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.
When: Second Monday of every month, 12:30pm – 2:30pm Where: CVST, Imperial House, 22 Rosemary Road, Clacton, CO15 1NZ Cost: £3 per person for refreshments Contact: 01255 425692
The Sight Friendship Group is a welcoming social gathering for blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as their relatives and carers.
Meeting once a month, the group offers a relaxed and friendly space to enjoy a cuppa, share stories, and make connections — and yes, sometimes there’s even cake!
This monthly meet-up is a wonderful opportunity to:
Build friendships and share experiences
Connect with others who understand the challenges of sight loss
Enjoy a warm and supportive community atmosphere
The group is supported by Kinder Essex, Grassroots, Essex Sight, and CVST – Bringing Unity to Our Community.
Everyone is welcome — so if you or someone you know would enjoy an afternoon of good company, conversation, and refreshments, come along!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Looking for a friendly way to connect with others, enjoy nature, and get some gentle exercise?
Mind in West Essex invites you to join our Walk & Talk sessions held every Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the beautiful Waltham Abbey Gardens.
This weekly community event offers the perfect opportunity to take a gentle stroll among the stunning gardens while engaging in friendly conversation with others. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, enjoy fresh air, or simply take a mindful break from your week, Walk & Talk is here for you.
We’re pleased to invite your organisation to apply to become a delivery partner for the Place-Based Support Element of the Your Essex Community Programme – a coordinated effort to strengthen and empower the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across Essex.
As part of this offer, we’re seeking organisations with experience in delivering high-quality, locally relevant infrastructure support – such as training, mentoring, peer learning, network facilitation, and organisational development – to help grow skills and resilience across VCS groups.
This resource is designed to respond directly to the unique needs of each area. The priorities for each district and borough have been informed by local listening events, feedback from VCS organisations, and system insight. Applicants should demonstrate their understanding of the local landscape, and proposals must align with the identified Place Plan priorities which can be found in the attached guidance document.
We’re particularly interested in working with partners who:
Understand the local VCS context and existing networks
Bring subject expertise in areas highlighted in place priorities
Are open to collaboration, innovation, and sharing learning across sectors
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted via our online form here by Sunday 27th July, 11:59pm. The full Guidance for Applicants document can be found attached.
This summer, join Rhiannon Faith Company & Harlow Playhouse for a weekend of FREE, family-friendly fun celebrating care, kindness & community in the heart of Harlow. 💛
How Compassionate Community Meetups are making a difference in Colchester…
These monthlyCompassionate Community Meetupsare an opportunityto be part of a special group of people, places and projects who are helping build networks of support for others experiencing life’s biggest challenges.
Starting at 10am with a cuppa, Thompson Smith & Puxon and Essex Search & Rescuewill be sharing why & how they are supporting local communities.
There will be an opportunity for further networking, sharing, and learning with other community ambassadors to 11am.
Our wellbeing walk will start at 11am for those who wish to join.
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.
Feeding the Family are looking for a passionate individual to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of their work..
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a real impact in the Basildon community.
Key details: • Role: Trustee (voluntary position) • Charity Focus: Tackling loneliness & Isolation through food and community • Commitment: 7 meetings a year • More info & how to apply: feedingthefamily.uk/trustee-recruitment
If you have any questions or know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to get in touch with Keeley Scarborough on 01268 207009 / keeley@feedingthefamily.uk
The Greggs Foundation is delighted to announce the opening of its latest round of Community Grants, specifically targeting not-for-profit organisations operating within Tilbury, Essex.This initiative underscores the Foundation’s commitment to supporting local communities by addressing pressing needs and fostering positive change.
Funding Details:
Grant Amount:Up to £20,000 per year
Duration:Two years
Number of Grants Available:Up to three organisations will be funded in this round
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for a Greggs Foundation Community Grant, applicant organisations must:
Be a not-for-profit entity
Operate within Tilbury, Essex
Align with the Foundation’s Theory of Change, which focuses on:
Addressing direct needs in the local community
Providing food and support for individuals
Reducing social isolation and expanding social networks
Building knowledge, confidence, and opportunities
Application Process:
Applications are now being accepted and will remain open until 12 noon on 9th May.Organisations interested in applying can access the application form and further details through the following link:
For additional information or to discuss the application process further, please contact the Greggs Foundation directly.
This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in the Tilbury community, aiming to empower local organisations that are dedicated to making a meaningful difference.Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply and contribute to the ongoing development and support of the local community.
