The Essex Alliance is sharing this on behalf of the Making It Count Project, a partnership between Essex County Council and the University of Essex.
In speaking with many community and voluntary sector organisations, a key challenge they face is evidencing the impact of their work. Many have told us that the issue is not counting activities, but demonstrating outcomes such as:
Increased confidence
Reduced isolation
Sense of belonging
Improved wellbeing
Long-term change
These outcomes matter deeply, but they can be difficult to measure consistently and meaningfully.
Addressing this challenge is at the heart of the Making It Count project– a partnership between the University of Essex and Essex County Council. This project aims to support Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE) organisations by creating a simple, practical toolkit to help them measure their impact. We are looking for VCSE organisations and community stakeholders in ESSEX to join us in developing this toolkit together.
There will be opportunities to contribute through:
Workshops
Feedback sessions
Reviewing draft approaches
Sharing challenges and priorities from practice
Whether you work in a food bank, community organisation, wellbeing service, social prescribing programme, volunteer-led project, or another community setting, your experience could help shape the future toolkit.
Are you delivering services in Essex and interested in getting involved? Contact us below.
The Essex Alliance is sharing this news on behalf of Essex County Council.
The Community Exchange is a FREE of charge platform connecting commercial businesses with voluntary services, social enterprises and community groups.
It acts a notice board for organisations to exchange:
volunteering time
materials or equipment
work placements
training and apprenticeship opportunities
careers support
Check out our Suppliers’ Offers to see what is on offer. Simply use the email address provided next to what you are interested in.
Or if you can’t find what you’re looking for, add what you need help with to our Wishing Wall. Just submit your answers to the below questions to Craig.Johnson@essex.gov.uk.
Alcohol Awareness Week takes place from 6–12 July 2026, providing an opportunity to get people thinking and talking about alcohol and the role it can play in our lives.
Organised by Alcohol Change UK, this year’s theme is ‘Alcohol and me’, encouraging us to take a few minutes to reflect on our own relationship with alcohol and consider how it may be affecting our health, wellbeing and everyday lives.
Alcohol can often feel like a normal part of many social occasions and everyday experiences, from celebrations and nights out to relaxing at home. Alcohol Awareness Week offers an opportunity to think about our drinking habits without judgement and to better understand the impact alcohol can have.
For some, this might mean learning more about alcohol and its effects. For others, it could involve cutting down, trying an alcohol-free alternative or seeking additional support.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and even small changes can be a positive step.
Finding support in Essex
If you, a friend or a family member are looking for support, there are organisations and community services available across Essex.
The Essex Map is a free online directory designed to help local residents discover community groups, charities, services and activities in their area.
By searching The Essex Map, you can explore local organisations and support services and find help available within your community.
Alcohol Awareness Week is an important reminder that it is okay to reflect on our relationship with alcohol, ask questions and seek support when we need it.
Taking the time to think about ‘Alcohol and me’ could be the first step towards making a positive change.
This Carers Week, let’s recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution unpaid carers make every day across Essex and the UK.
Carers Week is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness of caring, recognising the challenges unpaid carers face, and helping people access the support, services, and community connections available to them.
The Essex Map is a free community directory designed to help people find local support services, wellbeing activities, advice organisations, community groups, and carers’ support across Essex.
Whether you’re:
💙 An unpaid carer looking for support or local services ☕ Searching for community groups, advice sessions, or wellbeing activities 🤝 Wanting to connect with others who understand caring responsibilities 📍 Looking for local organisations offering support for carers and families 🏡 Or part of a service supporting carers in your community
…the Essex Map can help people find the support they need.
Are you an organisation supporting carers?
From advice services and respite support to wellbeing groups, community activities, and information sessions — you can add your service or organisation to the map for free and help carers across Essex connect with local support.
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.
