Volunteering

Launch of The Harlow Multi-Agency Centre Drop-in Service

The Harlow Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) drop-in service is now ready to launch!

The aim of the MAC is to bring together a range of partner agencies in one place, making it easier for people to access the advice, guidance and support they need. By working together, the MAC can provide a more joined-up approach and improve outcomes for the people they support.

Everyone needs a little support sometimes. MAC Harlow is your one-stop shop for practical support, advice and guidance – whatever you’re dealing with. This could be:

  • Housing, rent and council tax
  • Benefits, budgeting and debt
  • Work, education and training
  • Social care
  • Mental health
  • Volunteering
  • Homelessness
  • Domestic abuse
  • Drugs and alcohol

It’s free and open to everyone – no referral needed.

When: Last Thursday of each month from 10:00-12:00, starting 27th August 2026

Where: Harlow Jobcentre, CM20 1NA

 

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

World Environment Day – 5 June

 

 

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June)

Volunteers make an incredible difference to communities across Essex every day. Whether you’re looking to give back, develop new skills, meet people, or support a cause you care about, there’s a volunteering opportunity waiting for you.
Looking to volunteer?
Visit The Essex Map at www.essexmap.co.uk to discover local volunteering opportunities and find a role that suits your interests, availability, and skills.
Recruiting volunteers?
If you’re a charity, community group, social enterprise, or voluntary organisation, make sure your opportunities are listed on Essex MAP so that potential volunteers can find you.
Need extra help finding volunteers?
Members can also submit volunteer requests to the Essex Alliance weekly newsletter, reaching organisations, partners, and individuals across the county. Simply email communications@essexalliance.org.uk with details of your opportunity.
This Volunteers’ Week, let’s celebrate the people who give their time to strengthen our communities and encourage even more Essex residents to get involved.

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

HMRC Announces Increase to Volunteer Mileage Rates

HMRC has announced a long-awaited increase to volunteer mileage rates – rising from 45p to 55p per mile. This change follows years of campaigning from voluntary sector organisations and will have important implications for volunteer expenses, budgeting and recruitment.

We’ve broken down what this means for charities, community groups and volunteer-involving opportunities – including what you may need to review next.

Read the full update here.

Author: Niamh Gibson
Posted:
Categories: Article, News

Mind in West Essex Looking for Befriending Support Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunity!

 Mind in West Essex are looking for a Befriending Support Volunteer for 2 – 4 hours a week (flexible).

Their free befriending service helps reduce loneliness and isolation by creating meaningful connections that support emotional wellbeing.

As a Befriending Support Volunteer, you will play an important role in helping people access the right support at the right time.

This includes…
  • Making initial phone calls to people waiting to access the service, having supportive wellbeing conversations to understand their needs.
  • Checking in regularly with our volunteer befrienders, offering encouragement and identifying any support they may need.

…and more.


If you are empathetic, reliable, and committed to reducing loneliness and promoting positive mental wellbeing in our community, get in touch!

👉 Email volunteering@mindinwestessex.org.uk for more information and a full role description.

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

DO YOU CARE ABOUT CARERS?

BECOME A TRUSTEE

Help shape the future of Crossroads Braintree & Chelmsford

We’re looking for compassionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Whether you have lived experience, professional skills, or simply a passion for supporting unpaid family carers and older adults — your voice matters.

What you’ll gain:

✅ Use your skills for good

✅ Make a real difference in Mid Essex

✅ Be part of a warm, inclusive team

✅ No prior trustee experience needed — just commitment and care

Interested or want to learn more?

📩 Contact: Danni Perry

Finance and Business Development Manager

📧 braintreexroads@btconnect.com

📞 01376 529985

📍 Crossroads Braintree & Chelmsford, 8 Park Farm, Witham Road, Black Notley, Braintree CM77 8LQ

🧾 Charity No: 105939

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News, Opportunities

Volunteer with ‘Every Child Online’!

Are you looking to upskill, connect with others, and make a real difference in your community?

Every Child Online is seeking friendly Volunteer Ambassadors to help run our pop-up stalls across Essex.

As a Volunteer Ambassador, you’ll:

  • Promote online safety and digital inclusion

  • Raise awareness of our cause and support fundraising

  • Help children and young people access the tech they need to succeed in school and life

This is a flexible and rewarding opportunity where you can gain digital, client, and event skills, meet new people, and enjoy the satisfaction of helping others.

📢 Sign up today HERE

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: News, Opportunities

Volunteer at our Community Allotment in Saffron Walden…

Mind in West Essex are looking for people to volunteer, both as individuals and in small groups, at our Community Allotment in the Saffron Walden area!

Our vision is for local people to be involved in aspects of running the allotment – from planning, building beds and planting, to watering and ongoing maintenance.

Getting outdoors, moving more and learning new skills all have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, which is why we’re so passionate about this project.

We’ve cleared the space, replaced the fence so that it’s a safe place to go and built a shed. Now, we need your help to get the allotment up and running – we have beds to build, prepare and sow; a shed to waterproof; a planting schedule to create; ongoing maintenance to do and more.

If you are interested or want to find out more, please contact Lisa on 07511 178438 or email community@mindinwestessex.org.uk today!

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News, Opportunities

Volunteer Day (Braintree Town Hall)

Join Braintree District Council for a day of giving back and making a difference in our community at Volunteer Day!

Welcome to Volunteer Day!

Come join us on Wed Jun 04 2025 at 10:00 AM at Braintree Town Hall for a day of giving back to our community. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there’s something for everyone at this event.

Help out with local projects, meet like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact in our town. Together, we can make a difference!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and make a difference. See you there!

Register HERE today and claim your free goodie bag on the day! 

 

 

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News, Opportunities

Join Chelmsford Star Co-op to help clean up Central Park in Chelmsford…

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

  • LocationCentral Park, Chelmsford 

  • Meeting PointMeet 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 ImpactYour efforts will contribute to a cleaner, more inviting park for everyone to enjoy.

  • Community EngagementMeet like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in Chelmsford.

Call 0800 254 0404 or email: Membership@chelmsfordstar.coop

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or trying it for the first time, your contribution is valuable and appreciated. 

 

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News