Gain the knowledge and skills to spot the signs of someone experiencing poor mental health
Be confident to start a conversation with someone and signpost them to appropriate support.
You’ll receive MHFAider® certification for 3 years. You can also gain access to ongoing learning, exclusive resources and expert support by joining the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®.
Want to be part of a national movement for better mental health? Sign up for our Mental Health First Aider training with Mind in West Essex!
Could you volunteer to make a difference of a lifetime? Help Parents 1st support parents through pregnancy, birth & beyond…
To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for volunteers in Basildon, Thurrock, Southend and the surrounding areas to help support new and expectant parents at our outreach events. We currently run regular outdoor walk and talk sessions, antenatal information sessions, coffee mornings, fitness and first aid courses and need volunteers to assist our friendly team at these events. Volunteers will help our peer supporters run the events – you might be welcoming parents, making tea, chatting and connecting with parents or holding a baby whilst mum has a drink!
We’re running training for new volunteers during October. Please take a look at our website for more information and to register your interest in taking part in the training:
Essex Community Foundation (ECF) is seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our mission to support communities across Essex.
As some of our valued trustees step down after completing their terms, we are looking to strengthen and diversify our Board so that it truly reflects the communities and voluntary sector we serve. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of local philanthropy and making a lasting difference across Essex.
We’re Looking For:
We welcome applications from anyone with a passion for supporting communities, and we are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience or expertise in:
Charity and the Voluntary Sector
Finance and Investment
Grantmaking
Marketing and Communications
Philanthropy
If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply and share this opportunity within your networks.
Alongside our trustee recruitment, we are also seeking a Co-opted Member for our Finance and Investment Committee. This focused role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with investment expertise to make a meaningful contribution to our work.
Healthwatch Essex has published its Annual Report for 2024–2025, showcasing a remarkable year of impact, innovation, and influence across the health and care system in Essex. Despite a challenging landscape marked by system-wide pressures and financial cuts, the organisation has continued to shine a light on the real experiences of people across the county and use those voices to drive change.
From the powerful and moving “Expressions of Trauma” art exhibition to the ever-growing success of the Fella’s Forums and comedy-led wellbeing events, Healthwatch Essex has continued to explore new ways of engaging communities and breaking down stigma around mental health, trauma, and social isolation. Over 1,400 people accessed support through their Information and Guidance service, and nearly 260 volunteers and ambassadors worked alongside the team to ensure lived experience remained at the heart of decision-making.
The report also highlights vital research into the needs of unpaid carers, women with multiple long-term conditions, and people affected by mould, homelessness, and the care system. Healthwatch Essex’s work with the Integrated Care Boards, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners is helping to improve access to services, tackle inequalities, and shape more inclusive support.
CEO Sam Glover reflected on the impact of projects such as the Carers Voices programme and the Trauma Ambassador network, noting the growing influence of peer-led insight and co-production. The organisation was also recognised this year as a Silver Veterans Accredited Employer and a Fostering Friendly Employer.
Read the full Annual Report to learn more about how people across Essex are helping to shape health and care services with their voices and experiences.
There is now less than one week remaining to respond to the UK Government’s consultation on the proposed formation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.
While the proposed devolution deal could bring significant benefits such as greater local control over funding and decision-making in areas like skills, transport, and business support it is important to note that the consultation also seeks views on future governance arrangements.
Voluntary sector colleagues are strongly encouraged to respond, even if they are broadly supportive of devolution overall. This is a key opportunity to help shape how governance will work in practice, and to ensure that any new arrangements meaningfully reflect and leverage the insights, experience, and community reach of the voluntary sector.
It is vital that the voice of the sector is heard in discussions about how representation is structured and how local knowledge can best inform decision-making within a future Mayoral Combined Authority.
Details of the consultation and how to respond can be found here:
On Wednesday 5 February, the UK government confirmed that Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council have had their request to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme accepted. This follows the councils writing to the UK government on Friday 10 January requesting inclusion on the programme and committing to Local Government Re-organisation.
We are hosting a webinar on Devolution for Voluntary Sector, Community and Faith based groups across Essex, on Tuesday 25 March at 6pm. We want to start the conversation and share what we know about devolution.
Devolution
What is devolution? Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from UK government to local authority level. It is important because decisions are made closer to local people, communities and businesses they affect. Devolution would provide greater freedoms and flexibilities for councils to work more effectively. This would improve public services and outcomes for residents and businesses.
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
youtu.be
Join the conversation
Essex County Council is hosting a webinar on Devolution for Voluntary Sector, Community and Faith based groups across Essex, on Tuesday 25 March at 6pm. They want to start the conversation and share what we know about devolution.
Have your say on the Greater Essex devolution consultation
The UK government has launched the Greater Essex devolution consultation.
The consultation seeks your views on the proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.
The consultation invites those who live and work across Greater Essex to share their views on:
the proposed geography
the effect of establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority in Greater Essex
how the Mayoral Combined County Authority will make decisions
Gain the knowledge and skills to spot the signs of someone experiencing poor mental health
The next course will take place at Uttlesford Community Hub in Great Dunmow on October 21-22. Find out more and book your place here: https://mentalhealthtraining.
Wednesdays 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th October 2026
10:00am–1:00pm
In person, Corringham Fire Station, 
