Chelmsford City Council has launched a new Transport Poverty Grant Scheme, with funding available for community-led projects that help people overcome transport barriers and access essential services and opportunities.
A total of £14,000 is available, with eligible organisations able to apply for grants of up to £1,500.
Projects could help improve access to:
🚍 Healthcare
🚍 Employment
🚍 Education and training
🚍 Food support
🚍 Social networks
🚍 Wellbeing activities
The scheme is open to voluntary and community organisations, registered charities, CICs and other eligible not-for-profit organisations.
📅 Applications close at 12pm on Friday 9 October 2026.
Find out more, read the guidance and apply: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/communities/grant-scheme-for-transport-poverty/
Ace Music Therapy have announced the next 2 blocks of free Wiggles and Jiggles groups for babies and their mums in Chelmsford this autumn.
This fun and friendly group combines music, movement, and baby massage to support babies’ early development while giving parents a chance to connect, chat, and enjoy time with their little ones.
Designed and delivered by a qualified Music Therapist and Paediatric Physiotherapist, the sessions combine live music, baby massage & movement to support childhood development, enhance parent-child bonds, and improve maternal mental health.
This evidence-based program uses music as a clinical tool to promote communication, emotional regulation, creativity, and self-confidence. These benefits are especially impactful for mothers experiencing postnatal depression (PND) or isolation, as research demonstrates that structured baby classes improve maternal mood, enhance early interactions, and foster secure attachments. Babies gain from the developmental benefits of live music and tactile activities.
The sessions will be led by Amelia – our CEO & HCPC Registered Music Therapist and Natalie – Paediatric Physiotherapist from Happy Little Feet. The sessions are gentle, engaging, and accessible for babies of all abilities, including those with special needs, from 12 weeks to pre-crawling.
The group will run for 6 weeks, with resources given to parents for practising some of the skills learnt in the group at home. The group can accommodate up to 8 babies and their mums (one parent should attend the entire block where possible.)
Please note – our aim with this group is to reach the people who need it most – Please do not share the group details on social media at this time, we are trying to reach social prescribers, family support teams and those who work with vulnerable parents, who can signpost the mothers they support to our group.
September – October Group (For Babies that will be between 12 weeks + pre-crawling between these dates)
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:
What chemsex is and why it happens
Risks to physical and mental health
Harm reduction and support options
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.
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
This World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October), our friends at Renew Counselling, in partnership with Chelmsford City Council, will be creating a calm and welcoming space on Chelmsford High Street (outside Barclays) from 10am–4pm.
Everyone is invited to take a moment for their wellbeing and enjoy:
✨ Mindfulness and self-care activities, including mini massages from The Beauty Room ✨ Opportunities to chat about counselling and mental health support ✨ Fundraising to help keep counselling affordable and accessible for all
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 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.
Date: Friday, 29th August Time: 11:00 AM Meeting Point: Outside Chelmsford Library
Join us for a fun and engaging community walk through the heart of Chelmsford as part of the Buzz in the City initiative. This 10km walk will take you on a journey to discover the beautiful Farleigh Hospice Bee Sculptures scattered across the city.
Whether you’re a keen walker, a lover of the outdoors, or simply looking for a way to connect with others in the community, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore, chat, and enjoy Chelmsford’s vibrant atmosphere.
What You Need to Know
Distance: 10km
Theme: Finding the Farleigh Hospice Bee Sculptures
Weather: Please dress appropriately for the day’s conditions
Refreshments: Bring your own snacks and drinks
This event is brought to you with the support of Kinder Essex. Let’s get moving, connect with nature, and celebrate the buzz in our city!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Renew Counselling is offering a limited number of bursary-funded counselling places for people who are finding life difficult but may struggle to afford support.
Sessions are available at our centres in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood.
To find out more please contact Renew via info@renew.org.uk or calling 01245 359 353, mentioning our bursary when you get in touch.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Chelmsford Star Co-op is calling on volunteers to participate in the Big Co-op Clean Up at Central Park, Chelmsford.This community-driven event aims to bring together residents, families, and local groups to help keep our cherished green spaces clean and vibrant.
Date & Time: Friday 27th June 2025: 2pm – 3.30pm
Location: Central Park, Chelmsford
Meeting Point: Meet at the gazebo at Bell Meadow CM2 0PD
Please wear sturdy footwear.
Volunteers will be provided with all necessary equipment, including litter pickers, gloves, high-visibility vests, and bin bags. Please bring your own if you can.
Why volunteer?
Make a Visible Impact: Your efforts will contribute to a cleaner, more inviting park for everyone to enjoy.
Community Engagement: Meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in Chelmsford.
