News

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

Tendring Community Speed Networking Event

Clacton Fire station, St Johns Road Clacton
18th July doors open 09.30am for 10.00am start

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 list
To 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

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News

Essex Opportunities Live is now ready!

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

https://jobsliveuk.com/essex-opportunities-live/

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News

Visual Impairment Procedure – Essex Police

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.

That concludes the steps for scenario 2.

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News

Low cost, no cost activities and offers – West Essex

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.

Visit Youth Service Website

Cost – Free

Who  Open to all 13-19 year olds
When – July to August (see website)

Where – Various throughout Essex

Summer Reading Challenge 

Visit Website

Cost – Free

Who  All primary and secondary aged children

When – 16th July to 3rd Septebmer 

Where – Various throughout Essex

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.

Visit Active Essex Bookings Website

Cost – Free for low income families or those receiving free meals
Who – 5-16 years old
When – 25th July to 29th August

Where – Various throughout 

Waltham Abbey Fire Station Open Day – Come along to meet your local emergency services and have some fun!

See website for information.

EPPING

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.

Cost – Free 
Who – All
When – Various (see website)
Where – Various Epping (see website)

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.

Cost – From £1 
Who – All
When – Various (see website)
Where – Various Epping (see website)

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!

See website for information.

Cost –  Free or small donation – Book tickets
Who – Everyone over 3 years old
When – 30, 31 July, 13, 14, 27, 28 August – 10.30am-2.30pm 

Where – Redwings, Broadlands, Epping Road, EN9 2DH

Toot Hill Country Show – The show offers a great afternoon out for all the family at the beginning of the summer holidays.

See website for information.

Cost –  Adults £4 Children £2
Who – All
When – Saturday 6 August – Midday to 5pm 

Where – Church Road, Stanford Rivers, Essex, CM5 9PW

Theydon Bois Donkey Derby – Check FaceBook for more information.

Cost –  Please see FaceBook

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.

See page 26 of the What’s On brochure for information.

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.

See website for information.

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.

See website for information.

Cost –  Free
Who – All
When – Various see website 

Where – Waltham Abbey Fire Station, EN9 1PA

Family Fun Day Ninefields – See website for information.

Cost –  Free
Who – Children 0 to 11 years old with parents
When – 4th August 10am to 2pm

Where – Hazelwood Delivery Site, Hillhouse Primary School, Ninefields, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL

Family SEND Day – See website for information.

Cost –  Free
Who – Children 0 to 11 years old (plus siblings) with parents
When – 18th August 10am to 2pm

Where – Hazelwood Delivery Site, Hillhouse Primary School, Ninefields, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL

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.

Click her for more information.

UTTLESFORD

One Minet Skate Park – THE ONE MINET SKATEPARK IS SUITABLE FOR SKATEBOARDERS, BLADERS, BMXERS AND SCOOTER RIDERS. Helmets required.  Visit Website

Cost – Free

Who  10 years and above

When – 8am to 10pm (floodlit) 

Where – Rear of Lord Butler Leisure Centre, Peaslands Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3EG

Saffron Walden Mazes – Visit Website

Cost – Free

Who  All 

When – Throughout the summer 

Where – Saffron Walden Town Centre

Saffron Walden Museum – Summer holiday activities on Wednesdays in August – no additional fee  Visit Website

Cost – Free

Who  All

When – Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm closed Monday

Where – Saffron Walden Museum, Museum Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1BN

Great Dunmow Museum –  Visit Website

Cost – Free

Who  All

When – Weekends and bank holidays 10-4

Where – Great Dunmow Museum, Mill Lane, Dunmow, Essex, CM16 1BG

Ashdon Museum –  Visit website

Cost – Free 
Who – All

When – Sundays 2pm – 5pm

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:

Tel: 07549 435 445

or email [email protected]

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.

Organiser contact details: 07871 197915.

Or visit website

Cost – Free

Who – All

When – 14th August 2022 10am to 4pm

Where – Saffron Walden Common, Saffron Walden, CB10 1JH

Town Trail, WW2 Trail, Medieval Trail – Open all year round and free, simply download the free guides from the website

Cost – Free

Who – All

When – All year round

Where – Saffron Walden (see website)

Parks and green spaces in Saffron Walden 

For locations and information, visit website

Cost – Free

Who – All

When – All year

Where – Saffron Walden (see website)

The Fitch Way 

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.

Further information, visit website

Cost – Free

Who – All

When – All year

Where – Braintree Station (see website)

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.

More information

Cost – Free entry

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.

www.harlowmuseum.com

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.

www.harlowmuseum.com

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.

www.harlowmuseum.com

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.

www.harlowmuseum.com

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.

www.harlowmuseum.com

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

Harlow Town Park Learning Centre

Wednesday 24 August- 10.30am to 12.30pm – The Hungry Caterpillar activities Online activities for you and your child

Wednesday 27 July – 10am to 10.40am – Online – school readiness activities for children and their families

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.

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News

Community 360 – Job Vacancies

If you are driven by a passion to make a difference, then we want to hear from you. At Community360, we all play our part. We are a large, diverse family with a variety of skills working together to help grow our communities. Whether you have just started out in your career journey or already have experience, we would like to hear from you so we can build on your enthusiasm, strengths and skills.

Our roles are diverse and involve working with families, volunteers, the vulnerable (including those with limited mobility), as well as other positions which support our core work, including Community Development, fundraising, marketing and finance and community transport.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and have made a positive commitment to inclusion and diversity and welcome applications from people with a disability or long-term health condition.   Part of our commitment is to offer all disabled candidates an interview who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role as set out on our Person Specifications.

 We will ask you to let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made throughout the recruitment process to ensure inclusion and if you would like to discuss the recruitment process in advance, including what reasonable adjustments would be required, you can call Tracy Fortescue, Head of Corporate Services on 01206 505250.  If we offer you the position, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever possible to your working environment.

 

Check out the vacancies here. 

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News

Charitable Grants – Weavers

The Weavers’ Company Benevolent Fund was set up in 1973, succeeding an existing charitable fund.  We decided that the Fund’s principal aim should be to support people in trouble, particularly young offenders and ex-offenders, as well as other disadvantaged young people.  Preference is given to pump-priming new projects, especially those that are innovative and can serve as a model elsewhere.

Projects which fulfil the funding criteria are short-listed, then visited by a member of the Company. These assessment visits give our younger members in particular an opportunity to become closely involved in the charitable work of the Company, which may lead to a mutually beneficial relationship with its beneficiaries.

These assessments inform the Charitable Grants Committee, helping it decide on the grants to be awarded and the amount allocated. The Committee meets three times a year.

The Company’s Priorities:

Young Offenders

The Company looks to support projects that involve the rehabilitation of young offenders, so that these young people can lead productive and fulfilling lives once released from detention.

Ex Offenders

Despite a focus on the rehabilitation of young offenders, the Company also supports projects that help ex-offenders of all ages.

Disadvantaged young people

The Company realises that it is as important to prevent young people offending in the first place. It therefore supports projects that help young people make better life choices and fulfil their potential.

Read more here. 

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News

Community Challenge Fund Applications are Open

Sometimes it only takes a small amount of money to bring a good idea to life in your community.

The Community Challenge Fund is the simplest way to access money to make a real difference in your community.

You can bid for between £300 and £2,000 to fund a new, not for profit scheme, group, initiative or idea. This fund is available in Clacton, Harwich, Canvey, Harlow, Rural Braintree and parts of Colchester and Basildon.

You can only apply if you are :- 

  • Applying as an individual
  • Applying as a group (The applicant and other individuals they are working with) 
  • An un-constituted group (small scale voluntary groups who do not have any employees and who do not pay trustees or staff)

Perhaps you have been sitting on an idea for a while of how you can enhance your community and it has just lacked the necessary funding to get it started. If so, then this fund is for you. You may want to set up a food growing initiative in your local community to create a garden and social space, or perhaps you want to create an informal childcare club of likeminded parents in your local library.

This new fund is simple to apply for, so don’t worry if you have never applied for funding from a Council before.

The Community Challenge Fund forms part of Essex County Council’s commitment to reducing inequalities between different areas of our County, and Levelling Up Essex.

Examples of how the grant could be used include:

• training and equipment to share skills and create training opportunities,
• printing for a local event or newsletter,
• hosting and promoting an online magazine for young people,
• setting up a local community seed exchange,
• providing taxi or licensed hire vehicles to bring isolated residents together,
• setting up a clothes swap in a community hall.

For further information on the Community Challenge Fund and to make an application, please click the link below:

https://forms.office.com/r/LC51P8R32M

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News

Community Coordinator – Rainbow Services

Are you a creative and pro-active individual? Do you have the skills and experience to deliver a health inequality project in Harlow and Epping Forest? If so, we would love to hear from you!

At Rainbow Services, a charity based in Harlow, we are looking for a highly motivated individual to work in partnership with the local Integrated Care Service, to deliver a project which enables volunteer Community Health Champions to tackle key health issues in their community and reduce health inequality.

You will need to have a flexible approach to working hours, be able and willing to work occasional evenings/weekends and have the ability to travel within West Essex, and occasionally further afield.

This is a 2-year fixed term position, 14 hours per week, flexible days and hours, with a salary of £12.70 per hour.

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please call 01279 210404 or email [email protected]

For an application pack, please email [email protected] or telephone 01279 210404.

Closing date 4pm Friday 8th July 2022

Author: Alliance Admin
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Categories: News

Community Initiative Fund 2022/23

The Community Initiatives Fund is designed to help parish & town councils, community groups, clubs, societies and voluntary organisations improve their local community.
This fund excludes projects that deliver their work outside the administrative area of Essex County Council (Thurrock and Southend). The Community Initiatives Fund is administered by the EALC on behalf of Essex County Council.
Projects should have community backing and demonstrate a real community need. For instance, they could be to:
​When talking about the Community Initiative Fund, Chairman of the EALC Executive Committee, Cllr Peter Davey said:
“The Essex Association of Local Councils is proud to have been asked to administer the grant scheme on behalf of Essex County Council. The Community Initiatives Fund provides vital funding for deserving organisations and their community projects, well-being initiatives and other important improvement schemes. The EALC has well-established links to many Essex organisations and is ideally positioned to triage applications, address the financial standing of applicants, create and administer the CIF funding panel and ensure funds are released in a timely manner to successful applicants. As Chairman of the CIF funding panel, I am honoured to be part of this important initiative.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and cabinet member for Equality, Partnerships and Performance said:
“Essex County Council is pleased to support the Essex Community Initiatives Fund, as it aligns with our levelling-up priorities and plans… local groups and voluntary organisations are well placed to understand the needs and opportunities of their areas. So I would urge people to come forward to apply for funding for projects to boost and support their local community.”
How to apply?
Please read through the guidance notes carefully for the scheme’s eligibility and criteria details.
Essential documents
If you have any questions regarding this fund or would like to be added to the distribution list, then please contact our funding team on 01371 879722 or email them at [email protected]. If you would like to find out further details from Essex County Council, please click here .
The Essex Association wish to formally thank Essex County Council for the support provided to the EALC, Parish & Town Councils, villages and communities across Essex.

Author: Alliance Admin
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Categories: News

Social Prescribing Link Worker – South Uttlesford PCN

This is a Fixed Term Position to start 25 th July 2022 for 6-9 months (maternity cover) We are looking to recruit a Social Prescribing Link Worker to join our friendly, dynamic and progressive primary care network in South Uttlesford.

About South Uttlesford PCN
South Uttlesford PCN comprises 5 General Practices working in conjunction with local health and
social care organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population.
South Uttlesford is a lovely place to live and work with good working relationships forged between
practices over many years. There is a real sense of enthusiasm to improve health and social care
locally.

The Role
Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to
non-medical ‘link workers’ who give time, focus on ‘what matters to me’ and take a holistic
approach, connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and
emotional support.

Link workers support existing groups to be accessible and sustainable and help people to start new
community groups, working collaboratively with all local partners.

Social prescribing can help to strengthen community resilience and personal resilience, and reduces
health inequalities by addressing the wider determinants of health, such as debt, poor housing and
physical inactivity, by increasing people’s active involvement with their local communities. It
particularly works for people with long-term conditions (including support for mental health), for
people who are lonely or isolated, or have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.
The Job Description and Person Specification provide outlines of the responsibilities and
requirements for this role.

What we offer
 NHS Pension (employer is Uttlesford Health – GP provider company for Uttlesford)
 Generous annual leave
 Flexible working
 Excellent transport links
 Supportive working environment in General Practice

How to Apply
To apply, please complete your application and CV either through NHS Jobs or by directly sending
your CV and covering letter to [email protected].

If this role appeals and you have the qualities we are looking for, we look forward to hearing from
you. If you would like an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Sue Wray, Uttlesford
Health ([email protected]).

Author: Alliance Admin
Posted:
Categories: News