essex

Mid & North East Essex Mind Offering Suicide Awareness Workshops

The Essex Alliance is sharing this information on behalf of Mid & North East Essex Mind.

Mid and North East Essex Mind are pleased to offer new Suicide Awareness workshops for organisations and the communities of Mid and North East Essex. This course is designed to help you have potentially life-saving conversations and provide practical tools to help stay calm, respond with confidence, and know what to say (and what not to say) when someone may be at risk. It looks at warning signs, and how to hold a supportive and boundaried conversation, whilst connecting the person to the right kind of help – without taking on the role of a therapist or clinician.

During this workshop, participants will:
– Discuss warning signs to look out for, even when the person may not be engaged with mental health services or specifically have spoken about suicide
– Learn appropriate language to use when talking about suicide
– Explore strategies for self-care both during and after conversations about suicide.

The workshops are taking place on:

  • 15th July – Colchester
  • 9th September – Clacton
  • 10th November – Chelmsford

To find out more and to book a space on one of our fully funded workshops please visit https://mnessexmind.org/suicide-awareness/

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Training

Join New Lived Experience Steering Group

The Essex Alliance is sharing this opportunity on behalf of the University of Essex and Essex County Council.

We are inviting people to join the Making It Count Steering Group, a project run by Essex County Council and the University of Essex.

The project aims to develop a practical toolkit to help community organisations, charities, commissioners, and public health teams understand and show the difference their work makes.

We would like to hear from:

• Local residents who have completed feedback forms or surveys about services they have used (such as community groups, food banks, or wellbeing activities)

• People who work or volunteer in organisations that provide these types of services

If you are interested, please take a look at the attached flyer for more information about the role, support available, and payment for taking part.

Click HERE for Flyer

To express your interest, please complete the short online form here: Expression of Interest Form

We would also appreciate it if you could share this invitation with colleagues, community groups, and local residents who may be interested.

We would love to hear from you.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities

Online Survey about Community Micro-Enterprises

The Essex Alliance is sharing this survey on behalf of Essex County Council.

Community Micro‑Enterprises (CME) are very small, local businesses—typically with eight or less staff—that provide highly personalised care and support. They offer a wide range of services such as personal care, cleaning, activities, trade services, therapies and wellbeing support. Focused on enhancing independence and wellbeing, they deliver flexible, tailored help and are often run by local people for their own communities, offering an alternative to larger organisations and care agencies.

Thurrock and Essex Councils are running CME projects to make sure people who receive Direct Payments or pay for their own care have enough local, personalised services to choose from. We have agreed to work together so that our CME projects run in the same way across both Councils. To achieve this, we want to work with people – rather than making decisions alone – to develop a shared approach for how we welcome and set up new micro‑enterprises. Our aim is to make sure the process and requirements for joining our programmes are proportionate, practical, and based on what people who use these services truly need and want.

We are asking for feedback from people who use CMEs, Direct Payments recipients, family carers, micro-enterprise owners, and social care professionals. We would really appreciate if you could take a few minutes to complete our online survey. You don’t need any prior knowledge of micro‑enterprises to take part—we want to hear from as many different perspectives as possible.

To access the online survey you can follow the link below:

Thurrock & Essex Community Micro-enterprise Model Survey – Fill in form

 

Thank you so much in advance for taking part!

 

 

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, Consultations, News, Opportunities

Basildon Girls’ Personal Development Programme Launches Free Summer Camp Open Day

Girls Life Club Project (GLC), a personal development programme for girls aged 11–16 based in Basildon and Laindon, Essex, is delighted to announce its FREE Open Day on Saturday 25 July 2026, marking the official launch of its flagship Summer Camp programme running 27 July – 27 August 2026.

The Summer Camp is a four-week, community-based programme designed to equip young girls with the life skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive. Sessions cover five key themes:

  1. Foundation and Mindset
  2. Money and Financial
    Literacy
  3. Home and Independence
  4. Digital Wellness and Relationships
  5. Future Vision

What to Expect on Open Day
Members of the press, local families, community partners, and supporters are warmly invited to attend. On the day, guests can expect:
• Meet the GLC team, volunteers, and local parents
• A showcase of the Summer Camp curriculum and resources
• Information on how to enrol your daughter for the Summer Camp
• Meet the facilitators and see the full session curriculum up close
• Refreshments and a welcoming community atmosphere

“Girls in our community deserve a space that truly invests in them, their confidence, their futures, and their wellbeing. The Summer Camp is our biggest step yet in making that a reality. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome families, partners, and supporters to see what we’ve built.”
— Phebi Adeoye, Founder & Programme Director, Girls Life Club Project

Event Details
Date: Saturday 25 July 2026
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Venue: Laindon, Essex
Admission: Free, registration required

Book your place: https://girlslifeclub.co.uk/events/open-day-2026
Summer Camp dates: 27 July – 27 August 2026

About Girls Life Club Project
Girls Life Club Project is a personal development programme for girls aged 11–16, run by Life Skills Community CIC (Company No. 17164034), based in Basildon and Laindon, Essex. Founded by Phebi Adeoye a paediatric nurse, public health specialist, and life coach. GLC provides a safe, empowering space for young girls to build the skills and confidence they need to navigate life. GLC exists because every girl deserves to grow up knowing her worth and her potential.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

NHS Talking Therapies Free Mind & Movement Course

The Essex Alliance is sharing this news on behalf of Vita Health Group and their NHS Talking Therapy service.

A ‘Move for Your Mind’ course is now available via NHS Talking Therapies, which is designed to support you with gently increasing activity whilst managing your long-term health condition.

Do you find it difficult to maintain regular exercise or a physical activity routine?
Do you notice that changes in how much you’re able to move can affect your emotional wellbeing?
This course is designed for people living with physical health conditions, offering support at your own pace, in a way that works for you.

 

What You’ll Learn

  1. Understanding links between physical and mental health
  2. How physical activity can benefit your emotional wellbeing
  3. Help with managing worry, overthinking or self-criticism
  4. Understand your current behavioural patterns
  5. Learn how to stay well and set manageable goals

Course Details

  • 10-week course
  • 6 wellbeing sessions
  • 1-1.5 hours per session
  • 4 optional 1-1 coaching calls

Self refer today by going to vitahealthgroup.co.uk

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities

Diabetes Awareness Week – 8–14 June

This Diabetes Awareness Week, let’s raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help people across Essex connect with local diabetes support, wellbeing services, and community organisations.

Diabetes Awareness Week is a UK-wide awareness campaign dedicated to shining a light on the realities of living with diabetes, supporting those affected, and encouraging people to access information, advice, and community support.

The Essex Map is a free community directory that helps people discover local health services, support groups, wellbeing activities, charities, and community organisations across Essex — including services supporting people living with diabetes and related health conditions.

Whether you’re:
💙 Looking for diabetes support or wellbeing services
🍎 Searching for healthy lifestyle or community activities
🏃 Wanting to improve physical and mental wellbeing
🤝 Looking to connect with local support groups and organisations
🏥 Or part of a service supporting people living with diabetes

…the Essex Map can help people find local support and community connections.

Are you an organisation supporting people living with diabetes or long-term health conditions?

Add your service or organisation to the map for free and help more people across Essex discover the support available in their local community.

📍 Explore the map: www.essexmap.co.uk

📢 Add your organisation or service listing today and help make support more visible during Diabetes Week and beyond.

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News

Carers Week – 8–14 June

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.

📍 Explore the map:
www.essexmap.co.uk

📢 Add your organisation or service listing today and help make support more visible during Carers Week and beyond.

#CarersWeek #CarersWeek2026 #UnpaidCarers #Essex #CommunitySupport #EssexMap #Wellbeing #SupportForCarers #CommunityConnections

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with the Essex Map

June is Great Outdoors Month — the perfect time to get outside, get active, and discover the amazing outdoor spaces, activities, and community groups across Essex.

The Essex Map helps people find local opportunities to improve wellbeing, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors. From walking groups and community gardens to outdoor fitness, family activities, nature projects, and wellbeing services, the map makes it easier to discover what’s happening near you.

Whether you’re:
🚶 Looking for local walking or cycling groups
🌳 Searching for outdoor wellbeing activities
🌼 Wanting to connect with nature and your community
👨‍👩‍👧 Looking for family-friendly outdoor activities
🤝 Or part of an organisation offering outdoor services or events

…the Essex Map can help you connect with local opportunities.

Do you run an outdoor group, activity, or community service?

Add your organisation or event to the map for free and help more people across Essex discover ways to enjoy the outdoors and support their wellbeing.

📍 Explore the map: www.essexmap.co.uk

📢 List your service or organisation today and help people make the most of Great Outdoors Month this June.

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

World No Tobacco Day: Find Local Support Across Essex

Sunday 31st May marks World No Tobacco Day, a global campaign highlighting the importance of reducing tobacco use and supporting people to quit smoking.

Quitting smoking is one of the most positive steps someone can take for their health, but it can also be challenging. The good news is that support is available across Essex, with a wide range of organisations offering advice, guidance, and practical help to those looking to quit.

Find help near you with Essex MAP

The Essex Map (Mapping Essex’s Community Assets) is a free online directory designed to connect residents with local services and support. Whether you’re looking for stop smoking services, wellbeing support, or community groups, Essex MAP makes it easy to find help in your area.

👉 Visit Essex Map: https://www.essexmap.co.uk/

By bringing together services in one place, Essex Map helps individuals take that first step towards a healthier lifestyle—whether that’s quitting smoking or accessing wider wellbeing support.

Supporting organisations across Essex

World No Tobacco Day is also an opportunity for organisations to ensure their services are visible and accessible to those who need them.

If your organisation provides:

  • Stop smoking support
  • Health and wellbeing services
  • Community or peer support

we encourage you to list your service on Essex Map. It’s a simple way to reach more people and make a real difference in your community.

Take the first step

If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, you don’t have to do it alone. Local support is available, and Essex MAP is here to help you find it.

This World No Tobacco Day, take the first step towards a healthier future.

👉 Explore support services now: https://www.essexmap.co.uk/

Email: communications@essexalliance.org.uk

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News

Sport for Confidence Recruiting Community Occupational Therapist

Sport for Confidence are recruiting a Community Occupational Therapist.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference and impact to people’s lives locally in the community by providing practical support to empower individuals to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the meaningful activities that matter to them.

Full Job Description

  • Based in Witham, Essex
  • 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract
  • £32,100 – £40,800 FTE, depending on experience
  • Part Time – 3 days per week

If you are interested in applying for the role, please send your CV to careers@sportforconfidence.com.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News, Opportunities, Third Sector Jobs