The great majority of funding is applied to projects and groups within Essex: either directly or through national charities for specific Essex-based projects. Each application is considered by the Trustees collectively, and if approved, an appropriate donation is determined.
The Grants Administrators may arrange to visit potential recipients before or after any grant is awarded in order to establish any anticipated benefit, or to monitor its outcome.
The Trust does not award annual grants. At least 12 months must elapse before further applications may be made.
Applications for core funding, project-based initiatives, refurbishment of premises and also equipment costs may all be considered for awards.
We are always looking for people to tell us about their story and experiences but we also occasionally have opportunities to get more fully involved in shaping future services across Essex. These are open to you if you live or work in Essex and are keen to volunteer with us. You can give as much or as little of your time as you want, but any time you can give will make a difference.
From time to time we recruit for specific opportunities to represent voice of people in Essex as services are re-designed.
These roles can involve:
Attending meetings with NHS managers and clinical staff
Inputting to and challenging new proposals for services
Reviewing leaflets and information given out by the NHS
Engaging with other patients to feed their experiences back alongside your own
In the Year that Harlow turns 75 we are celebrating all that the Voluntary & Community Sector has to offer Harlow Residents.
Come and join us in The Water Gardens on Thursday 4th August between 11.00am and 3.00pm To book a stall or for more information, contact Kelly as per below.
Networking…Sharing experiences…Partnership working… E-bulletin…Strengthening the voice of the sector…Workshops… Discussion…Guest speakers…Training…News…Support…
The public and community serving organisations are invited to attend a Compassionate Communities Tendring network workshop, from 10-12 on Weds 13 July at the Friendship Room, Pier Avenue Baptist Church, 117 Pier Ave, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1NJ.
Compassionate Communities Tendring is a network for residents, organisations, groups, schools, healthcare services, service users and carers, that promotes and support kindness, compassion, and a collaborative approach to caring for one another at times of health crisis and personal loss.
Start-up workshops in Clacton and Harwich have provided an opportunity for people to share and learn about existing community assets and to discuss and identify local priorities that can improve care for those experiencing end of life and bereavement.
This workshop will focus on the creation of a shared action plan – including identifying a calendar of community events and activities that the network can collaboratively promote and support.
Everybody is welcome – the wider community representation that supports a Compassionate Community approach the better! Please just confirm if you would like to attend via [email protected] so that we can manage numbers.
Get help for your good cause, charity or community group
We can help you connect with businesses that have volunteer time, money or product surplus to donate. The first step is to create your free page and tell us what kind of help you need.
Neighbourly is an award-winning giving platform that helps businesses make a positive impact in their communities by donating volunteer time, money and surplus products, all in one place.
My Name is Les Nicoll I am a Community Builder for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
As we finally begin getting back to near normal after these two awful years
I would like to restart
Network speed dating
Whilst some of you will remember these events from pre Covid
I realise that several will be very confused.
Network Speed dating is a Free, fun opportunity to catch up with old friends working in the community or build new community connections.
It is a great way for new team members to create their own contacts list, so even if it does not suit you, please forward to others in your team
I have for several years, arranged Network speed dating events across the county and have seen very many successful partnerships formed between organisations.
How does it work?
Speed Networking involves up to 25 or so people from Community support team’s charities or structured organisations.
Sitting in a line opposite to somebody else from the community, you get a total of Just 6 minutes to discuss your roles and work in the community at the same time. The person opposite is telling you of theirs.
After 6 minutes the bell goes (or a still strikingly handsome older Firefighter shouts, “Move on”)
At which point you move on to the next person until you have engaged with all people in the room
This creates the opportunity to make up to 24 new contacts or renew friendships with old contacts
There will be an hour at the end to develop any contacts or potential partnerships.
To ensure the informal atmosphere, there will of course be Tea/Coffee, breakfast and cakes
As I keep saying, I really want these events to be very informal and fun, knowing how committed we all are to our jobs I know lots of new partnerships will be made also each of us will get lots of sign posting opportunities going forward.
For the best results, one person from each organisation is ideal.
They can then pyramid the information down to others in their team.
Please let me know if you or a member of your team are interested.
This is a fun and Successful Networking event
The main point being that we meet many people from lots of different organisations,
If you would like book a place at this Free event, can you email me.
* Your name,
* organisation,
* e mail and contact telephone numbers plus permission to copy add to attendees listTo save Business cards I will try to develop a contact list so then all you need is a Highlighter to mark the people you need to follow up.
Feel free to bring along pull-ups or advertising boards to make the event seem more professional Please also could you help me by forwarding this e-mail to as many of your contacts that you feel might be interested.
We do need new blood so any charity, organisation or community support team would be very welcome.
Feedback shows that we have an average of 14 new worthwhile contacts.
And 3-4 renewal of old contacts from each event
Tendring Community speed Networking
Clacton Fire station, St Johns Road Clacton
18th July doors open 09.30am for 10.00am start
If you require any further information about this event, please feel free to give me a call on 07779129888
Join Essex Opportunities for their monthly live show focusing on different topics relating to employment and training opportunities in Essex. Each show is 25 minutes long and they will be joined local employers, training providers, and employment advisors, who will be available to answer your questions and help you find the right opportunity for you.” Wednesday 13th July at 6pm
“Are you interested in starting a new career? Then join Essex Opportunities Live as they discuss careers in sports and fitness for Essex residents. Join them Wednesday 13th July 6pm – 6.25pm
The Visual Impairment Procedure helps safeguard visually impaired members of the community who need to confirm if a person at their door is a police officer.
Use of the procedure is optional, but it does add a layer of security and assurance when visual identification of a police officer by their uniform or warrant card is impractical.
Depending upon the reason for calling at your address, the officer may not need to come into your property. If it’s appropriate, they may be able to discuss matters at the door, but you still have the option to use the Visual Impairment Procedure to verify their identity.
Who can use this service?
The procedure can be used by anyone with a visual impairment, to any degree, and regardless of whether they have a guide dog or not. Other eligible service users would include anyone who cares for or supports someone who is visually impaired.
Those members of the community living with dual sensory loss can also use the protocol but depending on the severity of the hearing loss, it may be best that a carer or someone else in their support network, assists.
How does the procedure work?
You are safeguarded by verifying the identity of a police officer that has called at your address, before you let them into the premises. This verification is facilitated by the Police Contact Centre, either over the phone or by the attending officer using an agreed password.
The individual steps to be followed when using the protocol can be found at the end of this page.
When can the procedure be used?
There are two scenarios when the protocol can be used.
Firstly, when you or someone calling on your behalf, calls 1 0 1 or 9 9 9, you can ask the Police Contact Centre to use the procedure. In this scenario, a memorable one-time-password is chosen, and this is shared with the officer that is dispatched to your address. When the officer arrives, they will be expected to state the password to the person answering the door. If the officer cannot give the password, they should not be allowed into the property.
The procedure can also be applied in a second scenario where you have not initially called the police. In this scenario the officer’s attendance could be planned, for example a pre-arranged appointment, or unplanned, such as spontaneous house-to-house enquiries. In either case, you would call 1 0 1 and confirm the identity of the officer by verifying their collar number, purpose for the visit, and a log number if this is available. If this information cannot be verified, the person at the door should not be allowed into the property.
Calling 1 0 1
The Police Contact Centre will answer 1 0 1 calls as soon as possible. At times of peak demand, there may be a short delay, so please be patient and keep your door closed and locked whilst making the call.
The officer may say that they will return in a few minutes to give you time to make the call. You should not feel pressured to hurry the process, the officer understands, and they will attend to other duties nearby.
Some notes on safety and security
It is always best to be cautious when answering the door to someone you don’t know. Use a door chain or bar if one is fitted and never let anyone into your property if you are unsure of their identity.
All Essex Police officers have been briefed on the Visual Impairment Procedure and will understand when you ask them to wait outside while you use the protocol. A police officer will never insist on entering your property to wait while you make the call to confirm their identity.
An officer will never tell you that you don’t need to verify their identity. If you wish to use the procedure, they will support you in doing this. They will not, however, offer you their own phone for you to make the necessary call.
The officer may ask for some time while they contact the Police Contact Centre to check information. Please allow them to do this as they may have been asked to attend your address at short notice. If something doesn’t feel right though, and you are worried that the person at the door is not really a police officer, call 9 9 9.
Using police powers to enter your property
It is a police officer’s duty to protect life. In an emergency, they may need to enter the premises without delay to achieve this.
An officer may also exercise police powers under very specific circumstances to enter your property. Examples of this range from preventing serious damage to property, to arresting somebody for an indictable offence. These circumstances are laid out in law and such police powers are only used where necessary.
Should any police officer have to enter your property without waiting for you to use the Visual Impairment Procedure, they will give clear instructions to you and anyone else in the property. The officer will describe events and ensure you are fully informed of what is happening.
Steps to follow when using the Visual Impairment Procedure
This final section describes the steps to be taken for the two scenarios when using the Visual Impairment Procedure with Essex Police.
Steps for scenario 1, when you need to call the police and verify the identity of the officer that attends
The protocol begins when you call 1 0 1, or if it is an emergency, when you call 9 9 9.
When you are connected to the Police Contact Centre, tell the call handler that you would like to use the Visual Impairment Procedure.
The call handler will ask you to choose a memorable one-time-password. They will help you if you are not sure what to choose. In an emergency, they may pick a password for you.
The Police Contact Centre will inform the officer attending that the Visual Impairment Procedure is being used, and what the one-time-password is.
When the officer attends your address, you should ask the officer for the password without letting them in.
The officer’s response will either be:
The correct password, allowing you to admit them into the property.
OR, an incorrect password or no password provided, which should prompt you to contact 9 9 9 and ask for the police. When you are connected to the Police Contact Centre, explain that you are using the Visual Impairment Procedure, and you are unable to verify the person at your door is a police officer. The police call handler will assist you.
That concludes the steps for scenario 1.
Steps for scenario 2, when you need to verify the identity of an officer that has called at your address, but you did not initiate the visit
The procedure begins when a police officer calls at your address and you wish to verify their identity.
Without letting them in, tell the officer that you would like to use the Visual Impairment Procedure.
The officer should provide you with their collar number, purpose for the visit, and a log number if this is available. Record this information by whatever method is easiest for you. This could be using assistive technology such as a voice recorder or your phone. If you are partially sighted, you can ask the officer to write the details down clearly to assist you.
The officer may explain that they will come back a little later, or they may wait outside while you verify their identity.
Call the Police Contact Centre on 1 0 1 and ask to use the Visual Impairment Protocol to verify the officer’s identity.
Tell the police call handler the log number, the officer’s collar number, and purpose for the visit.
The police call handler’s response will either be:
The details are confirmed, allowing you to admit the officer into the property.
OR, the details are not confirmed, which should prompt the call handler to dispatch a police officer to check on your welfare. A memorable one-time-password will be used to verify the identity of that officer, in the same way as scenario 1.
As the cost of living continues to rise, we all need a little extra help keeping our families entertained this summer.
This page provides information on the top offers and activities running throughout the summer holidays in west Essex. All of the activities listed below are either free of charge, or low cost.
We will continue to update this page as new information comes through, so please visit regularly.
School holiday family activities
West Essex (various locations)
Summer Fun Program – Join us for an action packed three days of fun, challenge, and games. Absolutely free to attend. We have created a three day programme of interaction and challenge.
After the three days, you have the opportunity to complete an optional two day/one night walking expedition, camping in the great outdoors! Taking place on 22nd and 23rd August 2022. This expedition will be recognised as the bronze DofE Award expedition. All of the skills taught during the three days will ensure you are safe and able to complete the expedition element.
Active Essex Holiday Clubs – These Summer clubs are funded by Essex County Council and Department For Education for primary and secondary aged children (5-16 year olds) who are eligible for benefits based free school meals, as well as those from low income working families who would benefit from this support.
Play in the Park – Now the days are getting warmer, why not go outside and enjoy it? We have outdoor fun and games, arts and crafts sorted for everyone and it’s totally FREE!
Many locations throughout Epping, see website for information.
Disc Golf – Disc Golf is a great group activity and is just a stone’s throw from the centre in River Lee Country Park. Pick up your score card for £1 at reception and either bring your own frisbee or purchase discs from us. River Lee Country Park, which is on the centre’s doorstep, is full of fun for the family but this is one of our favourite activities! Make your way around the nine hole course, as you attempt to throw your flying disc into the goal – see if you can make par! See website for information.
Visit Redwings Ada Cole – Redwings Ada Cole is home to 80 horses, ponies and donkeys, including handsome Gelderlander Zippy, cheeky donkey Del Boy, lovely Shetland pony Tinkerbell and rock ‘n’ roll pony Elvis – not forgetting Redwings’ tiniest resident, Teeny Tucker!
Who – All When – Saturday 6 August – Midday to 5pm
Where – The Green, Theydon Bois, CM16 7ES
Cost – Free Who – All When – 2nd July – 10.30am to 4.00pm
Where – Waltham Abbey Fire Station, EN9 1PA
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Fun Day – Join a day of wild activities at this special event! Face painting in the museum garden (£5 for full face or £3.50 for a festival style design, no booking required. Or get crafting and make your own paper wildlife creations £2.40 per drop in session.
Cost – from £2.40 Who – Children all ages welcome When – Saturday 30 July 10am to 3pm
Where – Epping Forest District Museum, 39 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL
Family Fun Day – Join us for another day of fun with activities in the garden and a puppet show from the wonderful Miraiker’s World of Puppets! All ages welcome. No need to book, just drop in during opening hours. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Puppet shows take place at 11:30am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
Cost – Free Who – All When – Saturday 13 August 10am to 4pm
Where – Epping Forest District Museum, 39 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL
Family Fun Drop-Ins – Join us at the museum on Tuesdays during Essex school holidays for some family fun. Activities are most suitable for 5 to 11 years old, but all ages are welcome to come along. Cost £2.40 per child. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Activities are available between 10:30am and 3:30pm on the following dates. You only need to allow about 30 minutes to complete the activity. There’s no need to book, just drop in on the day.
Brambles Family Hub – Epping Forest District FaceBook page–
If you live in Epping, North weald, Theydon Bois, Thornwood you are not far from lots of fun activities for children. So come and meet other parents, carers and grandparents. Or for information about local services, childcare, 1 – 1 support and advice, pop in and we will be glad to help.
Where – Ashdon Village Museum, Church Hill, Ashdon, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 2HF
Summer Holiday Camp – A number of free places available to families receiving free school meals or low income families receiving working tax credits – to apply for a free place or for information about other places, please contact Neil on:
Cost – Free or £12.50 per day Who – Primary School Age 5 to 12 When – 26 July to 25 August 2022 9.30-15.30 (free early drop off from 8.30am, extended hours to 5.30pm available) Where – Herberts Farm, Saffron Walden
Motor Show – Free admission, but donations welcomed; show is in aid of local charity. Classic, vintage and performance cars, trucks & bikes, military vehicles, live music.
The Flitch Way runs for fifteen miles from Braintree station to Start Hill near Bishops Stortford and is an important greenway and wildlife corridor. For most of the way it provides a safe traffic free environment for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and forms part of National Cycle Network Route 16.
Spangles Family Hub – Uttlesford District FaceBook page–
On behalf of Essex County Council and the NHS, HCRG Care group and Barnardo’s provide a range of child and family services throughout Essex that are free at the point of delivery. Click her for more information.
HARLOW
Pet’s Corner – Pets’ Corner is free to enter but welcomes donations in the box on site. You can feed some of the animals for 50p a bag, available from their Gift shop.
Who– All ages When – April to October 11am to 4.45pm Where – Town Park, Harlow CM20 2QG
Family wellbeing fun in the Park – Everybody welcome. No booking necessary. Children under 14 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Come and sign in at the meeting point in Harlow Town Park near the bandstand. Collect your free handout for the day’s activity. Wander the beautiful town park with your family and friends completing the tasks as you go. Return to the meeting point with the time allocation – prizes available. Trained staff will be at the bandstand to discuss basic mental health topics if needed. For further enquiries please contact [email protected]
Cost – Free Who – Suitable for the whole family When – Every Tuesday and Thursday from 28 July to 25 August 2022 Where – Harlow Town Park, Harlow CM20 2QG, near the bandstand
Visit Harlow Museum and Walled Garden – Have fun finding out about Harlow’s past from Romans to the New Town. Younger children can borrow a magnifying glass or binoculars to get up close to the displays and our beautiful Walled Gardens.
Cost – Free Who – All When – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9.30am to 3.30pm
Where – Muskham Rd, Harlow CM20 2LF
Gig in the Garden – A rock gig in the Harlow Museum’s Walled Gardens. Celebrating 75 years of music in Harlow. Starting with Harlow Rock School and showcasing a great line up of Harlow based bands through the evening.
Cost – see website for details Who – Teenager and adults When – Saturday 23rd July 2.30pm to 9.30pm
Where – Muskham Rd, Harlow CM20 2LF
Harlow 75 Community Celebration Fete – Come and celebrate 75 years of our great Harlow Community in Harlow Museum’s Walled Gardens. Over 20 community groups will be providing free activities and fun. Refreshments available for a charge. Music provided by Harlow Brass Band, Harlow Steel Band, Harlow Ukelele Group and more.
Cost – Free Who – All When – Sunday 24th July midday to 4pm
Where – Muskham Rd, Harlow CM20 2LF
Free Music based workshops in August – Music based workshops for families. No experience necessary. Watch our social media for topics, times and booking details. Parent / carer must accompany child.
Cost – Free Who – Primary and secondary school aged children When – Every Tuesday throughout August
Where – Muskham Rd, Harlow CM20 2LF
Free craft workshops in August – Music based craft activities in the museum garden. 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm. Watch our social media for further details. Drop in – no booking required. Parent / carer must accompany child.
Cost – Free Who – Primary school aged children When – Every Thursday throughout August
Where – Muskham Rd, Harlow CM20 2LF
Helping your child to be ready for school – Activities are for pre-school age children (starting school September 2022) and their families (younger and older siblings are welcome). All activities are FREE!
Booking for the below activities is essential please email [email protected]
Cost – Free Who – Pre-school age children (younger & older siblings welcome) When – As shown Where – As shown
Locations, dates, times and acvity as follows:
Harlow Museum, Muskham Road, CM20 2LF
Thursday 28 July – 11am to midday – Celebrating Play Jungle Theme – Outdoor activity
Thursday 28 July – 12.30pm to 1.30pm – Celebrating Play Jungle Theme – Outdoor activity
Thursday 18 August – 10am to 11.30am – The Gruffalo Theme, fun with letter sounds – Outdoor activity
Thursday 25 August – 10am to 11.30am – fun with colour and shape
Potter Street Baptist Church Hall Chapel Lane CM17 9AW
Friday 19 August- 1.30pm to 2.30pm – Fun with numbers – Indoor activity
Wednesday 17 August- 10am to 10.40am – Online – Dinosaur fun with numbers
Tree House Family Hub – Harlow District FaceBook page–
The Tree House Family Hub offers a range of free services, information & support to children, young people and their families. Click her for more information.