or on social media.
Together, we can make sure young parents across Essex feel supported and understood.
Join Braintree District Council for a day of giving back and making a difference in our community at Volunteer Day!
Welcome to Volunteer Day!
Come join us on Wed Jun 04 2025 at 10:00 AM at Braintree Town Hall for a day of giving back to our community. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there’s something for everyone at this event.
Help out with local projects, meet like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact in our town. Together, we can make a difference!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and make a difference. See you there!
Join us at the AgeWell Fair for a fun and informative day filled with activities and resources to help you live your best life as you age!
Date: Tuesday 10th June 2025
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Causeway House: 34 Bocking End Braintree CM7 9RW
Braintree District Council is organising the AgeWell Fair, a free event on Tuesday, June 10th, from 10 am to 2 pm at Causeway House in Braintree. This initiative aims to simplify access to vital information and support for residents and their families seeking assistance. Over 30 organisations will be present, offering guidance on various topics, including housing support, health and wellbeing services, and other valuable community resources.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to navigate the support system effectively and discover solutions tailored to their individual needs. Organisations attending include Carers First, Home Instead, and Essex Dementia Care.
While residents can simply turn up on the day, those who register in advance via the Braintree District Council website will receive a complimentary goody bag.
Come and meet partners:
A Place to Be You , Crossroads, Agewell East, Essex Police, Carers First, Home Instead, Healthwatch Essex, Fusion, Freshwell Low Carb Project, Essex Dementia Care, Braintree District Council Community Services, Braintree District Council Handy Man Service, Essex County Council Adult Social Care, Cunningtons Solicitors, Digi Go, Christchurch Pharmacy, Braintree Podiatry, Farleigh Hospice.
Welcome to the AgeWell Fair! Join us on Tuesday 10th June 2025 at Causeway House, Braintree for a day filled with fun activities and valuable information to help you live your best life as you age. From health and wealth advice to fitness and safety information, there’s something for everyone at this event.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with local resources and learn how to stay healthy and active as you get older. Lets help everyone to AgeWell!
Chelmsford Star Co-op host bi-weekly coffee mornings for their members at the Braintree & Chelmsford Quadrant Stores, bringing people together for a warm drink, great company, and inspiring talks.
They are on the lookout for guest speakers to share their knowledge, experiences, or passions with our friendly community. Whether you have an interesting story to tell, expert advice to share, or an engaging topic to present, they’d love to hear from you!
The Chelmsford Group takes place every other Monday and the Braintree Group takes place every other Thursday (10.15am for a 10.30am start. Lasts up to 1 hour.)
If you’re interested in speaking at one of the sessions, please get in touch.
