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
Wednesday 29 April marks Stop Food Waste Day — a global initiative encouraging people to reduce food waste, save money, and make better use of the food we already have.
Food waste is something many of us don’t think about day to day — but it adds up quickly. From forgotten leftovers to buying more than we need, perfectly good food often ends up in the bin. Reducing food waste not only helps the environment, it can also lower household costs and support more sustainable communities.
The good news is that small changes can make a big difference.
Simple ways to reduce food waste at home
Plan before you shop Check your cupboards, fridge and freezer before heading to the shops. Making a simple list helps avoid buying duplicates and reduces impulse purchases that may go to waste.
Understand date labels “Use by” dates relate to safety, but “best before” dates are about quality. Many foods are still perfectly fine to eat after their best before date if stored correctly.
Store food properly Keeping food in the right place helps it last longer:
Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place
Store herbs in water like flowers
Use airtight containers for leftovers
Freeze bread to use when needed
Love your leftovers Leftovers can become tomorrow’s lunch or part of another meal. Roast vegetables can go into pasta, soups or wraps, and cooked rice can be used for stir-fries.
Use your freezer Freezing food is one of the easiest ways to prevent waste. You can freeze:
Bread and baked goods
Cooked meals and leftovers
Fruit for smoothies
Grated cheese
Milk (freeze in portions)
Get involved locally
Across Essex, many community organisations are helping reduce food waste through food sharing schemes, community fridges, cooking groups and surplus food projects. These initiatives help make sure good food is used and shared within the community.
You can discover local food support, community meals and sustainability groups using The Essex Map: https://www.essexmap.co.uk/
This Stop Food Waste Day, small actions at home — and connecting with local initiatives — can help reduce waste, save money and support communities across Essex.
For many people, the festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for others, it can be one of the loneliest times of the year. Feelings of isolation can be heightened during winter, especially for older residents, carers, people living alone, and those facing difficult circumstances.
That’s why the Essex Map is playing an increasingly vital role in connecting people across the county with the support, activities, and community services they need — when they need them most.
The Essex Map is a free, easy-to-use online directory that helps residents find local groups, charities, events, and services in their area. Whether someone is looking for a friendly coffee morning, a mental health support group, wellbeing activities, food support, or social clubs, the Essex Map brings everything together in one place.
Support Is Closer Than You Think
Loneliness doesn’t always look the same. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The Essex Map makes it easier to:
Discover local social groups and community activities
Find wellbeing and mental health support
Access help with food, finances, and everyday living
Connect with charities offering companionship and outreach
This festive period, if you or someone you know is feeling isolated, the Essex Map could be a powerful first step towards support and connection.
👉 Visit www.essexmap.co.uk and explore what’s available in your local area.
Calling All Charities, Community Groups & Support Services
If you are a charity, voluntary organisation, faith group, community group, or support service working to reduce loneliness or support people this winter — we want to hear from you.
By listing your service on the Essex Map, you can:
Reach more people who need your support
Increase awareness of your activities and events
Strengthen connections across the community
Help ensure no one feels alone this festive season
Light Up a Life Day (5th December) is a time for reflection, remembrance, and connection. Whether you have lost a family member, friend, or someone who made a difference in your life, this day offers a moment to honour their memory and celebrate the love they brought into the world.
For many people, days like this can bring a mixture of emotions — comfort, sadness, gratitude, or a sense of longing. That’s why finding the right local support can make such a meaningful difference.
Find Local Bereavement Support on The Essex Map
Across Essex, many charities, hospices, community groups, and organisations provide compassionate support for those coping with loss. To help residents easily find this help, The Essex Map brings together local services in one accessible place.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet space to reflect, a group to share memories with, or professional guidance during a difficult time, The Essex Map can help you find what you need close to home.
🕯️ Supporting Light Up a Life Day in Your Community
Light Up a Life Day encourages individuals and communities to come together and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Many local groups hold remembrance events, candle-lighting ceremonies, tree-decorating activities, or moments of collective reflection.
If your organisation is taking part or offering support around this day, The Essex Map is a valuable place to make your services visible to residents across Essex.
✨ Are You a Bereavement Charity or Support Group?
If you provide bereavement support, counselling, remembrance events, hospice care, or any other related services, you can list your organisation for free on The Essex Map.
Adding your service helps local people find the support they need, especially on days like Light Up a Life Day when many seek comfort and community.
👉 Add your organisation to The Essex Map here:www.essexmap.co.uk (navigate to the “Add a Listing” section) or email: communications@essexalliance.org.uk
By joining the map, you’ll be contributing to a county-wide network of support that ensures no one has to face loss alone.
🌈 You Are Not Alone
Light Up a Life Day reminds us that while loss is deeply personal, support is something we can share. Whether you’re remembering someone special or looking for ways to support others, The Essex Map is here to help you connect with services that care.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Essex communities with ideas to improve their local environment now have the chance to secure significant support through the National Lottery Awards for All England – Environment fund. Grants ranging from £300 to £20,000 are available to help organisations start new environmental initiatives, expand existing projects, or run one-off activities with a clear environmental benefit.
The programme, highlighted by Essex County Council’s Environment and Climate Action team, encourages applications from a wide variety of groups—not just registered charities. If you have a community-focused project that can make a real difference, this could be an ideal opportunity to bring it to life.
What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?
The National Lottery is particularly interested in projects that make a positive environmental impact in one or more of these areas:
Green spaces and nature
Reducing carbon emissions or saving energy
Broader environmental improvements
Potential project ideas include:
Creating or enhancing community gardens, rewilding areas, or providing outdoor learning opportunities
Setting up repair cafés
Launching food growing or food sharing initiatives
Installing solar panels or other energy-saving features in well-used community buildings
Simple Application Process
Applicants need to answer only a few straightforward questions, and decisions are typically made within 16 weeks. This makes the fund accessible to groups of all sizes, including new or informal community organisations.
If your organisation has a vision for strengthening local green spaces, reducing carbon footprints, or improving environmental wellbeing in your community, this grant could provide the support you need.
An overview of how to spot, and help, people with debt or money worries.
Helping Clients in Problem Debt: Recognising Early Signs and Helping Clients Before Crisis
Debt and financial pressure affect millions of people, yet the early signs often remain hidden. Many people do not recognise their situation as problem debt, or feel embarrassed to talk about it until things reach a crisis point.
This practical and informative session is designed for frontline staff, support workers, housing teams, carers, community organisations, and anyone who regularly works with people who may be struggling financially. The session reflects real examples and insights from Citizens Advice work with clients across the region.
You will learn how to spot early indicators of problem debt, understand how financial stress affects wellbeing, and confidently start supportive, non-judgemental conversations that help clients get the right help sooner – recognising always that full, structured and options based advice can only be provided by providers regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (such as ourselves).
What the session covers
What problem debt looks like in everyday life
The difference between priority and non-priority debts and why it matters
Early behavioural and financial warning signs
How the debt spiral develops and how it affects physical and mental wellbeing
How to have sensitive, supportive conversations that build trust
Effective signposting and referral, including when to escalate and how to avoid overstepping into regulated advice
Local trends, common vulnerabilities, and real-life case studies
Practical tools and resources to help clients stabilise their situation
Self-care guidance for frontline workers who handle difficult conversations
Who this event is for
Anyone working with clients or service users, including:
Housing and tenancy teams
Carers and health professionals
Community and voluntary groups
Support workers and caseworkers
Charity staff and advice partners
What you will leave with
Greater confidence in recognising early signs of financial distress
Practical strategies for supportive and constructive conversations
Knowledge of trusted referral pathways and free debt-advice services
Insights that help prevent crisis and improve client wellbeing
A stronger understanding of client vulnerability and the impact of financial stress
Mind in West Essex offers arange 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
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.
