News

This is where we’ll post third sector news and important updates that are useful for your organisation.

Unpaid Carer’s Race Day at Chelmsford City Racecourse : Thursday, 12th June (+Evening Racing)

We are delighted to be supporting for the fourth consecutive year, the Eden Project Communities “Month of Community” in June. As part of this initiative, we are holding our Unpaid Carers Raceday on Thursday 12th June at Chelmsford City Racecourse.

At this raceday, we will once again be offering unpaid carers the opportunity to apply for 2 free general admission tickets.  We have attached the application form for applying for the tickets. Please be aware that this is for carers to attend without their dependants, to provide them with some respite enjoying an evening at the races.

Also, this year, as part of our 10th Anniversary celebrations, we are pledging to raise £100K for 10 charities and to provide activities and events alongside this. These charities are across a diverse sector, and the cause they represent will have an impact on most people or someone they know during their lives.  I have attached more information for your reference.

One of the charities we will be supporting is Dementia UK and their specialist Admiral Nurses by inviting members of the local community and their loved ones who are living with this condition to a cuppa and piece of cake

Join us in a safe space with Dementia UK on hand for advice and support, meet a horse and join in an activity.

At just £5 per person, all profit will be donated to Dementia UK.

DATE: Thursday 20th March 2025 (pre-booking essential)

VENUE: Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, CM3 1QP

TIME: 2:30pm – 4:30pm

BOOK: info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com or call 01245 360300 by 14th March.

 

Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News

Local Baby Loss Charity, Little Wings of Hope, Launches Workplace Training on Baby Loss

Little Wings of Hope, a dedicated baby loss charity, is launching a specialised workplace training program in partnership with esteemed psychotherapist and training facilitator, Paula Abramson. With extensive experience in bereavement support for families and professional training, Paula will lead this vital session designed to help businesses better support employees affected by baby loss.

Why This Training Matters:

Baby loss is a deeply sensitive issue that can have a significant emotional and professional impact on individuals in the workplace. This training will equip attendees with essential skills and knowledge to:

✅ Offer compassionate support to employees experiencing loss
✅ Create a more understanding and inclusive workplace culture
✅ Navigate difficult conversations with confidence

We welcome HR professionals, managers, leaders, and anyone responsible for staff well-being to join us. By attending, you’ll gain invaluable insights that you can take back to your workplace to foster a more supportive and empathetic environment.

📍 Location: Rivenhall Oaks Golf Club, Forest Rd, Evans Way, Witham CM8 2FX
📅 Date & Time: Friday 10th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
💷 Cost: £60 per person

To book a space, please email: littlewingsofhopeuk@gmail.com

Let’s work together to make a difference.

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

NHS Hertfordshire & West Essex ICB: West Essex Children’s Community Healthcare Services

The Hertfordshire & West Essex ICB is working with partners on the future of West Essex children’s community healthcare services. To find out what parents and carers think of existing services, they have launched an anonymous survey which closes on Friday 21 February.

They would be grateful for any support you can give to share the attached poster with your networks in the west Essex area: Survey Poster Here.

By way of background, the children’s community healthcare services include community paediatrician, special school nurses, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists. They are services children and young people use in the community rather than in hospitals or GP practices. There is more information about west Essex children’s community services and plans for its future on the Hertfordshire and West Essex integrated Care Board website.

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

Longfield Solar Farm Community Liaison Group (CLG) – Meeting Invite

Longfield Solar Farm Community Liaison Group (CLG) would like to invite you to their second meeting, which will be held at Boreham Village Hall on Wednesday 5th March 2025 at 2pm.

The aim of the Community Liaison Group (CLG) is to provide a forum for the exchange of information relating to the development of Longfield Solar Farm. The CLG will remain active throughout the construction of the project.

Agenda for the Meeting

At the meeting, there will be a an update on the project, confirmation of the date of the next meeting and answers to any questions you may have.

If you are planning to attend the meeting, email clodagh.steel@edf-re.uk to let them know.

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

Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB Hiring a Project Support Officer

Project Support Worker – NHS AfC Band 4

The Project Support Officer will provide and coordinate administrative and secretarial services; including for example, the preparation of agendas and minutes, taking appropriate follow-up action as required. Supporting the team with the management of projects, gathering information and undertaking enquires.

The postholder will work in a team and coordinate and administer clinical pathway development as well as manages the clinical pathways, clinical policies and pharmacy website. Making these policies and pathways available to our clinicians is a key part of communicating our policies and pathways and supports programme management, transformation, and the maintenance of cost-effective, streamlined, safe care. The postholder will also have opportunities learn the techniques of administration of pharmacy and policies website.

The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, along with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst still ensuring high levels of accuracy and confidentiality. The post holder will have a professional, flexible approach to work and the ability to prioritise/plan their workload. In addition, experience of working in an office environment along with computer literacy in Microsoft Office including, Teams, Outlook, Word and Excel is required.

Previous applicants need not apply.

For more information or to apply, go to https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/v6957385 or contact nisha.jayatilleke@nhs.net

Project Support Worker Info

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

What Can Be Done About Pensioner Poverty?: A Practical Awareness Session

Citizens Advice Essex is offering a focused 90-minute session to raise awareness about pensioner poverty and equip attendees with practical tools to support older adults facing financial and energy-related challenges.
Pensioner poverty is a growing issue, affecting the health, wellbeing, and independence of older people. Many struggle to afford essentials, miss out on financial support like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, or face tough choices as living costs rise. This session will explore the causes of pensioner poverty, practical steps to reduce fuel bills and improve income, and ways to identify and support those in need.
Whether you’re a frontline worker or work behind the scenes, this session will provide actionable insights to make a difference in your community. Delivered by experts from Citizens Advice Essex, it will include real-world examples, referral tips, and practical strategies to ensure the most vulnerable get the help they need.
For more information, or to book, go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1151796607659/

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

Beat Retreat – FREE Drumming Music Therapy for Adult Carers in Maldon

Ace Music Therapy have received funding from Essex County Council, meaning they are able to offer FREE drumming music therapy sessions for Carers in the local community!

Drumming is a powerful tool with physical and emotional benefits such as:
– Boosted mood
– Reduced stress
– Lower blood pressure
– Relief from pain
– Enhanced immunity

Beat Retreat is run by Music Therapist Cherry and Community Musician Becky who look forward to drumming with you!

Date: Wednesdays from 5th of March – 21st of May (9 Weeks Total)
(Every Wednesday except from – 9th April, 16th April & 30th April)

Time: 12-1pm

Venue: West Maldon Community Centre ( https://g.co/kgs/geXStto )

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

The Rhythmic Breath – FREE Group Music Therapy for Chronic Health Conditions in Chelmsford

Ace Music Therapy have recently received funding from Chelmsford City Council & The Health Inequalities Fund to run a FREE 8 week music therapy group for people that live with chronic health conditions.

The sessions will include, amongst other things, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, gentle yoga, movement, music-making, relaxation and talking.

These sessions are suitable for those who manage any long term health conditions, affecting both physical health & mental health.
📄 The sign up link can be found here: https://forms.gle/BLVQoFQySQzJqmACA and we have space for up to 20 attendees.
📆 The group will run weekly on a Monday, starting on the 3rd of Feb, for 8 weeks. Between 1-2pm at the Langton Scout Hall in Melbourne. ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/KdMa1c2vdKbArYGn9 )

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

CPD for Counsellors/Trainee Counsellors in Year 3 or 4

Upcoming CPD for  Counsellors and Trainees: Cyber Trauma and Online Harms

Join Renew Counselling and Training for an insightful Cyber Trauma and Online Harms Introduction Seminar with leading expert Catherine Knibbs.

Renew is a local counselling charity with over 120 years of experience, with a mission to make counselling accessible and affordable. This seminar is part of Renew’s commitment to equipping counsellors with the tools to address the evolving challenges of therapy in the modern world.

This one-day seminar is ideal for counselling professionals and trainees who want to develop their knowledge and skills in addressing the critical issue of online harms in therapy.

Key Details:

Date: Saturday 15th February 2025

Time: 10:00 – 16:00 (6 CPD Hours)

Venue: Sadlers House, Chelmsford

Cost: £40

What You’ll Learn:

  • What cyber trauma is and why it matters in therapy
  • How to identify signs of cyber trauma in clients through clinical observations
  • Safeguarding strategies to promote online safety for children and young people

This seminar is an excellent opportunity to learn from Catherine Knibbs, a leading voice in cyber trauma and online harms, with a wealth of experience in trauma psychotherapy and online safety.

Spaces are limited! Book your spot today by emailing Lesley Roberts at lesleyroberts@renew.org.uk. You can learn more about the course here: https://renew.org.uk/cpd-cyber-trauma-and-online-harms-seminar-join-us

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

Chelmsford City Racecourse Hosting Dementia ‘Time for a Cuppa’ Event

Chelmsford City Racecourse are supporting Dementia UK and families facing dementia.

They are hosting a ‘Time for a Cuppa’ event to raise vital funds to support Dementia UK and their specialist Admiral nurses, and inviting you and your loved ones who are living with this condition to a cuppa and a piece of cake.

Join Chelmsford City Racecourse in a safe space with Dementia UK on hand for advice and support, meet a horse and join in an activity.

At just £5 per person, all profit will be donated to Dementia UK.

Date: Thursday 20th March 2025 (Booking Essential)

Venue: Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, CM3 1QP

Time: 14:30 – 16:30

To book, please email info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com or call 01245 360300 by Friday 14th March.

Chelmsford City Racecourse Dementia UK Event

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